Sri Lanka entry requirements for Greece 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
Greek passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. The online application is quick and straightforward — you'll receive approval before you fly, and it covers tourism, business, and short visits. Apply at least 3 business days ahead to avoid last-minute stress.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You must get this online approval before you fly; without it you will be denied boarding. Apply online before travel | Greek citizens must obtain an ETA (evisa) before departure. Apply at the official Sri Lanka ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/) at least 24 hours before travel. The ETA is valid for a single entry and permits a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner than 6 months after you arrive, you may be refused entry. At least 6 months from arrival | Your Greek 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 pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no visa stickers or stamps occupy the last available page. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight booking; have it ready. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than Sri Lanka, showing departure within the validity of your ETA (usually within 30 days). | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry a mix of cash and cards to show you can support yourself. For your stay | You should be able to demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Sri Lanka. A reasonable amount is at least $50 USD per day, or a credit card plus cash. This is not always checked but may be requested. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra form on arrival beyond the standard immigration card. Not required | Sri Lanka does not require a separate arrival declaration for Greek citizens. The ETA serves as your entry authorization. | Not required |
| Vaccination requirementsOnly needed if you're coming from a yellow-fever-affected country. Yellow fever certificate if applicable | If you have recently traveled to a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival. Otherwise, no mandatory vaccinations for entry. | Required |
Apply early — don't rely on last-minute
The ETA can take up to 72 hours to process. If you apply too close to your departure, you risk not getting approval in time. Always apply at least 3 business days before you fly.
Use the official ETA website only
The only official site is https://eta.gov.lk/. 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 form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email address. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Receive your ETA approval
Approval is typically sent to your email within 24-72 hours. Check your spam folder. 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
At Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, head to the immigration counters. Present your passport and ETA approval. The officer will stamp your passport — you're in. The process usually takes a few minutes if you have your documents ready.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Resident Visa (long stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost$200
For employment, study, or long-term residence; requires sponsorship and approval from Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Multiple Entry Visa (Business)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$100
For frequent business travelers; must be applied for at Sri Lankan embassy or online.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. €185) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay without work rights.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. €275) per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and income of at least $2,000/month. Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460) per year
For investors who invest at least $50,000 in a Sri Lankan business or property. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €185) per 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 |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – StandardFor tourism, valid for 30 days from arrival, double entry. | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitFor transit stays up to 48 hours. | $20 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – BusinessFor business visits, valid for 30 days. | $40 |
| Visa extension (on arrival)For first 30-day extension, up to 60 days total. | $25 |
| Visa extension (additional)For further extensions, up to 90 days total. | $50 |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa on arrival20%
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
All transit passengers must obtain a Transit ETA before arrival, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and no need to clear immigration (but still require Transit ETA)
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis 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 from floodwaters or freshwater exposure; avoid wading in stagnant water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel in dry zone (e.g., Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa).
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 visa extensions and re-entry permits. 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 travellers in the central region.
Practical information for GR 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
The standard ETA fee is around $35–$40 USD (approximately €30–€35). The exact amount is shown on the official ETA website when you apply. Pay online with a credit or debit card.
Most applications are processed within 24 hours, but it can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least 3 business days before your flight to be safe. You'll receive the approval by email.
No, the ETA is not extendable. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave the country and re-apply for a new ETA.
Rejections are rare but possible. If it happens, you can reapply or contact the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in Greece for assistance. Double-check your passport details before submitting to avoid errors.
It's not mandatory, but it's highly recommended. Airlines may ask to see it at check-in, and having a printed copy avoids any issues if your phone battery dies or you have no signal.
The standard ETA is for a single entry. If you plan to leave Sri Lanka and return (e.g., a day trip to the Maldives), you'll need to apply for a new ETA.
The ETA allows a stay of up to 30 days. Make sure your return flight is booked within that window.
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.