Sri Lanka entry requirements for Ethiopia 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
Ethiopian passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. You can apply online before you travel, and it's a straightforward process that takes just a few minutes.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA / e-VisaYou must get this online approval before you fly; without it you will be denied boarding. Apply online before travel | Ethiopian passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Apply at the official Sri Lanka ETA website: https://eta.gov.lk/. The ETA is valid for a short stay (usually up to 30 days) and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before booking. At least 6 months from arrival | Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe stamp needs a clean page; make sure there's a blank one available. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for the immigration entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary ready — it's a common check at arrival. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Sri Lanka within the authorized stay period. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids problems if questioned. For your stay | You should be able to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsImmigration may ask where you're staying — keep the address handy. Where you'll stay | Have your hotel booking or address of your accommodation in Sri Lanka ready to present if requested. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the usual immigration card. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Sri Lanka at this time. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk it
Even though the ETA is usually approved quickly, processing can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid last-minute stress.
Official ETA website only
Only use https://eta.gov.lk/ for your application. There are third-party sites that charge extra fees for the same service. Stick to the official one to save money and avoid scams.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a way to pay the fee (credit/debit card).
2
Wait for approval
Most ETAs are approved within 24-72 hours. You'll receive an email confirmation. Print it or save it on your phone to show at check-in.
3
Check in for your flight
At the airport, show your passport and ETA confirmation. The airline will verify your ETA before issuing your boarding pass.
4
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Follow signs to 'Immigration'. Have your passport, ETA confirmation, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business Visa (ETA – Business)
Max stay30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$40
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company; single entry
Residence Visa (Long Stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500)
For employment, study, or long-term business; apply after arrival at Department of Immigration
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 |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard TouristSingle entry, 30 days stay, valid 6 months from issue | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Double EntryTwo entries, 30 days stay per entry, valid 6 months | $40 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitValid for 2 days, for transit only | $20 |
| Visa extension (at Department of Immigration and Emigration, Colombo)For stays beyond 30 days, up to 90 days total; subject to approval | $50 (approx. LKR 15,000) |
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
Transit visa required
Ethiopian passport holders require a transit ETA even for airside transit through Sri Lankan airports.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passports may be exempt
- Holders of valid residence permits from certain countries may be exempt – check with airline
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
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 = 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 ETA fee is around $35–$40 USD, but it can vary. Check the official ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/) for the current fee and pay online with a credit or debit card.
Usually within 24 to 72 hours. Apply at least 3 days before your flight to be safe. The website will show the status of your application.
No, the ETA is required before you travel. There's no visa-on-arrival option for Ethiopian passport holders. You must have the ETA approved before boarding your flight.
The ETA typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. It's not extendable, so if you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter or check with Sri Lankan immigration for other options.
Rejections are rare but can happen. You can reapply, but first double-check that all your details match your passport exactly. If you're unsure, contact the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate for guidance.
If you're coming from a yellow fever-endemic country, yes. Ethiopia is not on the list, but if you've recently traveled to a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need the certificate. Otherwise, it's not required.
The standard ETA is for a single entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Sri Lanka, you'll need to apply for a new ETA each time.
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.