Sri Lanka entry requirements for Hungary passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Hungarian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit. It's valid for up to 30 days and can be extended once. You'll fill out an arrival card and pay the fee at the airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA application Electronic Travel Authorization | Apply for your ETA at eta.gov.lk before departure. The ETA costs $35–$50 USD depending on processing speed and is usually approved within 24 hours. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Hungarian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Bandaranaike International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Sri Lanka. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $50 USD per day of your stay. Officers rarely check this for short visits, but it helps if questioned. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is not available at land borders
If you're arriving by land from India, you must have a valid visa or ETA before you arrive. The visa on arrival is only for air arrivals at Colombo and Mattala airports.
Keep your arrival card safe
You'll need to hand it back when you leave Sri Lanka. If you lose it, you may face delays at departure. Keep it with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. There are separate queues for ETA holders and visa-on-arrival applicants. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation address ready.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll receive a small card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your personal details, flight number, and address in Sri Lanka. Keep it with your passport.
3
Pay the visa fee
At the counter, hand over your passport and arrival card. Pay the fee in USD (cash is preferred). They'll issue a sticker or stamp in your passport.
4
Proceed to immigration
After payment, go to the immigration officer. They'll check your documents, take a photo, and stamp you in. You're now free to enter Sri Lanka.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Hungary Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (USD 0) for Hungarian passport holders
Standard visa on arrival; extension possible once.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostFree (USD 0) for Hungarian passport holders
Available on arrival; allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-Stay Visa (Residence Visa)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostLKR 20,000 (approx. USD 60)
Requires proof of income, local sponsor, or investment.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
LKR 20,000 (approx. USD 60) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with a guaranteed monthly income of at least $1,500. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
LKR 15,000 (approx. USD 45) per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and income of $2,000+/month. No local tax on foreign income.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
LKR 50,000 (approx. USD 150) plus investment
Requires a minimum investment of $50,000 in a local business or property. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
LKR 30,000 (approx. USD 90) 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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Hungarian passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival. | Free (USD 0) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – if pre-appliedETA is free for Hungarian citizens; can be obtained online or on arrival. | Free (USD 0) |
| Stay extension (30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo before visa expires. | LKR 10,000 (approx. USD 30) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of LKR 50,000 (approx. USD 150). | LKR 5,000 (approx. USD 15) |
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
No transit visa needed
Hungarian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Sri Lanka airports (e.g., Bandaranaike International Airport).
Airside transitAllowed
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk year-round, especially in urban areas and during rainy seasons.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common; avoid tap water, street food, and ensure proper hygiene.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure; wear protective footwear.
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 10
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, visa, and extension fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 20, William Gopallawa Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central Sri Lanka; less crowded than Colombo.
Practical information for HU 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 = 326.09 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 visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. You can extend it once for another 30 days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. The extension fee is around $50.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo and at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI). It's not available at land borders.
You can apply for a visa extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. You'll need to show proof of funds, a return ticket, and a reason for the extension. The process takes a few days.
No, you can get a visa on arrival without applying for an ETA. But if you prefer to have it sorted in advance, you can apply for an ETA online (around $35) — it's valid for 30 days and lets you skip the visa-on-arrival queue.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), return or onward ticket, and first night accommodation address. Immigration may also ask for proof of funds — a credit card or cash is fine.
No, the visa on arrival is for tourism, business meetings, or transit only. You cannot work or study on this visa. For work, you need a separate work visa arranged before travel.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined $50 per day for the first 14 days, then $100 per day after that. In extreme cases, you could be detained and deported. Always extend or leave before your visa expires.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.