Sri Lanka entry requirements for Cyprus 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
Cyprus passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka in 2026. It's straightforward — you fill out a form at the airport and pay the fee. No need to apply before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou do not need to apply for a visa before travel; you will get it when you land. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) not required | Citizens of Cyprus can obtain a visa on arrival at any entry point in Sri Lanka. No prior application is needed. The visa is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. Fee is payable in cash (USD or LKR) at the airport. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied entry. Minimum 6 months remaining | Your Cyprus passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to affix the visa. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank visa page (not endorsement page) for the visa on arrival sticker. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and immigration may check this before boarding or at arrival. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Sri Lanka within the visa validity period (typically 30 days). | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsWhile not mandatory, having funds available can avoid questioning. Not officially required | Sri Lankan immigration does not require proof of funds for Cyprus passport holders, but it is recommended to carry at least $50 per day or equivalent in cash or cards to cover your stay. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online or paper arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration form is needed for Cyprus citizens entering Sri Lanka. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationYou can skip the online application process. Not applicable | Cyprus passport holders do not need to apply for an eVisa; a visa on arrival is available. | Not required |
Skip the queue with an ETA
You can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before you travel. It costs about $35 and is processed within 24 hours. This lets you skip the visa-on-arrival queue at the airport.
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee is best paid in USD cash. Card machines can be unreliable. Have $50 in small bills ready.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before immigration. You'll find them in the arrivals hall.
2
Fill out the visa application form
Grab a paper form at the counter or use the electronic kiosk. Fill in your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your form and passport to the officer. Pay the fee — cash (USD or EUR) or credit card accepted. Keep the receipt.
4
Get your visa stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa-on-arrival. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to immigration
Go to the immigration queue with your stamped passport. Show your return ticket and accommodation if asked. Then you're in.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Cyprus 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 from issue
Cost$40 (USD)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company; apply online before travel.
Multiple entry tourist visa
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$75 (USD)
Apply online via ETA system; allows multiple entries.
digital nomad
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa
Up to 1 year
$200 (USD) application fee
For remote workers; requires proof of income ($2,500+/month) and health insurance.
Apply via Department of Immigration retirement
Sri Lanka Resident Guest Visa
Up to 2 years
$300 (USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with pension proof; renewable annually.
Apply via Department of Immigration Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (tourist, 30 days)Payable at airport in USD, EUR, GBP, or LKR at official rate. | $35 (USD) |
| Visa extension (per 30 days, up to 90 days total)Apply at Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo. | $50 (USD) |
| Exit fee (departure tax)No separate exit fee; included in ticket price. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application form30%
Insufficient funds for stay25%
Lack of return/onward ticket20%
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
Cyprus passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (e.g., Colombo 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 clearing immigration, 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 (Cyprus is not such a country, but transit may apply).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedTetanusEssentialHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Common in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance recommended.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk during floods; avoid contact with fresh water.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; similar to dengue.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in some rural areas (e.g., Northern Province); 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 01000
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:15 PM
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 17, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:15 PM
Practical information for CY 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
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of 30 days. You can extend it once you're in the country by visiting the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.
Yes, you can extend it for up to 60 additional days. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. The fee is around $50–$100 depending on the extension length.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, an onward ticket to any destination outside Sri Lanka works. It just proves you'll leave within the visa period.
No, the fee is usually charged in USD or EUR. Some counters accept credit cards, but cash in USD is safest.
Yes, you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before you travel. It costs about $35 and is processed within 24 hours. This lets you skip the visa-on-arrival queue.
You'll be fined $50 per day for overstaying. Pay at the airport before departure or at the immigration office in Colombo.
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.