Sri Lanka entry requirements for Cyprus 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
Cyprus passport holders need an eVisa to travel to Sri Lanka. The application is done entirely online before you fly, and it's a straightforward process that usually takes a couple of days to get approved.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA / eVisaYou must get this online approval before you fly – it is not available on arrival. Apply online before travel | Cyprus citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or eVisa before departure. Apply at least 2-3 days in advance on the official Sri Lanka ETA website. The eVisa is valid for 30 days from arrival and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months | Your Cyprus passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Sri Lanka. Check the expiry date well before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no visa stickers or stamps occupy the last available page. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketA booked flight out of Sri Lanka proves you intend to leave before your visa expires. Proof of departure | You must present a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Sri Lanka within the validity of your eVisa (30 days). Immigration may ask to see this at check-in or upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself – having proof avoids problems. For your stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as cash, credit cards, or bank statements. There is no fixed minimum, but you should have enough to cover accommodation, food, and expenses. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsIt helps to have a printed or digital confirmation of your booking. Where you will stay | Have the address and contact details of your hotel or host in Sri Lanka ready. Immigration may ask for this on arrival. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any extra form before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Cyprus citizens entering Sri Lanka. The eVisa serves as your entry permit. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk it
Even though the eVisa usually processes in 1-2 days, don't leave it to the last minute. Flight check-in systems often flag missing visas, and you'll be turned away at the airport if you don't have approval. Apply at least a week before your departure.
Use the official portal only
There are third-party websites that charge inflated fees for the same eVisa. Always use the official Sri Lanka ETA/eVisa portal (eta.gov.lk) to avoid scams and extra charges.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Sri Lanka eVisa website (eta.gov.lk) and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email address. The fee is around $50 USD for a standard tourist visa, and processing takes 1-2 business days.
2
Receive your eVisa approval
Check your email for the approval notification. It's usually sent within 48 hours. Save it and print a copy to carry with you, even though it's electronically linked to your passport.
3
Fly to Sri Lanka
Most travellers arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. At immigration, present your passport and the eVisa approval if asked. The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and allowed stay duration.
4
Collect your bags and exit
After passing through immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. There's usually a duty-free area and currency exchange counters before you exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Cyprus Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business ETA
Max stay30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$50
For business meetings, not employment
Residence Visa (for long-term stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
CostVaries (approx. $100–$200)
Requires local sponsor and approval from Department of Immigration
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 |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard TouristValid for 30 days from arrival, double entry | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Longer TouristValid for 180 days from arrival, double entry | $50 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – BusinessValid for 30 days from arrival, double entry | $50 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitValid for 2 days from arrival, single entry | $20 |
| Visa extension (on arrival at Department of Immigration and Emigration)For each 30-day extension, up to 180 days total | $25 |
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
Transit visa required
Cyprus 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 passport holders
- Crew members on duty
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 (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 standard tourist eVisa allows a stay of up to 30 days. It's not extendable, so if you want to stay longer, you'll need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type before you travel.
The fee for a standard tourist eVisa is approximately $50 USD. This is paid online during the application process. There may be additional processing fees depending on the payment method.
Typically 1-2 business days. It's best to apply at least a week before your departure to avoid any delays. The system is usually quick, but processing times can vary during peak travel seasons.
No, the eVisa must be approved before you board your flight. Airlines check for this at check-in, and without it, you'll be denied boarding. There's no visa-on-arrival facility for Cyprus passport holders.
Rejections are rare but can happen if there's an error in your application or if you have a criminal record. If rejected, you'll receive an email explaining the reason. You can reapply with corrected information or contact the Sri Lankan embassy for assistance.
Only if you're arriving from a country with a yellow fever risk. Cyprus is not on that list, so you won't need it for direct travel. But if you're coming from or transiting through a high-risk country, you'll need proof of vaccination.
No, the tourist eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave Sri Lanka and re-enter, or apply for a different visa category before your trip. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
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.