Sri Lanka entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Chinese 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 pay the fee. This has been the case since 2024 and remains current in 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival | Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from the date you enter Sri Lanka. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Apply online via ETA portal before travel | Sri Lanka offers a visa on arrival for Chinese passport holders, but you must pre-register through the official ETA portal at eta.gov.lk. The ETA costs around $35–$50 USD depending on the visa type and is usually approved within minutes. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Colombo airport routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight within your visa validity period. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they will check it before stamping your passport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | While not always checked, having a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a host in Sri Lanka can speed up the immigration process. If you are staying with friends or family, ask them to send you a signed invitation letter with their address and contact number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Officers may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. Carry at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card with a visible limit — showing a bank statement or a travel card with a balance works fine. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa on arrival counter accepts cash (USD or LKR) and some credit cards, but card machines can be unreliable. Bring at least $50 USD in cash to be safe. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need the visa first.
Arrival card is mandatory
You'll be given an arrival card on the plane or at the visa counter. Fill it out in black ink. Keep it with your passport — you'll hand it to immigration after getting the visa sticker.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main immigration desks. Join the queue, fill out the arrival card (given on the plane or at the counter), and present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation.
2
Pay the visa fee
At the counter, pay the fee in cash (USD or LKR) or by credit card. Keep the receipt — you'll need it for the next step.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker to your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to the main immigration queue for passport stamping.
4
Pass through immigration
Hand over your passport with the visa sticker and the completed arrival card. The officer will stamp you in. Collect your luggage and exit.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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. 11,000 LKR)
Standard option; apply online or on arrival.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$70 USD (approx. 22,000 LKR)
For frequent visitors; must leave and re-enter.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 13,000 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds of at least $1,500/month. Allows long-term stay without work.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of income of $2,000/month. Currently in pilot phase; check official sources.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Resident Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and approval from the Department of Immigration. Allows employment.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD initial fee
For investors with minimum $50,000 USD in a local business or government bonds. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or LKR at airport counters. | $35 USD (approx. 11,000 LKR) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)Optional pre-arrival online application; same cost as VoA. | $35 USD (approx. 11,000 LKR) |
| Tourist visa extension (single entry)Extendable up to 60 days total; apply at immigration office. | $50 USD (approx. 16,000 LKR) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $100 USD (approx. 32,000 LKR). | $5 USD per day (approx. 1,600 LKR) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
China passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or leaving airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Canada, Australia, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid from contaminated food/water.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure; rare in tourists.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended only for rural travel in dry zone (e.g., Anuradhapura).
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 extensions and visa issues; bring passport, visa, and photos.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office - Kandy
No. 15, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Convenient for travellers in the hill country.
Practical information for CN 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 = 334.57 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, but the main entry point is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. Other airports like Mattala (HRI) also offer visa on arrival, but flights there are rare. If arriving by land from India, you can get a visa on arrival at the border checkpoints.
The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. You can extend it once for another 30 days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (cost around $20–$30 USD).
Overstaying costs $5 USD per day for the first 30 days, then $10 USD per day after that. You'll pay at the airport before departure. Avoid it — it's expensive and can cause issues for future travel.
Yes, Sri Lanka offers an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online. It's optional — the visa on arrival works fine. The ETA costs about $35 USD and is processed within 24 hours. Apply at eta.gov.lk.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Otherwise, no. No other vaccines are mandatory for entry.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions.
Yes, you can extend once for another 30 days. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (address: 41 Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 3). Cost is around $20–$30 USD. Process takes 1–2 days.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.