Sri Lanka entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
Colombian passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka for tourism. It's a straightforward online application — you'll get the approval before you fly, and it's valid for a single entry. Plan to apply at least a few days ahead, though approvals often come through much faster.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You must obtain this online authorization before flying to Sri Lanka. evisa | Apply for an ETA online at eta.gov.lk before departure. The ETA is valid for 30 days from arrival and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your planned exit from Sri Lanka. 6 months | Your Colombian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport on arrival, so a blank page is necessary. 1 page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you will leave Sri Lanka before your visa expires. proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Sri Lanka within the authorized stay period. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsNot always checked, but having proof of funds can help if asked by immigration. financial evidence | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., cash, credit cards, bank statements) to cover your stay in Sri Lanka. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the standard immigration card. not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Colombia passport holders entering Sri Lanka. | Not required |
Use the official ETA website only
There are many third-party sites that charge inflated fees for the same ETA. Always use https://eta.gov.lk/ — it's the only official government portal.
ETA is single-entry
Your ETA allows one entry into Sri Lanka. If you leave (even to the Maldives for a day trip), you'll need to apply for a new ETA to re-enter.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the ETA online
Go to the official Sri Lanka ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/) and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email address. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Receive your ETA approval
Most ETAs are approved within 24-48 hours, but it can take up to 3 days. You'll get an email with the approval. Print a copy or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at immigration.
3
Fly to Sri Lanka
When you arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport, the ETA approval, and your onward ticket. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Enjoy your stay
Your ETA allows a stay of up to 30 days. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to leave the country and re-apply — the ETA is not extendable.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Residence visa (long stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for 1 year, renewable
Cost$150 (approx. LKR 45,000)
Requires local sponsor and approval from Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Business visa (long stay)
Max stayUp to 6 months
ValidityIssued for 6 months, single or multiple entry
Cost$100 (approx. LKR 30,000)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company and approval from Department of Immigration and Emigration.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Resident Visa (Retirement)
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 multiple entries and long-term stay.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of income $2,000+/month. Not yet fully implemented; check with embassy.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and approval from the Department of Immigration. Employer usually sponsors.
student visa
Sri Lanka Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 1 year, renewable)
~$100 USD per year
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard VisitorValid for 30 days from arrival, double entry. | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitValid for 2 days from arrival, single entry. | $20 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – BusinessValid for 30 days from arrival, double entry. | $40 |
| Visa extension (onshore)For stays up to 6 months total; apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $25 (approx. LKR 7,500) |
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
Transit visa required
Colombian citizens transiting through Sri Lanka require a Transit ETA unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Passengers with a valid Sri Lankan visa or residence permit
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, Venezuela). Must have certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-DiphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks common in urban and rural areas. Use repellent and nets.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. Drink bottled water and eat cooked food.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk after flooding or in rural areas. Avoid contact with fresh water if you have cuts.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas (Colombo, Kandy, coastal resorts). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended; use mosquito avoidance.
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. Bring passport, visa, photos, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 17, Pallekele Road, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central region. Less crowded than Colombo.
Practical information for CO 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
Getting to Sri Lanka
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The standard tourist ETA fee is around $35 USD (approximately 10,500 LKR). You pay online when you apply. There are no additional fees at the airport, but beware of third-party websites that charge extra — always use the official site https://eta.gov.lk/.
Usually within 24-48 hours, but it can take up to 3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. If you're in a rush, there's no official 'express' option for Colombians — just apply as early as possible.
No. The ETA is not extendable. If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you must leave the country (e.g., to the Maldives or India) and re-apply for a new ETA. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
If you're arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country (like parts of South America), you may need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Colombia is not currently on the list, but if you've traveled to those areas recently, carry your certificate.
Sri Lanka offers an on-arrival ETA facility at Bandaranaike International Airport, but it's more expensive and involves longer queues. It's better to apply online beforehand — it's cheaper and you'll breeze through immigration.
Rejections are rare but can happen if you have a criminal record or incomplete application. You can reapply, but first check your details. If you're unsure, contact the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in Colombia for guidance.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Have your return ticket or a ticket to another destination ready. If you don't have one, you could be denied entry.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.