Sri Lanka entry requirements for Luxembourg passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Luxembourg passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. No need to apply before your trip — just show up at the airport with the right documents. As of 2026, the process takes about 15–30 minutes at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply for ETA before travel | Luxembourg passport holders get a 30-day visa on arrival at Colombo (CMB) and other entry points. Apply online for an ETA at eta.gov.lk before you fly — it costs $35 USD and takes under 10 minutes. Print the approval email or save the PDF on your phone.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Luxembourg passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your departure date from Sri Lanka. Airlines at Luxembourg (LUX) and connecting hubs check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-on-arrival entry | Immigration at Colombo (CMB) asks for a confirmed onward ticket before stamping your visa-on-arrival. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration officers sometimes ask for a hotel reservation or a host's address. Have a printed booking confirmation or a letter from your host ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash, card, or bank statement | You may need to show you have at least $50 USD per day for your stay. Carry a credit card and a recent bank statement or enough cash in USD. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding — if you're short, you won't be allowed to fly.
Cash is king at the visa counter
While credit cards are accepted, cash in USD or EUR is faster and avoids potential machine issues. Bring exact change if possible.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are before immigration. You'll see a separate queue for visa-on-arrival applicants.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll receive a small card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address. Keep it with your passport.
3
Present documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, arrival card, and return ticket (if asked). Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or EUR) or by credit card. The officer will take your photo and fingerprints.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker to a blank page in your passport. Check that the dates are correct before walking away.
5
Proceed to immigration
Now go to the regular immigration counters. Show your passport with the new visa sticker. You'll get an entry stamp and you're in.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Luxembourg Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. €32)
Standard option for most visitors.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$75 USD (approx. €69)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. €184) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires a local guarantor and health insurance. Allows multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. €92) per year
For remote workers with proof of income from abroad. Currently in pilot phase; check official sources for updates. Allows tax-free income.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. €460) application fee
For investors committing at least $50,000 USD in a Sri Lankan business or property. Includes residency rights for family.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$150 USD (approx. €138) per year
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan employer and approval from the Department of Immigration. Employer handles most paperwork.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable at airport immigration counter in USD or equivalent. | $35 USD (approx. €32) |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – recommended pre-arrivalApply online at eta.gov.lk before travel to save time. | $35 USD (approx. €32) |
| Tourist visa extension (30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure to avoid bans. | $5 USD per day (max $200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Luxembourg passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Sri Lanka may leave the airport during transit.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and sleep under nets.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne virus causing fever and joint pain; no vaccine available.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from freshwater exposure in rural areas; avoid swimming in floodwaters.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low 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 01000
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and overstay payments.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 15, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Convenient for travellers in the hill country.
Practical information for LU 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 visa on arrival typically allows a stay of 30 days. It can be extended once for an additional 60 days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. The extension fee is around $50 USD.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 60 days. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (address: 41 Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 3). The fee is about $50 USD, and processing takes 1–3 working days.
Visa on arrival is available at all international airports in Sri Lanka: Bandaranaike (Colombo), Mattala (Hambantota), and Jaffna. The process is the same at each.
Yes, most visa-on-arrival counters accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard). However, cash in USD or EUR is more reliable — card machines can occasionally be down.
A digital copy on your phone is fine. Immigration rarely asks for it, but if they do, showing the booking confirmation email or app screenshot works.
You will be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. There are no exceptions. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, Sri Lanka does not currently offer an e-Visa for Luxembourg citizens. The visa on arrival is the only option for tourism.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.