Sri Lanka entry requirements for Bangladesh passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bangladeshi passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. The process is straightforward at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport, but you'll need a few documents ready. As of 2026, the visa costs $20 USD and allows a 30-day stay.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready — immigration officers ask for both. The visa costs $35–$50 USD depending on your nationality and length of stay.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Onward travel proof | Immigration officers at Colombo airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready — they check this before stamping your visa on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Immigration officers ask for your hotel booking when issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed confirmation showing your full name, hotel name, and check-in dates. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial proof | Officers may ask how you plan to fund your stay. Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a credit card statement ready — they rarely check but ask verbally. | Recommended |
Cash is king at immigration
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or LKR. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that. Carry $20 USD or the equivalent in LKR.
Longer stays? Consider other visas
If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, look into the Sri Lanka Retirement Visa (for ages 55+, ~$300/year) or the Digital Nomad Visa (~$200/year). Both allow multiple entries and renewable stays.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Colombo Airport
Land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Follow signs to immigration. There are separate queues for visa on arrival.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll get an arrival card on the plane or at the airport. Fill it out with your personal details, flight info, and accommodation address.
3
Queue at the visa on arrival counter
Join the queue for visa on arrival. Have your passport, arrival card, hotel booking, and return ticket ready. The officer will process your visa and collect the fee.
4
Pay the fee and get stamped
Pay $20 USD (or equivalent in LKR). The officer stamps your passport with a 30-day visa. Keep the receipt.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
After immigration, collect your luggage and pass through customs. You're now in Sri Lanka.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Bangladesh Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$20 USD (approx. 2,400 LKR)
Standard option for tourism; apply online or on arrival.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 4,800 LKR)
For frequent travellers; allows multiple visits within validity.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 4,800 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD (approx. 36,000 LKR) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds of $1,500/month. Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 24,000 LKR) per year
For remote workers with proof of income $2,000/month. No local tax liability; includes multiple entries.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 60,000 LKR) plus investment
For investors committing $50,000+ in approved sectors. Includes residency rights for family.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 24,000 LKR) per year
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and approval from the Department of Immigration. Allows full-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable at airport immigration counter in USD or LKR. | $20 USD (approx. 2,400 LKR) |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – if obtained onlineOptional pre-arrival system; same cost as VoA. | $20 USD (approx. 2,400 LKR) |
| Stay extension feeApply at Department of Immigration and Emigration before visa expires. | $30 USD (approx. 3,600 LKR) for 30 days |
| Overstay fine per dayPay at immigration office or airport departure. | $5 USD (approx. 600 LKR) per day, max $100 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Sri Lanka
No transit visa needed
Bangladesh passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (e.g., Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Canada, Schengen, Australia, or Japan visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo · Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), Hambantota
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk year-round, especially in urban areas. Use repellent and nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks. Similar prevention as dengue.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwater or freshwater exposure; avoid wading in stagnant water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended. Risk exists in rural parts of dry zone (e.g., Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Colombo
Department of Immigration and Emigration
41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 10
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, visa, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 15, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Convenient for travellers in central Sri Lanka.
Practical information for BD travellers
Country basics
CapitalColombo
LanguageSinhala, Tamil
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 327.38 LKR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,G,MType D, G, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is treated but travellers should avoid it.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Visa on arrival is only available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. If you arrive at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), you must have an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) obtained online before travel.
The visa on arrival allows a 30-day stay. It can be extended once for an additional 30 days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo or regional offices in Kandy, Galle, or Negombo. The extension fee is $30 USD (approx. 3,600 LKR).
Overstaying costs $5 USD (approx. 600 LKR) per day, with a maximum fine of $100 USD. You pay at the immigration office or at the airport departure counter. Overstays can also affect future visa applications.
No. The visa on arrival is the same as an ETA but processed at the airport. However, you can also apply for an ETA online before travel for the same $20 USD fee. It's optional but can save time at the airport.
No. The visa on arrival is for tourism only. If you want to work, you need a work visa (Employment Visa), which requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and approval from the Department of Immigration. The cost is ~$200 USD per year.
Bangladeshi passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (e.g., Colombo airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, a visa is required. Holders of valid US, UK, Canada, Schengen, Australia, or Japan visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
Common reasons include insufficient funds (need to show at least $50 per day), no return ticket, suspicious travel patterns (multiple recent entries), incomplete documents, and previous overstays. About 30% of denials are due to insufficient funds, 25% due to no return ticket.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.