Sri Lanka entry requirements for Bangladesh passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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 need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. The ETA is a straightforward online application, and you can complete it before you fly. As of 2026, the process remains fully digital, and you'll get your approval via email.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA / eVisaYou need to get this online approval before you fly; it's not available on arrival for Bangladeshi passport holders. Apply online before travel | Citizens of Bangladesh must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka. Apply at the official ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/) at least a few days before departure. The ETA is valid for 30 days from arrival and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner than 6 months after you plan to leave Sri Lanka, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months | Your Bangladesh passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Sri Lanka. Check your passport's expiry date well before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration stamp needs a clean page; if there's no blank page, you could be turned away. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page (unused) for the immigration officer to stamp upon arrival and departure. It's safer to have 2 blank pages. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound ticket to ensure you're not planning to overstay. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket to a destination outside Sri Lanka, proving that you will leave before your ETA expires (30 days). | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsWhile not always checked, having proof of funds helps show you can support yourself and reduces risk of refusal. For your stay | You should carry evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka. The exact amount is not fixed, but it should be reasonable for your planned activities and duration. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsIt's a standard question at immigration; having the address handy speeds up the process. Hotel booking or address | Have your hotel reservation or the address where you'll be staying in Sri Lanka ready to present to immigration if asked. This is commonly requested. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any online arrival form before you travel. Not required | Sri Lanka does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Bangladeshi citizens. You will complete the standard immigration card on arrival. | Not required |
Apply early — don't wait until the last minute
While ETA approval is usually quick, it can take up to 3 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to avoid any stress. Also, double-check that your passport has at least one blank page — airlines can deny boarding if it doesn't.
Use the official ETA website only
The only official site is https://eta.gov.lk/. There are third-party sites that charge extra fees. Stick to the official one to save money and avoid scams.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email address. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Receive ETA approval
Approval is usually sent to your email within 24 hours, but it can take up to 3 days. Print a copy or save it on your phone to show at check-in and upon arrival.
3
Check in and fly
At the airport, show your passport and ETA approval at check-in. The airline will verify your ETA before issuing your boarding pass.
4
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'. Have your passport, ETA approval, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport with your entry permit.
5
Collect your bags and exit
After passing immigration, collect your luggage from the carousel and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, you can exit through the green channel.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Bangladesh Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (ETA Business)
Max stay30 days
Validity6 months from date of issue
Cost$40
For business meetings, conferences, or trade. Can be extended for up to 90 days.
Residence visa (for employment or long-term stay)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $150–$300)
Requires sponsorship from employer or Sri Lankan institution. Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration.
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 |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – StandardSingle entry, 30 days, for tourism or transit. | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – ExtendedSingle entry, 30 days, with option to extend once for 60 days. | $40 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – BusinessSingle entry, 30 days, for business purposes. | $40 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitValid for 2 days, for transit through Sri Lanka. | $20 |
| Visa extension (at Department of Immigration and Emigration)For stays beyond 30 days, up to 90 days total. Subject to approval. | LKR 10,000 (approx. $30) |
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
Transit visa required
Bangladeshi passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka require a Transit ETA, even if staying airside. Apply online before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no need to clear immigration may still require Transit ETA – check with airline.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
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 = 335.84 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
The standard ETA fee is $50 USD for a 30-day tourist visa. You pay online with a credit or debit card. There may be a small processing fee added by the payment gateway.
Most applications are approved within 24 hours, but it can take up to 3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
No, the ETA for Bangladeshi citizens is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and reapply for a new ETA.
It's not strictly required, but it's a good idea to have a printed copy or a clear digital copy on your phone. The airline and immigration officers will ask to see it.
Rejections are rare, but if it happens, you'll receive an email explaining why. You can reapply with corrected information or contact the Sri Lankan embassy for assistance. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have approval.
No, the ETA is mandatory for Bangladeshi passport holders. There is no visa-on-arrival option. You must have the ETA approved before you travel.
The ETA allows a stay of up to 30 days. If you plan to stay longer, you'll need to look into other visa options, but note that the ETA itself is not extendable.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.