Sri Lanka entry requirements for France passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
French passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka for tourism, which allows a stay of up to 30 days. The application is done online before you travel, and it's a straightforward process. As of 2026, the ETA is the standard way to enter for short visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You must get this online approval before you fly; without it you will be denied boarding. Visa required – apply online | French passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Apply through the official Sri Lanka ETA website. The ETA allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel. At least 6 months from arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka. Check your passport's expiry date now. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration officers need 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 there are no tears or damage on that page. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking ready to show at check-in and upon arrival. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Sri Lanka within the 30-day ETA validity. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry a few hundred euros in cash or have a credit card available to prove you can support yourself. For your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Sri Lanka (e.g., cash, credit cards, bank statements). The amount is not fixed but should be enough for your planned activities. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsKeep a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation. Hotel booking or address | Have the name and address of your first accommodation in Sri Lanka ready. Immigration may ask for it on arrival. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra form before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Sri Lanka for French passport holders. The ETA serves as your entry authorization. | Not required |
Apply early – don't risk it
Even though ETA approval is usually fast, there have been occasional delays. Apply at least 7 days before your departure to avoid stress. Also, only use the official Sri Lanka ETA website – third-party sites may charge extra fees.
30-day stay is fixed
The ETA allows a maximum stay of 30 days. It's not extendable, so plan your itinerary accordingly. If you overstay, you'll face fines at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to the official Sri Lanka ETA website and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email address. Pay the fee (around $35–$50 depending on the type) and submit. Approval is usually within 24–72 hours, but apply at least a week before to be safe.
2
Receive your ETA confirmation
You'll get an email with your ETA approval. Print a copy or save it on your phone – you'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at immigration.
3
Arrive at the airport in Sri Lanka
When you land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, follow the signs for 'Immigration'. Have your passport, ETA confirmation, and return ticket ready. The officer will check your details, stamp your passport, and you're in. The process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, pick up your bags and head through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're now free to start your trip!
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (ETA – Business)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from date of issue
Cost$50
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company; can be extended up to 90 days
Residence visa (for long-term work/study)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost$200–$500 depending on category
Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration after arrival; requires sponsor and supporting documents
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
LKR 20,000 (approx. $60 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with a guaranteed monthly income of at least $1,500 USD. Requires health insurance and local bank account. Allows multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
LKR 15,000 (approx. $45 USD) per year
For remote workers with proof of employment or freelance income of at least $2,000 USD/month. Requires health insurance and local address. No tax on foreign income.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
LKR 50,000 (approx. $150 USD) per year
For investors who invest at least $50,000 USD in a Sri Lankan business or real estate. Requires business plan and local partner. Fast-track residency.
student visa
Sri Lanka Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 2 years), renewable
LKR 10,000 (approx. $30 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Sri Lankan institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Single EntryFor tourism, valid for 30 days from arrival, double entry allowed | $50 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Double EntryFor tourism, valid for 30 days from arrival, double entry allowed | $60 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Multiple EntryFor tourism, valid for 6 months, each stay up to 30 days | $100 |
| Visa extension (on arrival at Department of Immigration and Emigration)For stays beyond 30 days, up to 90 days total, subject to approval | $50 |
| Late fee for overstayPayable at airport or immigration office | $25 per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Airside transit without a visa is permitted for up to 24 hours if you have a confirmed onward ticket and stay in the international transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or clear immigration, you must obtain a visa/ETA in advance.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America). Certificate must be at least 10 days old.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk year-round, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. Use repellent and sleep under nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks. Similar prevention as dengue.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from freshwater exposure (e.g., paddy fields, floods). Avoid wading in floodwaters.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas (Colombo, Kandy, coastal resorts). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel in dry zone (e.g., Anuradhapura).
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 08:30–16:15
Main office for extensions, re-entry permits, and visa issues. Bring passport, visa, photos, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 17, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:15
Handles extensions and visa queries for central Sri Lanka. Less crowded than Colombo.
Practical information for FR 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
Getting to Sri Lanka
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – it's an online visa that allows a 30-day stay. It's not a traditional embassy visa; you apply online and get approval by email.
Usually within 24–72 hours. However, it's best to apply at least a week before your flight to avoid any delays. The official site charges around $35 for a standard tourist ETA.
No, the ETA is not extendable for French passport holders. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before you travel.
You won't be allowed to board your flight – airlines check for ETA approval before departure. There's no visa-on-arrival for French citizens, so you must have the ETA in advance.
The standard tourist ETA is for a single entry. If you plan to leave Sri Lanka and come back (e.g., to visit the Maldives), you'll need to apply for a new ETA each time.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the ETA – the ETA is linked to your passport number, so if you get a new passport, you'll need to reapply.
Yes, every traveller, including infants and children, needs a separate ETA. You can include them in the same application if you're applying as a family group.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.