Sri Lanka entry requirements for Ghana 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
Ghanaian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at any international airport in Sri Lanka in 2026. You'll need a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The process is straightforward — just follow the signs to the visa counter after landing.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport | Ghanaian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport. Have your passport, a printed return ticket, and proof of accommodation ready. The fee is around $40 USD — bring cash in US dollars.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Ghanaian passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Printed or digital copy | Immigration officers at Colombo airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed copy of your return or onward ticket ready — showing it on your phone works too, but a printout avoids any phone battery issues. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Sri Lanka. Immigration may ask for it at the counter — having it ready speeds things up. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash, card, or bank statement | Have at least $100 USD per day of your stay available — either in cash, on a credit card, or shown on a recent bank statement. Immigration rarely checks this, but it is a formal requirement. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate required
If you're arriving from Ghana or any country with yellow fever risk, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined at your own expense.
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP). Credit cards are not accepted at the counter. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Land at a Sri Lankan airport
You'll arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. Follow the signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration' counters.
2
Fill out the arrival card
On the plane or at the counter, complete the Sri Lankan arrival card. You'll need your passport number, flight details, and accommodation address.
3
Present documents at the visa counter
Hand over your passport, arrival card, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will process your visa on the spot.
4
Pay the visa fee
The visa on arrival fee is typically around $35–$50 USD (paid in USD, EUR, or GBP). Have exact cash ready — credit cards may not be accepted.
5
Receive your visa and proceed to immigration
Once the visa is stamped, go to the immigration queue. The officer will check your passport and stamp you in. You're free to enter Sri Lanka.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Ghana 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 up to 6 months
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$35 USD (approx. 11,500 LKR)
Apply online via ETA system before travel.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. 13,000 LKR)
Ideal for multiple visits within validity.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. 13,000 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 65,000 LKR) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 97,000 LKR) per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and income (min. $2,000/month). No local tax liability.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 162,000 LKR) per year
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and approval from the Board of Investment. Allows residence and work.
student visa
Sri Lanka Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 32,000 LKR) per year
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or LKR at the airport upon arrival. | $35 USD (approx. 11,500 LKR) |
| Visa on Arrival (double entry, 30 days each)Available at major entry points. | $40 USD (approx. 13,000 LKR) |
| Stay extension (per month, up to 6 months total)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $50 USD (approx. 16,000 LKR) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Pay at immigration office before departure. | $10 USD (approx. 3,200 LKR) per day, max $500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Ghana passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or longer stops, a visa on arrival may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian 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., Ghana). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-DiphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur sporadically.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwater or freshwater exposure; avoid wading in floodwaters.
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 10
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, visa, photos, 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 GH 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
The fee is typically $35–$50 USD, depending on the visa type (tourist, business, etc.). Pay in cash — USD, EUR, or GBP are accepted. Credit cards are not always reliable at the counter.
The standard tourist visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. It can be extended once for an additional 30 days at the Department of Immigration in Colombo.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 30 more days. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (address: 41 Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 3). The extension fee is around $50 USD.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Ghana). You'll need to show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration. If you don't have one, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
You will be denied a visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No, the visa on arrival is only available at international airports — Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI). If entering by land from India, you need to apply for an e-Visa in advance.
Yes, Sri Lanka offers an e-Visa for many nationalities, including Ghana. You can apply online before travel. The e-Visa costs about $35 USD and is processed within 1–3 business days. It's a good backup if you want to avoid the airport queue.
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.