Sri Lanka entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at the airport with your documents and you'll be processed on the spot. This has been the case since 2024 and remains unchanged for 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) Apply online before travel | Swiss passport holders must apply for an ETA at eta.gov.lk before departure. The ETA costs $35 USD for a standard tourist visit and is usually approved within minutes. Print the approval email or save a screenshot — immigration at Bandaranaike International Airport will ask for it.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Swiss passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines at Zurich and Geneva check this before boarding — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Colombo ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight to Switzerland or a ticket to your next destination. Budget airlines flying out of Sri Lanka also check this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed or digital hotel confirmation for your first few nights. If staying with friends or family, carry their contact details and address — officers sometimes ask. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough for your stay. Immigration rarely asks Swiss visitors, but having $50–100 USD per day in cash or card is a safe bet. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is only at Colombo airport
If you're flying into Mattala (HRI) or arriving by land from India, you must get an ETA online before you travel. It's free and takes 10 minutes on the official Sri Lanka ETA website.
No fee for Swiss nationals
As of 2025, Swiss passport holders do not pay for the visa on arrival. This is a reciprocal arrangement. Don't let anyone at the airport ask you for cash — it's free.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are before immigration. There's usually a separate queue for visa-on-arrival passengers.
2
Fill out the arrival card and visa application form
You'll get a small card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your details — passport number, flight, hotel address. Keep it simple.
3
Present documents at the visa counter
Hand over your passport, completed form, and return ticket (if asked). The officer will process your visa — takes about 5–10 minutes. No fee for Swiss nationals as of 2025.
4
Proceed to immigration
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the immigration queue. Show your passport with the new visa. They'll stamp you in.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. You're in Sri Lanka.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0) for Swiss passport holders
Available on arrival or online via ETA. Extendable once at immigration office.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0) for Swiss passport holders
Allows multiple entries; each stay up to 30 days, extendable. Apply online or on arrival.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0) for Swiss passport holders
For business purposes; requires invitation letter. Extendable at immigration.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Swiss passport holders are eligible for a free 30-day visa on arrival, extendable once for 60 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Visa extension (30 days)Extension fee for an additional 30 days, applied at the Department of Immigration and Emigration. | LKR 5,000 (approx. USD 15) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstay fines are charged daily, with a maximum cap of LKR 50,000 (approx. USD 150). | LKR 5,000 (approx. USD 15) 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
No transit visa needed
Swiss passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (e.g., Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and do not pass through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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 = 326.09 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 for Swiss passport holders is typically valid for 30 days. You can extend it once for an additional 60 days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo — cost is around 10,000 LKR (about $30 USD).
Yes, as of 2025, Swiss nationals do not pay a fee for the visa on arrival. This is part of a reciprocal agreement. Double-check before you travel, but no payment has been required for the last two years.
Only at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. If you arrive by land or at Mattala Airport (HRI), you need to arrange an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) in advance — it's free and takes 10 minutes online.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or entry by immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. No exceptions.
A digital copy on your phone is fine. But have it ready — immigration officers sometimes ask to see it. A screenshot works.
Yes, you can extend once for up to 60 days. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (Battaramulla). The fee is about 10,000 LKR. Bring your passport, visa sticker, and a passport photo.
You'll be fined $50 USD per day (or equivalent in LKR) for each day over. Pay at the airport before departure. Overstays can also affect future travel to Sri Lanka.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.