Sri Lanka entry requirements for Algeria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 28, 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
Algerian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. Fly into Colombo without applying beforehand, but expect to queue at the airport for your visa stamp. As of 2026, the process is straightforward if you have the right documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply for ETA before travel | Sri Lanka offers a visa on arrival for Algerian passport holders, but you must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before departure. Go to eta.gov.lk, fill in the form, and pay the $35–$50 USD fee (depending on your stay). Approval usually comes within 24 hours — print the confirmation and carry it with your passport.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Algerian passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Sri Lanka. Airlines at Algiers and Colombo check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Bandaranaike International Airport will ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Sri Lanka. This can be a return flight to Algeria or a ticket to a third country. Budget airlines like IndiGo or AirAsia may also check this before letting you board. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | While not always asked, having a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a host in Sri Lanka can speed up the immigration process. If you're staying with friends, a simple invitation letter with their address and phone number works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a credit card statement showing available funds. ATMs are widely available in Colombo but less so in rural areas. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival vs ETA
You can get a visa on arrival at Colombo airport, but applying for an ETA online before you fly is faster — you skip the queue and pay the same fee. The ETA is valid for 30 days and is not extendable.
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa-on-arrival counter sometimes has card machine issues. Carry $50–$60 USD in cash to be safe. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need the visa first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival passengers. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll get a small card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your details — name, passport number, flight number, address in Sri Lanka. Keep it with your passport.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa on arrival costs around $35–$50 USD (subject to change). Pay in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP) or by card. Keep the receipt.
4
Get your visa stamped
Hand over your passport, arrival card, and payment receipt. The officer will stamp the visa. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and go through customs. No arrival declaration form is required for most travellers.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Algeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, online)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR)
Apply online via ETA system; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR)
Ideal for multiple visits; extension possible.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
Residence visa (long-stay)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. 60,000 LKR) per year
Requires proof of income, health insurance, and local sponsor.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or LKR at the airport upon arrival. | $50 USD (approx. 15,000 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, online)Apply via ETA system before travel for faster processing. | $35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 30 days per entry, multiple entries allowed. | $40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR) |
| Stay extension feeApply at Department of Immigration and Emigration before visa expiry. | $25 USD (approx. 7,500 LKR) per 30 days |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of $200 USD (approx. 60,000 LKR). | $10 USD (approx. 3,000 LKR) per day |
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
No transit visa needed
Algerian passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or longer layovers, a visa on arrival may be needed.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid visas for Sri Lanka may transit without additional visa.
- Transit passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no need to leave the airport are exempt.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo · Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), Hambantota
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 = 327.38 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
Visa on arrival is only available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. If you arrive by land or sea, you need to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before travel.
The fee is typically between $35 and $50 USD. It's best to carry cash in USD, EUR, or GBP. Cards are accepted at some counters but cash is more reliable.
The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable, so if you need longer, apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied a visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, an onward ticket to any country outside Sri Lanka is sufficient. Immigration just wants proof you're leaving.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Sri Lanka and re-enter, or apply for a different visa category before travel.
Yes, you can apply for an ETA online through the official Sri Lanka ETA website. It costs about $35 USD and is processed within 24 hours. This lets you skip the visa-on-arrival queue at the airport.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.