Sri Lanka entry requirements for Switzerland 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
Swiss passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka — it's a straightforward online application, not a traditional visa. You'll apply before you fly, pay a small fee, and get approval by email, usually within a day or two.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA / eVisaYou need to get this online approval before you fly; it is not available on arrival. Apply online before travel | Swiss citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Apply at the official Sri Lanka ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/) at least 24 hours in advance. The ETA is valid for 30 days from arrival and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner than 6 months after you arrive, you may be denied entry. Minimum 6 months from arrival | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka. Check your passport's expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the arrival stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no visa stickers or marks occupy the page where the immigration officer will stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show that you plan to leave Sri Lanka before your visa expires. Proof of departure | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward ticket showing departure from Sri Lanka within the authorized stay period. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry proof that you can support yourself financially during your visit. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Sri Lanka, such as cash, credit cards, or bank statements. The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation and daily expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the usual immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Sri Lanka. The ETA and passport are sufficient for entry. | Not required |
Use only the official ETA website
There are third-party sites that charge inflated fees for the same service. Always use https://eta.gov.lk/ — it's the only official government portal.
ETA is not extendable
The 30-day tourist ETA cannot be extended in Sri Lanka. If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible trouble at departure. Plan your trip within 30 days or leave and re-enter.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/, fill in your passport details, travel dates, and pay the fee (around $35–$50 USD depending on your stay). You'll get a confirmation email — usually within 24–48 hours, sometimes faster.
2
Print or save your ETA approval
Print a copy of the approval email or save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at immigration in Colombo.
3
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visas'. Swiss passport holders with an approved ETA go to the regular foreign passport queue — not the visa-on-arrival line. Hand over your passport and ETA, get your entry stamp.
4
Collect your bags and exit
Once stamped, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Sri Lanka. Keep your passport safe — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Residence Visa (Long Stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for 1 year, renewable
Cost$200 (approx.)
For employment, study, or long-term stays; requires sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Multiple Entry Visa (for frequent travelers)
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity6 months or 1 year
Cost$100 (6 months) / $150 (1 year)
Available for business or tourism; must be applied for at the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay with 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 (min. $2,000/month). Includes tax benefits and multiple entries.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD initial fee
For investors who invest at least $50,000 in a Sri Lankan business or property. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the 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. | $60 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitFor transit, valid for 2 days from arrival, single entry. | $30 |
| Visa extension (on arrival or at Department of Immigration and Emigration)For first extension of 30 days; additional extensions may be possible. | $50 |
| Late fee for overstayCharged at departure for overstaying the authorized period. | $25 per day |
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
Swiss citizens transiting through Sri Lanka (e.g., at Bandaranaike International Airport) require a Transit ETA, even if staying airside, unless they qualify for visa-free transit (which does not apply to Swiss citizens).
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and who do not leave the transit area may be allowed up to 48 hours without a visa, but this is not guaranteed; a Transit ETA is strongly recommended.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB) · Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI)
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanusRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common; avoid tap water, street food, and ensure food is thoroughly cooked.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from freshwater exposure in rural areas; avoid swimming in floodwaters.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for standard itineraries, 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 extension fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 15, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for visitors in the central region. Less crowded than Colombo.
Practical information for CH 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 allows a stay of up to 30 days. 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.
The fee varies depending on the type of ETA. For a standard tourist ETA, it's around $35–$50 USD. The exact amount is shown on the official eta.gov.lk website when you apply. Pay with a credit or debit card.
Usually 24–48 hours. Some applications are approved within minutes, but it's safest to apply at least 2–3 days before your flight. If you're in a rush, there's an emergency option, but it costs more.
Technically, there's a visa-on-arrival facility, but it's not guaranteed and can involve long queues and higher fees. The official recommendation is to apply online before you travel. Don't rely on getting one at the airport.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Switzerland isn't one, so if you're flying directly from Switzerland or most European countries, you don't need it. Check the WHO list if you're coming from elsewhere.
You'll be denied boarding or entry. Sri Lanka requires 6 months of validity from your arrival date. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before you travel.
It's an electronic travel authorization, which is simpler than a traditional visa. You don't need to visit an embassy or submit your passport. It's approved online and linked to your passport number electronically.
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.