Sri Lanka entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. It's valid for 30 days and costs $35 USD. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Sri Lanka immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at Colombo airport (Bandaranaike International) | South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Colombo airport. Pay the fee in USD (around $35–$50 depending on duration) — have exact cash ready. The queue can take 30–60 minutes; fill in the arrival card on the plane to speed things up.Check visa details | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Sri Lanka immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. If you don't have one, you may be refused boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. Have a printed confirmation or a digital copy on your phone. If staying with friends, carry their contact details and address. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Officers can request proof you can support yourself during your stay. Carry at least $500 USD equivalent in cash or a recent bank statement showing available funds. Credit cards are widely accepted in Colombo but cash is king in rural areas. | Recommended |
Cash Only for Visa on Arrival
The visa on arrival counter only accepts cash — USD or Sri Lankan Rupees. Credit cards are not accepted. Have $35 USD in exact change ready to avoid delays.
ETA Option Available
You can apply for an ETA online before travel. It costs the same ($35 USD) and is processed within 24 hours. This lets you skip the visa on arrival queue at the airport. Apply at eta.gov.lk.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before immigration. There are separate queues for ETA holders and visa on arrival applicants.
2
Fill Out the Application Form
Grab a visa application form at the counter. Fill it out with your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the Fee and Get Your Visa
Hand over your passport, completed form, and $35 USD. The officer will process payment, stamp your passport, and hand it back. This usually takes 5-10 minutes.
4
Proceed to Immigration
With your visa stamp, join the immigration queue. Present your passport and boarding pass. You may be asked about your return ticket or accommodation. Answer confidently.
5
Collect Luggage and Exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel, then head to customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare. Welcome to Sri Lanka.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 6 months
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. 6,500 LKR)
Standard option for tourism; can be extended in-country.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 7,500 LKR)
Ideal for travellers making multiple trips within 6 months.
Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 7,500 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
Residence visa (long-stay, 1 year)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$200 USD (approx. 38,000 LKR) per year
For retirees, investors, or long-term visitors; requires proof of funds.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Residence Visa for Retirees
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. 38,000 LKR) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (min. $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 19,000 LKR) per year
For remote workers with proof of income (min. $2,000/month). Allows stay and work for foreign employers. Currently in pilot phase.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 95,000 LKR) per year
For investors who invest at least $50,000 in a Sri Lankan business or property. Includes family members.
student visa
Sri Lanka Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 1 year renewable
$50 USD (approx. 9,500 LKR) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Sri Lankan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or LKR at the airport upon arrival. | $35 USD (approx. 6,500 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Can be applied online via ETA system before travel. | $35 USD (approx. 6,500 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $40 USD (approx. 7,500 LKR) |
| Stay extension (per month, up to 6 months)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $50 USD (approx. 9,500 LKR) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of $500 USD (approx. 95,000 LKR). | $10 USD (approx. 1,900 LKR) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
South Korea passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from freshwater exposure in rural areas; avoid swimming in floodwaters.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel in dry zone (e.g., Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa).
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 08:30–16:15
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, photos, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 15, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:15
Handles extensions and visa queries for central Sri Lanka.
Practical information for KR 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 = 324.61 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
No, visa on arrival is only available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. If you arrive by land or sea, you must apply for an ETA online before travel.
The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days from the date of entry. It is a single-entry visa. If you leave Sri Lanka, you'll need a new visa to re-enter.
Yes, you can extend your visa once for an additional 30 days. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. The extension fee is about $50 USD. You must apply before your current visa expires.
The visa counter only accepts cash (USD or Sri Lankan Rupees). There are ATMs after immigration, but it's easier to bring USD. Exchange desks are available before immigration but rates may be poor.
Yes, immigration still requires proof of onward travel. A return ticket or a ticket to another country is mandatory. A letter from family won't substitute.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or denied entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travel. No exceptions.
Yes, South Korean passport holders can apply for an ETA online before travel. It costs $35 USD and is processed within 24 hours. This lets you skip the visa on arrival queue. The ETA is valid for 30 days.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.