Sri Lanka entry requirements for Iraq passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 27, 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
Iraqi passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka in 2026. You'll queue at the immigration counter at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and pay the fee in cash. Have all required documents ready to speed things up.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. Have $40–$60 USD in cash ready for the visa fee, plus a passport-sized photo. The process takes about 10–15 minutes at the counter before immigration.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Immigration officers check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | You need a confirmed onward or return ticket out of Sri Lanka. Immigration at Colombo airport checks this for every foreigner — no ticket means no entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have handy | Have a hotel booking or host invitation ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have handy | Carry at least $50 USD per day in cash or have a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to be prepared. | Recommended |
Cash Only at Visa Counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars or Sri Lankan rupees. No credit or debit cards are accepted. Bring enough cash to avoid issues.
Visa on Arrival Only at Colombo Airport
This facility is only available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). If you arrive by sea or at another airport, you must get a visa before traveling.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Colombo Airport
After landing at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival applicants.
2
Queue and Submit Documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on your phone), and accommodation proof. The officer will check your documents and may ask a few questions about your stay.
3
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the visa fee in cash. As of 2026, the fee is around $35–$50 USD for a 30-day visa. Only US dollars or Sri Lankan rupees are accepted — no credit cards at the counter.
4
Receive Your Visa Stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the visa. Check that the validity dates and number of days are correct before walking away.
5
Proceed to Baggage Claim and Customs
After getting your visa, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're officially in Sri Lanka.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Iraq Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 27, 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 date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR)
Apply online via ETA system or at embassy. Same as VoA but pre-approved.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. 30,000 LKR)
For frequent visitors. Must apply at Sri Lankan embassy abroad.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company. Apply at embassy.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. 60,000 LKR) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or $1,500/month income. Allows long-term stay but no work. Apply through Department of Immigration.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
$300 USD (approx. 90,000 LKR) per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and $2,000/month income. No local tax on foreign income. Apply online or at embassy.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 150,000 LKR) plus investment
For investors putting at least $50,000 into a Sri Lankan business or real estate. Requires Board of Investment approval.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. 60,000 LKR) per year
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Employer must sponsor and obtain approval from Department of Immigration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or LKR at arrival airport. Valid for 30 days, extendable. | $40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration before current visa expires. | $50 USD (approx. 15,000 LKR) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Payable at immigration office or airport departure. Avoid overstaying to prevent penalties. | $10 USD (approx. 3,000 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
Iraq passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, a visa on arrival is 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 airside.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher in urban areas and during rainy seasons. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure. Avoid wading in floodwaters.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas, but present in some rural parts of the dry zone (e.g., Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for short stays.
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 in cash.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 15, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visitors in central Sri Lanka. Same services as Colombo.
Practical information for IQ 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 visa on arrival fee is approximately $35–$50 USD for a 30-day single-entry visa. You must pay in cash — US dollars or Sri Lankan rupees. No credit cards are accepted at the counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling or leave and re-enter.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Sri Lankan immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Iraq is not a yellow fever country, so you likely don't need it. Check with your doctor if you've recently traveled elsewhere.
No, the visa on arrival is only available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. If you arrive by sea or at another airport, you must get a visa in advance.
You need your passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter). Have them ready on your phone or printed.
No, it's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Sri Lanka can be high, and insurance covers unexpected hospital stays or trip disruptions.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 27, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.