Sri Lanka entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Bahraini passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka in 2026. Just show up at the airport with the right documents and you'll be stamped in. No online application or embassy visit needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. Pay the visa fee in USD (cash only) — $35 for a 30-day single entry, $40 for a 30-day double entry. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return flight ready at the visa counter.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining 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 Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at CMB routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Without it, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have on hand | Hotel booking confirmations or an invitation letter from your host in Sri Lanka. Immigration may ask for this during the visa on arrival process — have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have on hand | Carry at least $50 USD per day of your stay in cash or have a credit card with sufficient limit. Immigration rarely checks this for short visits, but having proof avoids any issues. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival only at CMB airport
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport. If you're arriving by land from India, you may need to arrange a visa in advance. Check with the Sri Lankan embassy in Bahrain before you go.
No extension possible
The visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you think you might need more than 30 days, apply for a tourist visa at the Sri Lankan embassy in Bahrain before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival applicants. Queue up, present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation if asked.
2
Pay the visa fee and get stamped
The officer will process your visa, collect the fee (cash in USD or LKR, or card), and stamp your passport. The whole process takes 10–20 minutes depending on queues.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Sri Lanka.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 6 months
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (0 USD) for Bahrain passport holders
Visa on arrival is free; extension available at immigration offices.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR)
Available for those who need multiple entries; apply at embassy or online.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$50 USD (approx. 15,000 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Bahrain passport holders get visa on arrival free of charge for up to 30 days. | Free (0 USD) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) - if applying onlineETA is free for Bahrain passport holders; can be obtained online or on arrival. | Free (0 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month, up to 6 months)Extensions are possible at immigration offices; cost varies. | ~$50 USD (approx. 15,000 LKR) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstay fine is charged per day, with a maximum cap of ~$500 USD. | ~$5 USD (approx. 1,500 LKR) |
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
Bahrain passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or longer layovers, a visa on arrival may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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.
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 = 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
The visa on arrival fee for Bahraini citizens is typically around $35–$50 USD (or equivalent in Sri Lankan Rupees). You can pay in cash (USD or LKR) or by credit card at the counter.
The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable, so if you need longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a longer-term visa at a Sri Lankan embassy before you travel.
No, there is no online pre-registration required for the visa on arrival. Just show up at the airport with your documents and pay the fee.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Sri Lankan immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
The visa on arrival is available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. It may also be available at some land border crossings, but check with the nearest Sri Lankan embassy for the latest list.
Overstaying results in a fine of $50 USD per day (or equivalent in LKR) for the first 30 days, and higher penalties after that. You may also be banned from re-entering Sri Lanka for a period.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.