Sri Lanka entry requirements for Lebanon 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
Lebanese passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka for tourism. It's a straightforward online application — you'll have the approval before you fly. The ETA is valid for 30 days from arrival and can't be extended.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA / eVisaYou must get this online approval before you fly — it is not available on arrival for your passport. Apply online before travel | Lebanese passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) 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 single entry and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry — if it is less than 6 months away, renew it before booking. At least 6 months | Your 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 you in. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa/stamp page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and immigration may ask to see this before boarding or on arrival. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country you are eligible to enter, with a departure date within the validity of your ETA. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but have evidence ready in case an officer asks. Sufficient for stay | You should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your stay in Sri Lanka. There is no fixed minimum, but it must be credible for your planned duration. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the standard immigration card. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Sri Lanka for Lebanese passport holders. | Not required |
Don't skip the ETA — it's mandatory
Lebanese passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. You must have the ETA approved before you board your flight. Airlines check this at check-in, and without it, you won't be allowed to fly.
Apply early, not at the last minute
While the ETA is usually processed within 24 hours, it can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least a week before your trip to avoid any stress or delays.
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 address. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card. Approval is usually emailed within 24-72 hours.
2
Check your approval email
Once approved, you'll get an email with your ETA confirmation. Print it or save it on your phone — you'll need to 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 confirmation, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry permit.
4
Collect your bags and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel. You're in!
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Lebanon 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 from issue
Cost$40
Allows business activities, double entry
Residence Visa (for long-term work/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$100–$200
Requires sponsorship and approval from Department of Immigration and Emigration
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 (min. $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD 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.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee + investment
For investors putting at least $50,000 USD into a Sri Lankan business or real estate. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and approval from the Department of Immigration. Employer usually sponsors.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard VisitorValid for 30 days from arrival, double entry | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitValid for 2 days, single entry | $20 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – BusinessValid for 30 days, double entry | $40 |
| Visa extension (onshore)For first extension of 30 days; additional extensions cost more | $25 |
| Late extension feeIf applied after visa expiry | $15 |
| Exit fee (if overstay)Charged per month of overstay, payable at airport | $50 |
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
All transit passengers must obtain a Transit ETA before arrival, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Crew members with valid airline ID
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher in urban areas and during rainy seasons. 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 from floodwater or freshwater exposure. Avoid wading in floodwaters.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas, but prophylaxis is recommended for travel to rural areas in the 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 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 15, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Convenient for travellers in central Sri Lanka. Same services as Colombo.
Practical information for LB 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The standard tourist ETA fee is around $35 USD (subject to change). You pay online with a credit or debit card when you apply. Check the official site eta.gov.lk for the current fee.
Usually within 24 hours, but it can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least 3 business days before your flight to be safe. If it's urgent, you can pay a higher fee for faster processing (often same-day).
No. The ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave the country and re-apply for a new ETA, or check with the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo for other visa options before you travel.
A digital copy on your phone is generally accepted, but it's wise to print a paper copy as a backup. Airlines sometimes ask to see it at check-in, and having it printed avoids any phone issues.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline. There's no visa-on-arrival for Lebanese passport holders at Sri Lankan airports. You must have the ETA approved before you fly.
No. The standard tourist ETA is for a single entry. If you leave Sri Lanka and want to come back, you'll need to apply for a new ETA.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it expires during your stay, you'll have problems leaving. Make sure it's valid well beyond your departure date.
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.