Sri Lanka entry requirements for Cambodia 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
Cambodian passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. You can apply online before you fly — it's quick and straightforward. The ETA is valid for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)You must get this online approval before you fly; without it you will be denied boarding. Visa required | Cambodian passport holders must obtain an approved ETA (e-visa) before traveling to Sri Lanka. Apply online at the official ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/), pay the fee, and receive approval via email. The ETA is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's too close, renew it before applying for the ETA. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe stamp needs a clean page — make sure there's a blank one left. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the immigration entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your exit flight booking — have it ready. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Sri Lanka within the authorized stay period (30 days). | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsIt's not always checked, but having proof of money helps avoid questions at the border. Financial means | You should be able to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your stay in Sri Lanka. The exact amount is not fixed but should be enough for accommodation, food, and expenses. | 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 Cambodia passport holders entering Sri Lanka. | Not required |
Apply only on the official site
There are many third-party sites that charge inflated fees. Use only https://eta.gov.lk/ — it's the official Sri Lankan government portal.
ETA is not extendable
If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible trouble at immigration. Plan your trip within the 30-day limit.
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, travel dates, and a valid email. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Most ETAs are approved within 24 hours, but apply at least 3-5 days before your flight to be safe. You'll receive an email with your ETA approval — print it or save it on your phone.
3
Check in and fly
At the airport, show your passport and ETA approval at check-in. The airline will verify you have the ETA before issuing your boarding pass.
4
Arrive in Sri Lanka
At Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport and ETA approval. The officer will stamp your passport — that's your entry clearance.
5
Enjoy your stay
Your ETA typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. Keep your passport safe — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Cambodia 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
Single entry, can be extended for 30 days at the Department of Immigration
Residence visa (long-stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$150
Requires local sponsor and approval from Department of Immigration; apply after arrival
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,500/month). Requires local sponsorship and health insurance.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For remote workers earning foreign income (min. $2,000/month). No local tax on foreign income. Requires proof of employment and health insurance.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD initial fee
For investors putting at least $50,000 into a Sri Lankan business or property. Requires business plan and local partner.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit approval.
student visa
Sri Lanka Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD per year
For enrolled students at recognized Sri Lankan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard TouristSingle entry, 30 days stay, valid 6 months from issue | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitValid for 2 days from arrival, for transit only | $20 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – BusinessSingle entry, 30 days stay, valid 6 months from issue | $40 |
| Visa extension (tourist)Extendable by 30 days, apply at Department of Immigration in Colombo | $50 |
| Visa extension (business)Extendable by 30 days, apply at Department of Immigration in Colombo | $100 |
| On-arrival visa (if no ETA)Available at Bandaranaike International Airport, but ETA is strongly recommended | $40 |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel 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
Cambodian passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka require a Transit ETA unless they remain airside and do not pass immigration. The Transit ETA costs $20 and allows a maximum stay of 2 days.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no checked luggage may stay airside without an ETA for up to 24 hours
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB) · Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI)
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission 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 and rural areas during rainy seasons (May–October).
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwater or freshwater exposure; avoid wading in stagnant water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas (Colombo, Kandy, coastal regions). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended, but consider for rural areas in the dry zone (e.g., Anuradhapura).
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 01000
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 20, William Gopallawa Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central region visitors.
Practical information for KH 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
Usually within 24 hours, but it can take up to 3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid stress.
The official fee is around $35 USD for a standard tourist ETA, but check the exact amount on the official site — it can change. Pay only on eta.gov.lk to avoid scams.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-apply, or check with the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo for special cases.
Yes, you still need an ETA, even for transit. The transit ETA is usually cheaper, but you must apply before you arrive.
You'll likely be refused entry and put on the next flight back. There's no visa-on-arrival for Cambodian citizens, so don't risk it.
No, the ETA must be approved before you fly. The airline won't let you board without it.
The standard tourist ETA is single-entry. If you leave Sri Lanka and come back, you'll need a new ETA.
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.