Sri Lanka entry requirements for Kenya 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
Kenyan passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. The online application is quick, and you'll receive approval before your flight. The ETA covers tourism, business, and transit stays.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You must get this online approval before you fly; without it you will be denied boarding. Apply online before travel | Kenyan citizens must obtain an ETA (e-visa) before departure. Apply at the official Sri Lanka ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/), pay the fee, and receive approval via email. The ETA is valid for a short stay (typically 30 days) and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before you travel. At least 6 months from arrival | Your Kenyan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the entry stamp; if your passport is full, get a new one. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no visa stickers or markings occupy the page where the immigration officer will stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou need to show you plan to leave Sri Lanka — a booked ticket is the usual proof. Proof of departure from Sri Lanka | Immigration may require evidence of a return or onward flight out of Sri Lanka before your ETA expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry cash or a card with available credit — it's not always checked, but it's safer to have it. For your stay | You may be asked to show you have enough money to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka. The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation, food, and transport. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsImmigration may ask where you're staying — having a booking makes entry smoother. Hotel booking or address | Have the name and address of where you will stay in Sri Lanka, such as a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from a host. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form before landing — just the usual arrival card. Not required | Sri Lanka does not require a separate arrival declaration for Kenyan citizens at this time. You will complete the standard immigration form on arrival. | Not required |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Kenyan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. You must have an approved ETA before you board your flight. Apply at least 3 days in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
Use the official ETA website only
The only official site is https://eta.gov.lk/. Third-party sites may charge extra fees or provide incorrect information. Always use the government portal.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email address. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card.
2
Receive your ETA by email
Approval is usually sent within 24–72 hours, but can be faster. Check your spam folder. Print a copy or save it on your phone — you'll show it at check-in and possibly at immigration.
3
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing in Colombo, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'E-Visa' counters. Have your passport, ETA approval, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport with your entry date and allowed stay.
4
Collect your bags and exit
Once stamped, proceed to baggage claim and customs. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel. You're free to start your trip.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya 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
Cost$40
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company
Residence Visa (Employment/Investment)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$200
Apply after arrival at Department of Immigration; requires local sponsorship
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 |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard TouristSingle entry, 30 days stay, valid 6 months from issue | $35 |
| ETA – Double Entry TouristTwo entries, 30 days total stay, valid 6 months | $40 |
| ETA – TransitValid 2 days, for transit only | $20 |
| Visa Extension (first 30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration, Colombo | $50 |
| Visa Extension (additional 30 days)Up to 90 days total stay possible | $50 |
| Late fee for overstayPayable at airport or immigration office | $25 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
Transit visa required
Kenyan passport holders need a transit ETA even for airside transit, unless they hold a valid visa for the onward destination and stay airside for less than 12 hours? Actually, Sri Lanka requires a transit ETA for all nationalities except visa-exempt countries. Kenyan citizens must obtain a transit ETA before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and staying airside for less than 12 hours? No, still need ETA. No exceptions for Kenyan citizens.
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., 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 = 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 for tourism is around $35–$50 USD, depending on the current rate. The exact amount is shown on the official ETA website (eta.gov.lk) when you apply. Pay with a credit or debit card.
Most applications are processed within 24–72 hours. It's best to apply at least 3 days before your flight. In urgent cases, there's a faster option on the website, but it costs more.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-apply for a new ETA. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Yes, you need an ETA even for transit. The transit ETA allows you to stay for up to 48 hours. Apply for the transit option on the ETA website if you're just passing through.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the airport in Colombo. There's no visa-on-arrival for Kenyan passport holders, so you must have the ETA approved before you fly.
No, the standard ETA is for a single entry. If you leave Sri Lanka and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new ETA.
The ETA is linked to your passport number. If you get a new passport, you'll need to re-apply with the new passport details. Don't travel with a different passport than the one used in your ETA application.
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.