Sri Lanka entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
UK passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Sri Lanka's international airports in Colombo and Hambantota. This allows a stay of up to 30 days. For quicker processing, you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before you travel – it costs the same and has the same validity.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date | Sri Lanka strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. Airlines at Heathrow and regional hubs check this before boarding — you will be denied boarding if your passport expires sooner. Carry a photocopy of the bio page as backup. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at Colombo Bandaranaike Airport (CMB) or other entry points | You can get a 30-day visa on arrival at Colombo airport for $50 USD — pay in cash (USD, GBP, or EUR accepted). The queue can take 30–60 minutes depending on flight arrivals. Alternatively, apply for an ETA online at eta.gov.lk before travel ($35 USD, instant approval) to skip the visa-on-arrival line.Apply online | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Sri Lanka | Immigration officers at Colombo ask for a return or onward ticket — they check this before stamping your visa on arrival. Budget airlines like IndiGo and AirAsia also verify this at check-in. A refundable ticket or a cheap onward flight to India or Malaysia works fine. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration rarely asks for proof of accommodation, but having a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from a host speeds things up if questioned. If you are staying with friends, get their contact details and address ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card for your stay | Officials may ask how you will fund your trip — having $50–$100 USD per day in cash or a credit card statement is enough. ATMs at Colombo airport dispense Sri Lankan rupees, but bring some USD for the visa fee and initial expenses. | Recommended |
ETA is recommended even if not required
The online ETA costs the same as visa on arrival and saves you time at the airport. Apply at eta.gov.lk at least 24 hours before travel. Keep a printed copy with your passport.
No free visa on arrival for UK citizens
Unlike some other nationalities, UK passport holders must pay the $35 fee. There is no free visa. Have the exact amount or a card ready.
Overstaying will cost you
If you stay beyond 30 days without an extension, you'll be fined $3 per day at immigration when you leave. Overstays of 90+ days can lead to a ban. Do not overstay.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ETA online (recommended before travel)
Go to the official Sri Lanka ETA website (eta.gov.lk). Fill out the application, pay the fee (approx. $35 USD), and you’ll get approval by email within 24 hours. Print or save the approval letter. This saves time at the airport.
2
Arrive at the airport and follow signs
At Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) or Mattala Rajapaksa (Hambantota), follow signs to Immigration. There are separate counters for ETA holders (fast track) and visa on arrival.
3
Get visa on arrival (if you didn’t get ETA)
Go to the Visa on Arrival counter, fill out a small form (name, passport number, flight details), pay the $35 fee (USD, GBP, or credit card accepted), and get your visa sticker. The process takes 10–20 minutes.
4
Present documents at immigration counter
Hand over your passport (with ETA printout or VOA sticker), return ticket if asked, and any accommodation proof. The officer will scan and stamp you in.
5
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, get your bags and go through customs. No customs declaration form is required for most travellers (unless bringing restricted goods).
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (USD 0)
Standard free visa on arrival for UK passport holders.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days per visit)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (USD 0)
Multiple entries allowed; extension possible for each stay.
Long-stay visa (6 months)
Max stay6 months, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
CostLKR 20,000 (approx. USD 60)
For longer stays; requires sponsorship or proof of purpose.
Residence visa (work/retirement)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostLKR 50,000 (approx. USD 150)
For employment, retirement, or long-term stay; requires documentation.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~USD 200 / year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
~USD 100 / year
For remote workers with foreign income. Requires proof of employment and minimum income. Not yet officially launched; check updates.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~USD 500 + investment
For investors who invest at least USD 50,000 in a Sri Lankan business. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~USD 300 / year
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)UK passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival, extendable once for 30 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Stay extension (30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo or regional offices. | LKR 10,000 (approx. USD 30) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure; overstay may affect future visits. | LKR 5,000 per day (approx. USD 15), max LKR 50,000 (USD 150) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)UK passport holders can also apply for a free ETA online before travel. | Free (USD 0) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days per visit)Multiple entries allowed within 6 months under the free visa scheme. | Free (USD 0) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
UK passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival may be required.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB) · Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI)
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur periodically.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from freshwater exposure in rural areas.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended 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 and visa issues; 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 Sri Lanka; less crowded than Colombo.
Practical information for GB 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 = 322.3 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
The standard stay is 30 days from the date of arrival. You cannot extend this visa – you would need to leave and re-enter to get a new visa. Overstaying can result in a fine of $3 per day.
The fee is $35 USD (about £28 GBP) for a 30-day single-entry visa. You can pay in USD, GBP, or with a credit/debit card (Visa/Mastercard). The ETA online costs the same.
Getting an ETA online before you fly is faster – you skip the visa on arrival queue and go straight to immigration. The ETA typically processes within 24 hours. Visa on arrival is fine, but you may wait 10–20 minutes at the counter. Both cost the same.
No, the standard visa on arrival and ETA are single-entry only. If you leave Sri Lanka (even for a day trip), you'll need a new visa to re-enter.
Visa on arrival cannot be extended. You must apply for a longer-term visa at a Sri Lankan embassy before travel, or leave and re-enter (which resets the 30 days). Overstaying incurs fines.
You'll need your passport (with 6+ months validity), the ETA printout or visa on arrival sticker, and sometimes a return ticket or hotel booking. Most officers just look at the passport and stamp you through. Have your accommodation details ready just in case.
Visa on arrival is available at all international airports (Colombo, Hambantota) and at major seaports. It is not available at land border crossings – you must have an ETA before arrival if entering by land.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.