Sri Lanka entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Ethiopian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Sri Lankan airports and seaports. It's valid for 30 days and costs $40–$60 USD depending on the type. As of 2026, the process is straightforward, but you need to have certain documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You get a 30-day visa on arrival at Colombo Bandaranaike Airport. Have $40 USD in cash ready for the fee — the counter does not accept cards. Fill out the arrival card on the plane and join the visa-on-arrival queue before immigration.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines at Addis Ababa Bole Airport check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-on-arrival entry | Immigration officers at Colombo ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Sri Lanka. A flight booking to a third country or back to Ethiopia works — just have the printed itinerary or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have on hand | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from a host in Sri Lanka satisfy immigration if asked. Print the first night's booking or save it on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry evidence | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or a credit card with a recent bank statement. Immigration rarely asks, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa on arrival counter at CMB only accepts cash in USD, EUR, or GBP. No credit cards, no debit cards, no mobile payments. Bring exact change if possible — the exchange rate at the counter is poor.
e-Visa option available
You can apply for an e-Visa at eta.gov.lk before you travel. It costs the same $40 and takes 1–3 business days. This lets you skip the visa on arrival queue and go straight to immigration. Recommended if you have time.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before immigration. There are usually two queues — one for e-Visa holders and one for visa on arrival. Join the visa on arrival queue.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll get a small white card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your passport details, flight number, and address in Sri Lanka. Keep it with your passport.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, arrival card, and return ticket (if asked). Pay the fee in USD cash. The officer will process your visa and stamp it into your passport.
4
Proceed to immigration
With the visa sticker in your passport, go to the immigration counter. They'll check your passport, take a photo, and let you through. Collect your luggage and exit.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. 35 USD)
Apply online via ETA system. Requires passport valid 6 months.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 40 USD)
Allows multiple entries. Good for frequent travellers.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 40 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. 200 USD) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or $25,000 in bank. Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 100 USD) per year
For remote workers with proof of income $2,000/month. No local tax on foreign income. Simple application.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 500 USD) plus investment
Requires minimum investment of $50,000 in a Sri Lankan business or property. Includes family members.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$300 USD (approx. 300 USD) per year
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and work permit approval. Employer sponsors.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable at airport in USD or LKR. Valid for 30 days. | $35 USD (approx. 35 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (double entry)Allows two entries within 30 days. | $40 USD (approx. 40 USD) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)Mandatory pre-arrival system. Apply online before travel. | $35 USD (approx. 35 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration. Max 2 extensions. | $50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $500 USD. Pay at immigration office before departure. | $10 USD (approx. 10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
No transit visa needed
Ethiopian passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or leaving airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Australian visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 risk (e.g., parts of Africa). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk after flooding or in rural areas. Avoid swimming in fresh water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended, but consider for rural travel in dry zone.
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 extensions. Bring passport, visa, photos, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 32, William Gopallawa Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central region. Less crowded than Colombo.
Practical information for ET 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 = 325.59 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, but only at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. If you arrive by land from India, you need to get an e-Visa in advance — no visa on arrival at land borders.
For a 30-day single-entry tourist visa, it's $40 USD. For a 30-day double-entry, it's $60 USD. You can also pay in EUR or GBP, but USD is easiest. No card payments.
Yes, you can extend once for up to 60 more days. Go to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (or their regional offices). The fee is about $50 USD. You need to apply before your current visa expires.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions.
Yes, any onward ticket out of Sri Lanka works — flight, bus, or ferry. It just needs to be within 30 days of your arrival. A screenshot or printed copy is fine.
Yes, Sri Lanka offers an e-Visa for Ethiopian passport holders. It costs the same ($40) and takes 1–3 business days. Apply at eta.gov.lk. This lets you skip the visa on arrival queue.
You'll be fined $10 USD per day of overstay, payable at the airport before departure. If you overstay more than 90 days, you may be banned from re-entering Sri Lanka for a period.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.