Sri Lanka entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit. As of 2026, just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. No need to apply online beforehand.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Apply online before travel | Canadian passport holders need an ETA to enter Sri Lanka. Apply at eta.gov.lk — the process takes about 10 minutes and costs $20 USD. Approval usually comes through within 24 hours, but apply at least 3 days before your flight to be safe.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Canadian passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your departure date from Sri Lanka. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration at Colombo will turn you away if it's short. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Sri Lanka | Immigration officers at Bandaranaike International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they rarely accept verbal promises. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Sri Lanka. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready — officers sometimes ask to see you have at least $50 USD per day for your trip. A screenshot of your online banking works fine. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa on arrival counter accepts credit cards, but the machine sometimes goes down. Carry at least $50 USD in cash (small bills) to avoid being stuck.
eSIM saves time at the airport
Instead of queuing for a local SIM at the airport, install an Airalo eSIM before you fly. It activates as soon as you land — you'll have data immediately for maps, taxis, and WhatsApp.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before immigration. These are clearly marked and usually have short queues.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll be given a small white card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address. Keep it with your passport.
3
Present documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, and return ticket (if asked). Pay the visa fee in cash (USD recommended) or by card. The officer will issue a sticker.
4
Proceed to immigration
With the visa sticker in your passport, join the immigration queue. The officer will stamp you in. That's it — you're in Sri Lanka.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 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 date
Cost$35 USD (approx. $35 USD)
Apply online via ETA system before travel; same as VoA but pre-approved.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)
Allows multiple entries; good for regional travel.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Resident Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires local bank deposit of $50,000 USD or equivalent monthly income. Allows multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and income of at least $2,000 USD per month. No local tax on foreign income. Simple online application.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and approval from the Board of Investment. Employer typically sponsors.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD per year
For investors putting at least $250,000 USD into a local business or real estate. Fast-track residency and work permit included.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable at airport immigration counter in USD, EUR, GBP, or LKR. | $35 USD (approx. $35 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (double entry, 30 days)Allows two entries within validity period. | $40 USD (approx. $40 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month, up to 6 months)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo before visa expires. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $200 USD. Pay at immigration office or airport departure. | $5 USD per day (approx. $5 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa on arrival20%
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
Canadian passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit under 24 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid from contaminated food/water.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from freshwater exposure in rural areas; avoid swimming in floodwaters.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel in 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 visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, photos, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 15, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central region visitors.
Practical information for CA 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 = 322.3 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
Getting to Sri Lanka
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The fee is typically $35–50 USD depending on the length of stay (30 days standard). You can pay in cash (USD, EUR, GBP) or by credit card at the counter. Have exact change if using cash.
Yes, you can extend your visa at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. The extension costs around $50 USD and can add up to 60 days. Apply before your current visa expires.
A digital copy (screenshot or email) on your phone is usually fine. But if you want to be extra safe, print a copy at the airport kiosk before you fly.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling — it's not worth the risk.
No — the visa on arrival is only available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and a few other airports. If arriving by land, you need to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before you travel.
Yes, you can apply for an ETA online at eta.gov.lk before you travel. It costs about $35 USD and is processed within 24 hours. Some travellers prefer this to avoid queues at the airport.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined $50 USD per day for the first 14 days, then $100 USD per day after that. In extreme cases, you could be detained or banned from re-entry.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.