Sri Lanka entry requirements for Cameroon 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
Cameroonian passport holders need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. You must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before you travel. The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to passport validity and onward travel documentation.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | Cameroon passport holders need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Apply online at the official ETA portal — the system issues an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) that acts as your visa. Processing takes 1–2 business days, and you pay a fee of $20–$35 USD depending on the visa type. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Immigration officers at Bandaranaike International Airport check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Sri Lanka immigration requires proof of a confirmed onward or return flight. Airlines check this before issuing a boarding pass — without it, you will not be allowed to fly. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Immigration officers may ask for a hotel booking or invitation letter from your host. Carry a printed confirmation or have it accessible on your phone. If you are staying with friends or family, a letter of invitation with their contact details works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | You should be able to show you have at least $50 USD per day for your stay. A bank statement, credit card, or cash in USD works. Immigration rarely asks, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Sri Lanka. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away at the check-in counter.
ETA is your visa
The ETA approval email is your visa. Print it or save a screenshot on your phone. Without it, you won't be allowed to board your flight or enter Sri Lanka.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ETA Online
Go to eta.gov.lk, fill in your passport details, travel dates, and personal info. Pay the fee (around $20-35 depending on visa type). You'll get an approval email within minutes to 24 hours. Print it or save a screenshot.
2
Prepare Your Documents
Before heading to the airport, gather: passport (6+ months validity), ETA approval, return ticket, first night accommodation booking, and travel insurance. Keep digital copies on your phone and printed backups.
3
Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Join the queue for foreign passport holders. Have your passport, ETA approval, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport — no additional forms needed.
4
Collect Baggage and Exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Exit into the arrivals hall where you can buy a local SIM or get a taxi.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Cameroon 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR)
Standard tourist visa for Cameroon holders.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$75 USD (approx. 22,500 LKR)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. 60,000 LKR) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no local employment.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 30,000 LKR) per year
For remote workers with proof of income from abroad. Allows stay without local tax liability.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 150,000 LKR) initial fee
For investors committing at least $50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and registration.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$150 USD (approx. 45,000 LKR) per year
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Cameroon passport holders applying for a tourist visa. | $35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $75 USD (approx. 22,500 LKR) |
| Stay extension feeExtension of stay beyond initial visa period, subject to approval. | $30 USD (approx. 9,000 LKR) per extension |
| Overstay fine per dayCharged for each day overstayed beyond authorized period. | $5 USD (approx. 1,500 LKR) per day, max $200 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Cameroon passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
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 risk, as per WHO guidelines.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and other infections from contaminated food/water.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from freshwater exposure in rural areas, especially after flooding.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for travel to rural areas in the 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 01000
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and inquiries. Bring passport, visa, and photos.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 20, William Gopallawa Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for visitors in the central region.
Practical information for CM 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
No. Cameroonian passport holders must get an ETA online before travel. There is no visa on arrival option at the airport.
Most applications are approved instantly or within 24 hours. Apply at least 2-3 days before your flight to be safe. The fee is around $20 for a standard tourist ETA.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Sri Lankan immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the ETA.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
The standard tourist ETA allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but require a visit to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. The process takes a few days and costs around $50.
Your passport (6+ months validity), ETA approval email (printed or on phone), return ticket, and optionally proof of accommodation. Keep them easily accessible.
No, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs can be high, and insurance covers emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
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.