Sri Lanka entry requirements for Israel 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
Israeli passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka for tourism or business. You can apply online before you fly, and it's a straightforward process that usually takes a couple of days.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You need to apply and pay for this online before you fly. evisa | Israeli citizens must obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before departure. Apply online at the official Sri Lanka ETA website: https://eta.gov.lk/. The ETA is valid for 30 days from arrival and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of leaving Sri Lanka. 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there is an empty page for the immigration officer to stamp. 1 page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight booking. proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Sri Lanka within the ETA validity period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry proof that you can support yourself during your visit. sufficient means | You should be able to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as cash, credit cards, or bank statements. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the standard immigration card. not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Israeli citizens entering Sri Lanka. | Not required |
Don't use third-party ETA sites
Only use the official Sri Lanka ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/). Third-party sites often charge inflated fees and may not process your application correctly.
ETA is not extendable
If you think you might stay longer than 30 days, plan ahead. The ETA cannot be extended, and overstaying can lead to fines or even detention. You'd need to exit and re-enter for a fresh ETA.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, flight info, and a way to pay (credit/debit card). The standard processing takes about 24-48 hours, but you can pay extra for faster service.
2
Receive your ETA approval
You'll get an email with your ETA approval. Print it out 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, head to the immigration counters. Have your passport, ETA approval, and boarding pass ready. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Enjoy your stay
Your ETA allows a stay of up to 30 days. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to apply for an extension through the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo — but note that the ETA itself is not extendable, so you'd need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (ETA)
Max stay30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$40
For business activities, not extendable beyond 30 days without special approval.
Residence visa (long-stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200 (approx.)
Requires local sponsor and approval from Department of Immigration and Emigration.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD / year
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds of at least $1,500/month. Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD
For remote workers with proof of income $2,000+/month. Not yet fully implemented; check official sources.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD + investment
Requires investment of at least $50,000 in a Sri Lankan business or property. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from 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 (onshore)Extension up to 6 months, apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $50 (approx.) |
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
Transit visa required
Israeli citizens transiting through Sri Lanka require a Transit ETA, even if staying airside, unless they hold a valid visa for Sri Lanka or are exempt (e.g., diplomatic).
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and staying airside for less than 12 hours may be allowed without ETA at the discretion of immigration – but ETA is strongly recommended.
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-pertussisRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; avoid tap water and street food to reduce risk.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure; wear protective footwear.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk 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, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 35, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Convenient for travellers in central Sri Lanka.
Practical information for IL 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, but it can vary. The official site (eta.gov.lk) will show the exact fee in USD. There's also an option for faster processing at a higher cost.
Standard processing is 24–48 hours. If you're in a rush, you can pay extra for express service, which can be as quick as a few hours. Always apply at least 2 days before your flight to be safe.
The ETA itself is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave Sri Lanka and re-enter (getting a new ETA) or apply for a different visa type at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Overstaying can result in fines.
It's not strictly required, but it's highly recommended. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration. Having a printed copy avoids any issues if your phone dies or the network is down.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. Sri Lanka doesn't offer visa-on-arrival for Israeli passport holders at the airport. You must have the ETA approved before you travel.
No, the standard ETA is for a single entry. If you leave Sri Lanka (e.g., for a day trip to the Maldives), you'll need to apply for a new ETA to re-enter.
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from your arrival date. If it expires during your stay, you'll need to renew it at your embassy and then get your visa transferred. It's a hassle, so make sure your passport is valid well beyond your trip.
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.