Sri Lanka entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Ivory Coast passport holders need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you travel. As of 2026, the ETA is valid for 30 days and can be extended once you're in the country.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Sri Lanka eVisa at eta.gov.lk. The standard tourist visa costs $35–$50 USD depending on duration and is usually approved within 24–72 hours. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Bandaranaike International Airport will stamp you in on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines at Abidjan check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Colombo ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Sri Lanka. A flight booking to your next destination or back to Ivory Coast works — they rarely check if it's refundable. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Sri Lanka ready. Immigration may ask for it at the counter, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $100 USD per day of your stay in cash or a credit card statement. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you have enough for your trip. | Recommended |
Yellow Fever Certificate Required
If you're flying from Ivory Coast or have transited through a country with yellow fever, you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before you travel.
ETA Must Be Approved Before Boarding
Airlines check for an approved ETA before issuing your boarding pass. Don't rely on applying at the airport — do it online at least 3 days before your flight.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ETA Online
Go to the official Sri Lanka ETA website (eta.gov.lk). Fill in your passport details, travel dates, and personal information. Pay the fee ($35 USD for a standard tourist ETA). Processing usually takes 1-2 business days, but can be faster. Print the approval email or save it on your phone.
2
Prepare Your Documents
Before you leave for the airport, gather: your passport (valid 6+ months), printed ETA approval, return ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance if you have it. Keep them in a single folder or digital wallet.
3
Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Present your passport and ETA approval. The officer will check your documents, take your photo, and stamp your passport. The whole process usually takes 15-30 minutes. No arrival declaration form is needed.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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
Cost$35 USD (approx. $35 USD)
Apply online via ETA system or at Sri Lankan embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$75 USD (approx. $75 USD)
Ideal for multiple visits within 6 months.
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 Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no local employment.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and approval from the Department of Immigration. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Sri Lanka Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$100 USD per year
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa, valid for 30 days. | $35 USD (approx. $35 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Multiple-entry option, valid for 6 months with max 30 days per stay. | $75 USD (approx. $75 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension of stay up to 60 days, subject to approval. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalty charged at immigration upon departure. | $10 USD per day (max $200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Ivory Coast passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Ivory Coast is endemic). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent year-round, especially in urban areas.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne virus with outbreaks reported.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel.
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 fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 12, Peradeniya Road, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for visitors in the central region.
Practical information for CI 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 = 325.59 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
Standard processing takes 1-2 business days. In practice, many applications are approved within 24 hours. Apply at least 3-5 days before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option.
No. Ivory Coast passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have an approved ETA before you board your flight. Airlines check this before issuing your boarding pass.
The standard tourist ETA costs $35 USD. You pay online with a credit or debit card. There are no additional fees at the airport.
Yes, you can extend your ETA once you're in Sri Lanka. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. The extension costs around $50 USD and can give you up to 90 more days. You must apply before your current ETA expires.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your passport has less than 6 months validity, you have a criminal record, or your application has errors. You can reapply with corrected information. If rejected again, contact the Sri Lankan embassy in Abidjan for guidance.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Ivory Coast is one). You must show a valid yellow fever certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
No. Immigration requires proof of a return or onward ticket. A one-way ticket will likely get you denied boarding by the airline. Book a refundable onward ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.