Sri Lanka entry requirements for Bahrain 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
Bahraini passport holders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to visit Sri Lanka for tourism. The online application takes about 5 minutes, and approval is usually instant or within 24 hours. You'll receive an email confirmation to show at immigration.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You need this online approval before you board your flight to Sri Lanka. Apply online before departure | Bahraini passport holders must obtain an approved ETA before traveling to Sri Lanka. Apply at the official ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/) at least 2-3 days before departure. The ETA is valid for 30 days from arrival and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. Minimum 6 months from arrival | Your Bahraini passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before traveling. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page (unmarked) for the immigration entry stamp. Ensure no pages are torn or damaged. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketShow you plan to leave Sri Lanka before your ETA expires. Proof of departure from Sri Lanka | Immigration may require evidence of a return or onward flight ticket showing your departure from Sri Lanka within the ETA validity period (30 days). Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry evidence that you can support yourself financially while in Sri Lanka. For your stay | You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka. A bank statement or credit card is typically acceptable. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsIt helps to have a place to stay confirmed. Hotel booking or host address | Immigration officers may ask for your accommodation address in Sri Lanka. Have your hotel booking confirmation or the address of where you will stay readily available. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form. Not required | Sri Lanka does not require a separate arrival declaration for Bahraini passport holders. No additional form is needed beyond the ETA and standard immigration procedures. | Not required |
Use the official ETA website only
There are many third-party sites that charge inflated fees for the same ETA. Stick to eta.gov.lk — it's the only official source.
ETA is not extendable
The 30-day stay cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible deportation. Plan your trip accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email. The form takes about 5 minutes.
2
Pay the ETA fee
Pay online with a credit or debit card. The fee is around $35–$50 USD depending on your nationality. You'll get a confirmation email once payment goes through.
3
Receive ETA approval
Approval is usually instant or within 24 hours. Check your email (including spam folder). Save the PDF or screenshot it on your phone.
4
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
When you land in Colombo, head to the immigration counters. Have your passport, ETA approval, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes a few minutes.
5
Collect your bags and exit
After immigration, grab your luggage and walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Done — you're in Sri Lanka!
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain 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)
Max stay30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$40
Double entry, can be extended onshore
Residence visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries
Requires local sponsor, apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 60,000 LKR) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires health insurance and no local employment. Allows long-term stay.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 90,000 LKR) per year
For remote workers with proof of income. Allows stay and work for foreign employers. Not yet fully implemented; check official sources.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 300,000 LKR) plus investment
For investors with minimum investment of $50,000 in approved sectors. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 150,000 LKR) per year
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard VisitorValid for 30 days from arrival, double entry | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitValid for 2 days, single entry | $20 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – BusinessValid for 30 days, double entry | $40 |
| Visa extension (onshore)For each 30-day extension, up to 6 months total | $25 |
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
Transit passengers must obtain a Transit ETA before travel, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Crew members with valid airline ID
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk is higher in urban areas and during rainy seasons.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common risks include traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A; avoid tap water and street food.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure; avoid swimming in contaminated water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis is generally not recommended but consider for rural travel in the dry zone.
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 visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, and photos.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office - Kandy
No. 31, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for travellers in the central region.
Practical information for BH 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
Usually it's instant — you apply, pay, and get approval within minutes. In some cases it can take up to 24 hours, so apply at least a couple of days before your flight to be safe.
The fee is around $35–$50 USD depending on your passport. You pay online with a credit or debit card. There are third-party sites that charge extra — use the official eta.gov.lk to avoid overpaying.
Technically, there's an on-arrival facility, but it's not guaranteed and you'll likely face long queues and extra fees. The official advice is to get the ETA online before you fly. Don't risk it.
The ETA allows a stay of up to 30 days for tourism. It's not extendable, so if you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type.
Not strictly — a screenshot or PDF on your phone works. But having a printed copy is a good backup in case your phone dies or the network is down at immigration.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline and entry by Sri Lankan immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the ETA — the ETA is linked to your passport number, so a new passport means a new ETA.
No. The ETA is strictly for tourism, visiting friends/family, or short business meetings. If you plan to work, you need a proper work visa, which you must arrange through the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate.
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.