Sri Lanka entry requirements for Bulgaria 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
Bulgarian passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. You can apply online before you fly, and it's a straightforward process that takes just a few minutes.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA / e-VisaYou must get this online before you fly — no visa on arrival for Bulgarian passport holders. Apply online before travel | Bulgarian citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Apply at the official Sri Lanka ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/). The e-Visa is valid for tourism or business purposes and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before booking. At least 6 months | Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp — make sure you have at least one. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank visa page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have more than one blank page to avoid issues at immigration. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary ready — they often check this at arrival. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Sri Lanka within the authorized stay period (typically 30 days for e-Visa). Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsNot always asked, but better to have bank statements or cash ready. For your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Sri Lanka. A reasonable amount is around $50 USD per day, or a credit card plus cash. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsKeep a printed or digital copy of your booking confirmation. Hotel booking or address | Have your hotel reservation or the address where you will stay in Sri Lanka. Immigration may ask for this on arrival. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra form before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Sri Lanka. The e-Visa application serves as your entry authorization. | Not required |
Use the official ETA website only
There are many third-party sites that charge inflated fees for ETA processing. Always use https://eta.gov.lk/ — it's the only official government portal.
ETA is not extendable
The 30-day tourist visa cannot be extended in Sri Lanka. If you think you might need more time, plan a visa run or apply for a longer-term visa before you arrive.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, flight information, and a valid email address. The form takes about 10 minutes. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Most ETAs are approved within 24 hours, but it can take up to 3 days. Check your email (including spam folder) for the approval notice. You don't need to print it, but it's smart to have a copy on your phone or paper.
3
Check in and fly
At the airport, the airline will verify your ETA before issuing your boarding pass. Have your passport and the ETA approval email ready.
4
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. There are separate queues for ETA holders — look for the 'ETA' or 'Tourist' lane. Present your passport and the ETA approval if asked. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day tourist visa.
5
Collect your bags and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim and then customs. You're free to start your trip.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business ETA
Max stay30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$50
For business activities, double entry.
Extended ETA
Max stay180 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$60
For tourism, double entry.
Residence Visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $200)
For employment, study, or long-term stay; requires sponsorship and in-person application.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Resident Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD (approx. €275) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (min. $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay but not employment. Apply at Department of Immigration.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €183) per year
For remote workers with proof of income (min. $2,000/month). Allows stay without local tax liability. Currently under pilot program; check official sources.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €457) plus investment
For investors who invest at least $50,000 in a Sri Lankan business or real estate. Includes family members. Apply through Board of Investment.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €183) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Department of Immigration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – StandardFor tourism, valid for 30 days from arrival, double entry. | $50 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – ExtendedFor tourism, valid for 180 days from arrival, double entry. | $60 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – BusinessFor business visits, valid for 30 days from arrival, double entry. | $50 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitFor transit, valid for 2 days from arrival, single entry. | $25 |
| Visa on Arrival (if eligible)Only for certain nationalities; Bulgarian passport holders are generally required to obtain ETA in advance. | $50 |
| Visa extension (first 30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $50 |
| Visa extension (subsequent 30 days)Up to 180 days total stay possible with extensions. | $100 |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
All foreign nationals, including Bulgarian citizens, require an ETA even for transit, unless they qualify for the free transit visa on arrival (which is not applicable to Bulgarian passport holders).
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and staying airside for less than 12 hours may be eligible for a free transit visa on arrival, but this is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of immigration. Bulgarian citizens are advised to obtain a transit ETA in advance.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent year-round, especially in urban and rural areas. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne virus causing fever and joint pain. Same prevention as dengue.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure. Avoid wading in stagnant water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas (Colombo, Kandy, coastal regions). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel in dry zone (e.g., Anuradhapura).
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 01000
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions. Bring passport, photos, and extension fee in cash.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 35, William Gopallawa Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for travellers in the central region. Less crowded than Colombo.
Practical information for BG 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 tourist ETA costs $50 USD. There's also a transit ETA for $25 if you're just passing through. Fees are paid online during the application.
The ETA grants a 30-day tourist visa. It's not extendable, so if you want to stay longer, you'll need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type before you travel.
Yes, there's an on-arrival ETA facility at Bandaranaike International Airport, but it's more expensive ($60) and involves queuing. It's much easier and cheaper to apply online before you fly.
Rejections are rare, but if it happens, you'll get an email explaining why. You can reapply or contact the Sri Lanka ETA support team. Don't book non-refundable flights until your ETA is approved.
Yes, every traveller, including infants and children, needs a separate ETA. You'll need to fill out an application for each child with their own passport details.
No, the standard tourist ETA is for a single entry. If you leave Sri Lanka (e.g., to visit the Maldives) and come back, you'll need to apply for a new ETA.
No. The tourist ETA is strictly for tourism, visiting friends/family, or short-term activities like yoga retreats. Any paid work requires a proper work visa, which you must arrange before arrival.
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.