Sri Lanka entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 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
Chilean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka, valid for up to 30 days. This has been the case since 2024 and applies at all international airports and seaports. You'll fill out a simple form and pay the fee in cash (USD or LKR) when you land.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on ArrivalYou do not need to apply for a visa before travel; you will receive it upon arrival in Sri Lanka. Obtain at Colombo (CMB) or other designated ports | Chilean passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport and certain land border crossings. The visa is valid for a single entry. No prior application is required. | Required |
| Passport ValidityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date, or you may be denied entry. Minimum 6 months from date of entry | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank Passport PagesThe immigration officer needs a blank page to affix the visa sticker. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for the visa on arrival sticker. | Required |
| Return or Onward TicketHaving a return or onward ticket helps demonstrate your intention to leave Sri Lanka within the permitted stay. Proof of onward travel | You may be asked to show a confirmed return or onward ticket at immigration. While not explicitly required in the database, it is standard practice for visa-on-arrival countries. | Recommended |
| Proof of Sufficient FundsCarry evidence of funds such as a bank statement or credit card to show you can support yourself during your visit. Financial means for stay | You may be required to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., cash, credit card, bank statement). The exact amount is not specified in the database, but a reasonable daily budget is expected. | Recommended |
| Arrival DeclarationYou do not need to complete any arrival declaration or health form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for entry into Sri Lanka. | Not required |
Cash only at the visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or LKR). There are no ATMs before immigration, so bring the exact amount. USD 35 in good condition is easiest.
Earliest you can arrive
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you land in Sri Lanka. If you're arriving on December 1, 2025, your passport must be valid until at least June 1, 2026.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
After deplaning at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, follow signs for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The counter is before the main passport control booths.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll be given a small white form. Fill in your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address. Keep it simple — no need to list every hotel.
3
Pay the fee and get your visa
Hand over your passport, the completed form, and the fee (USD 35 cash). The officer will process it in about 2–3 minutes, then stamp the visa sticker into your passport.
4
Proceed to passport control
With the visa sticker in your passport, join the regular passport control queue. The officer will check your visa, may ask about your stay, and then stamp you in.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months
Cost$40
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company; apply at embassy before travel.
Residence visa (employment)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200
For long-term work; sponsored by employer.
digital nomad
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa
1 year
$200
For remote workers; requires proof of income ($2,000+/month) and health insurance.
Apply at Department of Immigration retirement
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year (renewable)
$300
For retirees aged 55+; requires proof of pension or $25,000 in bank.
Apply at Department of Immigration Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (30 days)Cash only; credit cards not accepted. | $35 USD or equivalent in LKR |
| Visa extension (up to 60 days total)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $50 USD |
| Visa extension (up to 90 days total)Requires additional justification. | $100 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application form30%
Insufficient funds for stay20%
Criminal record or security concerns15%
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
Chilean passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the transit area or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Brazil, Angola).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedTetanusEssentialHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Common in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.
LeptospirosisModerate risk
Risk after flooding; avoid contact with fresh water.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; similar precautions as dengue.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in some rural areas (e.g., Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa); prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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 8:30am-4:15pm
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 20, William Gopallawa Mawatha, Kandy
Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:15pm
Practical information for CL 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
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 60 additional days. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (or their regional offices). The extension fee is around USD 50. You'll need to apply before your initial 30 days expire.
Visa on arrival is available at all international airports (CMB, HRI, JAF) and at the Colombo Port. The process is the same — just follow the signs. At smaller ports, the counter may be combined with immigration.
No, you don't need to apply online. The visa on arrival is processed at the counter. However, you can apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before travel if you prefer — it costs the same USD 35 and saves time at the airport.
No, only cash is accepted at the visa-on-arrival counter. Bring USD in good condition (no tears or marks) or Sri Lankan Rupees. ATMs are available after immigration if you need local currency.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Sri Lankan immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions.
No, it's a single-entry visa. If you leave Sri Lanka (e.g., for a day trip to the Maldives), you'll need to apply for a new visa on arrival when you return.
Typically 5–10 minutes from joining the queue to getting your passport back. During peak hours (evening arrivals), it can take up to 20 minutes. It's faster than the ETA line at passport control.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.