Sri Lanka entry requirements for Algeria 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
Algerian passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. You can apply online before you travel, and the process is straightforward. As of 2026, the ETA is valid for tourism and short visits.
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 online for the Sri Lanka ETA before departure. The official application is at https://eta.gov.lk/. The ETA is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival. 6 months | Your Algerian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the immigration officer to stamp your passport. 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. proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Sri Lanka before your ETA expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof of funds can help if asked. sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your stay in Sri Lanka. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out an additional arrival form. not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Algeria passport holders entering Sri Lanka. | Not required |
Apply for ETA well in advance
Don't wait until the last minute. Even though processing is usually quick, technical glitches or holidays can cause delays. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid stress.
Use the official ETA website only
There are many third-party sites that charge inflated fees. Always use https://eta.gov.lk/ – it's the only official government portal for the ETA.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ETA Online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email address. Pay the fee online (credit/debit card). Processing usually takes 1-2 business days, but apply at least a week in advance to be safe.
2
Receive ETA Approval
You'll get an email with your ETA approval. Print it or save it on your phone. It's linked to your passport number, so you don't need to present a physical document, but having a copy helps.
3
Arrive at the Airport
When you land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, head to the immigration counter. Present your passport and boarding pass. The officer will check your ETA in their system and stamp your passport. You'll be granted entry for up to 30 days.
4
Proceed to Baggage Claim
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and go through customs. If you have nothing to declare, follow the green channel. That's it – you're in Sri Lanka!
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Algeria 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$40
For business activities, double entry.
Residence Visa (Long Stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$150–$300
Requires local sponsor and approval from Department of Immigration.
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 income of at least $1,500/month. Requires health insurance and local sponsor.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 30,000 LKR) per year
For remote workers with proof of income of at least $2,000/month. Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 150,000 LKR) per year
For investors with minimum investment of $50,000 in a Sri Lankan business or property. Requires business plan and local partner.
student visa
Sri Lanka Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 2 years)
$100 USD (approx. 30,000 LKR) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Sri Lankan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard VisitorFor tourism, valid for 30 days from arrival, double entry. | $35 |
| ETA – TransitValid for 2 days, single entry, for transit only. | $20 |
| ETA – BusinessValid for 30 days, double entry. | $40 |
| Visa extension (onshore)For first 30-day extension, apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $25 |
| Visa extension (additional)For second 30-day extension, total stay up to 90 days. | $50 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
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
Algerian passport holders require a transit ETA even for airside transit. Apply online before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and staying airside for less than 12 hours may be eligible for a free transit ETA (subject to airline confirmation).
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne virus causing fever and joint pain; prevention same as dengue.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or contaminated water; avoid wading in floodwater.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas, but prophylaxis is recommended for rural travel in the northern and eastern provinces.
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 re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 10, Peradeniya Road, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central region visitors.
Practical information for DZ 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
Yes, you need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is an online visa. It's not a traditional visa that requires a visit to an embassy – you apply online and get approval via email.
The standard ETA fee for tourism is around $35–$40 USD, but it can vary. The exact fee is shown when you apply on the official website (https://eta.gov.lk/). Be cautious of third-party sites that charge extra.
Usually 1-2 business days. However, it's best to apply at least a week before your trip to avoid any delays. The system is generally quick, but don't rely on same-day approval.
No, the ETA is not extendable. You must leave before your 30-day stay expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit the country and re-enter, or check with the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo for any special circumstances.
You may be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the airport. There is no visa-on-arrival for Algerian passport holders, so you must have the ETA approved before you fly.
The standard tourist ETA is for a single entry. If you plan to leave Sri Lanka and come back, you'll need to apply for a new ETA. Check the official site for details on multiple-entry options if needed.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it expires during your stay, you'll need to contact your embassy in Colombo to get a new passport before you can leave the country.
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.