Sri Lanka entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Bulgarian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. As of 2026, you'll receive a 30-day tourist visa at the airport for free. Just show up with the right documents and you're in.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply for ETA before travel | Bulgarian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Colombo airport, but the faster option is to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before you fly. Go to eta.gov.lk, fill in the form, pay the fee (around $35 USD), and you'll get approval within 24 hours. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Bulgarian passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration at Colombo will turn you away if it's close to expiring. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Bandaranaike International Airport routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they won't let you through without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | While not always checked, having a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a host can speed up the immigration process. Keep a copy on your phone or printed out. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay — around $50 USD per day is a safe benchmark. A bank statement or credit card works fine. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is free for Bulgarians
As of 2026, Bulgarian passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival at Sri Lankan airports. No payment needed at the counter.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Immigration will check your passport validity from your entry date, not your departure. If it's under 6 months, you'll be refused entry. No exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. You'll fill out a simple form (or use an e-Gate if available). Present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee (if any) in cash (USD or LKR). Get your stamp and proceed to baggage claim.
2
Queue at the visa counter
There's usually a dedicated queue for visa on arrival. Wait time varies from 10 to 30 minutes depending on flight volume. Have your documents ready in hand.
3
Receive your visa and enter
Once approved, the officer stamps your passport with a 30-day tourist visa. You can then head to immigration control and then baggage claim.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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$35 USD (approx. €32)
Apply online via ETA or on arrival. Extension possible once.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37)
Available via ETA online. Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company. Apply at embassy or online.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD, EUR, or GBP at the airport. Credit cards not always accepted. | $35 USD (approx. €32) |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – alternative pre-arrivalOptional but recommended to save time. Apply online at eta.gov.lk. | $35 USD (approx. €32) |
| Tourist visa extension (30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Requires passport, photos, and fee. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $100 USD. Pay at immigration office before departure. | $5 USD per day (approx. €4.50) |
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
No transit visa needed
Bulgarian passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian 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 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 = 331.57 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
You get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival. It's not extendable for Bulgarian passport holders, so plan your trip within that window.
As of 2026, the visa on arrival is free for Bulgarian passport holders. No fee is charged at the counter.
Yes, you can apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before travel. It costs around $20–$35 USD and is processed within 24 hours. This saves time at the airport.
You will be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you need a confirmed onward ticket to any destination outside Sri Lanka. A one-way ticket is not accepted for visa on arrival.
No, the visa on arrival for Bulgarian passport holders is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Bring your passport (with 6+ months validity), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and your first night's hotel booking confirmation. Cash in USD or LKR for any fees (though it's free for Bulgarians).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.