Sri Lanka entry requirements for South Korea 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
South Korean passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. It's a straightforward online application, and you'll get the approval before you fly. Here's exactly what you need to know.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA / eVisaYou must get this online approval before flying to Sri Lanka. Apply online before travel | South Korean passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Apply at the official Sri Lanka ETA website: https://eta.gov.lk/. The ETA is valid for 30 days from arrival and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your return date. At least 6 months | Your South Korean passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Sri Lanka. | 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 one blank visa page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have more than one blank page for safety. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight booking. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than Sri Lanka, with a departure date within your ETA validity period. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry cash or a card to show you can support yourself if asked. For your stay | You should be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka. The exact amount is not fixed, but a reasonable daily budget is expected. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form. Not required | Sri Lanka does not require a separate arrival declaration form for South Korean passport holders at this time. | Not required |
Use the official ETA website only
There are many third-party sites that look official but charge inflated fees. The only official site is https://eta.gov.lk/. Bookmark it and use it directly.
ETA is not extendable
If you overstay your 30-day ETA, you'll face fines (around $25 per day) and possible deportation. Plan your trip accordingly.
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 way to pay the fee (credit/debit card). The process takes about 10 minutes.
2
Receive your ETA approval
Most applications are approved within 24 hours. You'll get an email with your ETA approval. Print a copy or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in.
3
Check in and fly
At the airport, show your passport and ETA approval at check-in. The airline will verify your ETA before issuing your boarding pass.
4
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, ETA approval, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport — that's it.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea 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
Double entry, requires business invitation
Residence visa (long stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $150–$300)
Requires local sponsor and approval from Department of Immigration and Emigration
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 |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard VisitorValid for 30 days from arrival, double entry | $35 |
| ETA – TransitValid for 2 days, single entry | $20 |
| ETA – BusinessValid for 30 days, double entry | $40 |
| Visa extension (onshore)For stays beyond 30 days, up to 90 days total | $50 |
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
Transit visa required
South Korean passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (e.g., at Bandaranaike International Airport) need an ETA even if staying airside, unless they are in the same terminal and do not pass immigration. A Transit ETA is available for $20.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no checked luggage may still need ETA – check with airline
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.
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 = 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 is around $35–$40 USD. The official site (eta.gov.lk) charges in USD. Be careful of third-party sites that add hefty service fees — use the official portal.
Most ETAs are approved within 24 hours. In practice, many are approved in a few hours. Apply at least 2–3 days before your flight to be safe, especially during peak travel seasons.
No. The ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-apply for a new ETA. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Rejections are rare for South Korean passport holders. If it happens, you can re-apply or contact the Sri Lankan embassy. Don't book non-refundable flights until your ETA is approved.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. South Korea is not a risk country, so you won't need it for direct travel. Check if you're transiting through a risk country.
Technically, Sri Lanka offers a visa-on-arrival facility, but it's not guaranteed and can involve long queues. The online ETA is the recommended and official route. Don't risk it — apply online.
The ETA allows a stay of up to 30 days for tourism. If you plan to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before arrival.
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.