Sri Lanka entry requirements for Japan 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
Japanese passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit. The ETA is an online application, and approval typically arrives within 24–48 hours. Apply at least a few days before your trip to avoid last-minute issues.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA / eVisaYou must get this online approval before you fly; it is not available on arrival. Apply online before travel | Japanese passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Apply at the official Sri Lanka ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/) at least a few days before travel. The ETA is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months from arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka. Ensure your passport meets this requirement before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is wise to have more than one blank page in case of additional stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and immigration may ask to see this before boarding or entry. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than Sri Lanka, proving you will leave before your ETA expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsHaving proof of funds helps avoid issues if asked by immigration. Sufficient for your stay | You should be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka. This is not always checked, but be prepared to show cash, credit cards, or bank statements. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Sri Lanka. The ETA serves as your entry authorization. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk it
While the ETA is usually approved within 24–48 hours, there have been occasional delays. Apply at least a week before your departure to avoid any last-minute issues.
ETA is not extendable
The 30-day tourist ETA cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer, you'll need to leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before you travel.
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 valid email address. The fee is around $35–$40 USD (payable online). Approval typically comes within 24–48 hours, but it can be faster.
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
At Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, follow the signs for 'Immigration' or 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, ETA approval, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day tourist entry.
4
Clear customs and collect your bags
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then exit through customs. There's usually a duty-free area — just walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business ETA
Max stay30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$40
Double entry; requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company
Residence Visa (for long-term work/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$150–$300
Must apply after arrival on ETA; requires supporting documents
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For foreigners aged 55+ with proof of pension or income of at least $1,500/month. Allows long-term stay without work. Apply at Department of Immigration.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and income of $2,000+/month. No local tax on foreign income. Apply online or at embassy.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD + investment
For investors putting at least $50,000 in a Sri Lankan business or real estate. Includes residency rights. Apply through Board of Investment.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and approval from the Department of Immigration. Employer sponsors.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard TouristValid for 30 days from arrival, double entry | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitValid for 2 days from arrival, single entry | $20 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – BusinessValid for 30 days from arrival, double entry | $40 |
| Visa extension (onshore)For first extension of 30 days; apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration | $50 |
| Visa extension (additional)For second extension of 30 days; total stay up to 90 days | $75 |
| Exit feeNo separate airport tax for most airlines | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Japanese citizens transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, you must obtain a Transit ETA (valid 2 days, $20).
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
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 AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-DiphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk year-round, especially in urban areas. Use repellent and nets.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common due to street food and untreated water. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwater or freshwater exposure. Avoid wading in floodwaters.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas (Colombo, Kandy, Galle). Moderate risk in rural areas of Northern and Eastern provinces. 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, photos, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 17, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central region. Less crowded than Colombo.
Practical information for JP 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
Yes, but it's an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), not a traditional visa. You apply online, pay a fee, and get approval via email. It's quick and straightforward.
The ETA allows a maximum stay of 30 days from the date of arrival. It is not extendable, so if you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type.
The fee is approximately $35–$40 USD, payable online at eta.gov.lk. The exact amount may vary slightly depending on the exchange rate and any processing fees.
Usually within 24–48 hours. In some cases, it can be approved in a few hours. It's best to apply at least 3–5 days before your flight to be safe.
Yes, there is an on-arrival ETA facility at Bandaranaike International Airport, but it's more expensive and involves waiting in line. It's cheaper and faster to apply online beforehand.
Rejections are rare for Japanese citizens, but if it happens, you'll receive an email explaining why. You can reapply or contact the Sri Lankan embassy for assistance. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have approval.
Only if you're arriving from a country with a yellow fever risk. Japan is not a risk country, so you won't need it for direct travel from Japan. If you're coming from elsewhere, check the requirements.
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.