Sri Lanka entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 23, 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
Kenyan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka in 2026. Just land at Colombo airport with the right documents and cash, and you'll be stamped in at the counter before immigration.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Colombo airport | Kenyan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. The fee is $40 USD for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Have the exact cash ready — the counter does not always have change.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity 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 Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Colombo airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or the booking on your phone ready — they will check the date matches your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Sri Lanka. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds At least $50 USD per day | Have cash or a bank statement showing at least $50 USD per day of your stay. Immigration rarely asks for it, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your expenses. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward — but have cash ready
The visa-on-arrival counter at Colombo airport accepts USD and Sri Lankan Rupees. Cards are not always accepted. Bring $35–$50 in cash to avoid delays.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Sri Lanka requires 6 months of passport validity from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after deplaning. The counter is before immigration. Join the queue and have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a short form on arrival. Fill in your details, passport info, and address in Sri Lanka. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay at the counter in USD or LKR. Exact change helps. The fee is typically $35–$50. Keep the receipt.
4
Get your visa sticker and proceed to immigration
The officer will stamp your passport with a visa-on-arrival sticker. Then head to the immigration queue for entry clearance.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. You're in Sri Lanka.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 23, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. 4,500 LKR)
Apply online via ETA system. Allows single entry.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 60 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 5,200 LKR)
For frequent travellers. Must leave and re-enter to activate new stay.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 5,200 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company. Single entry.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 26,000 LKR) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (min. $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay but no work. Requires annual renewal.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 39,000 LKR) per year
For remote workers with proof of income (min. $2,000/month). Allows stay and work for foreign employers. Not yet fully implemented; check official sources.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Resident Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD (approx. 65,000 LKR) per year
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Department of Immigration. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Sri Lanka Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 1 year, renewable)
~$100 USD (approx. 13,000 LKR) per year
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable at airport in USD or LKR. Valid for 30 days from arrival. | $35 USD (approx. 4,500 LKR) |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration. Max 2 extensions (total 90 days). | $25 USD (approx. 3,200 LKR) per extension |
| Overstay fine (per day)Capped at $50 USD (approx. 6,500 LKR) for overstays up to 10 days; longer overstays may incur higher penalties. | $5 USD (approx. 650 LKR) per day |
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
Kenya passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or leaving airport, 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 · Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), Hambantota
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Kenya). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-DiphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk year-round, especially in urban areas. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk after flooding or in rural areas. Avoid contact with floodwater.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas (Colombo, Kandy, Galle). 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 visa extensions. Bring passport, visa, photos, and extension fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office - Kandy
No. 10, Peradeniya Road, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visitors in central Sri Lanka. Same process as Colombo.
Practical information for KE 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
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 typically allows a stay of 30 days. It is extendable for an additional 60 days by visiting the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. The extension fee is around $50.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 60 more days. Go to the Department of Immigration and Emigration at 41 Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 3. Bring your passport, visa, and a passport photo. The fee is about $50.
Immigration may deny entry if you can't show a confirmed onward ticket. Book a refundable or cheap onward ticket just in case. Airlines sometimes check this before boarding too.
If you stay airside and don't pass immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need a visa on arrival or an ETA. Check with your airline for transit rules.
Yes, you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before travel. It costs about $35 and is processed within 24 hours. This lets you skip the visa-on-arrival queue. Apply at eta.gov.lk.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Sri Lankan immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
It's available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and the main seaports. Land borders may have different rules. Check with the nearest Sri Lankan embassy if you're entering by land.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 23, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.