Sri Lanka entry requirements for Latvia 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
Latvian citizens can travel to Sri Lanka without a traditional visa, but you must get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you fly. The ETA is a straightforward online application, and you'll need to show it at border control when you arrive.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA / eVisaYou need to get this online approval before you fly — it's not available on arrival for Latvian passport holders. Apply online before travel | Latvian citizens 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 by email. The ETA is valid for 30 days from arrival and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry — if it's too close, you'll be turned away. At least 6 months | Your Latvian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's a clean page for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your exit ticket — have it ready. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Sri Lanka within the ETA validity period. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsIt's not always checked, but having proof avoids problems at the border. For your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Sri Lanka (e.g., cash, credit card, bank statement). | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra form before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Latvia passport holders entering Sri Lanka. | Not required |
Apply for ETA early — don't risk it
The ETA is mandatory and processing can take up to 72 hours. If you arrive without one, you may be turned away or face delays and extra fees at the airport. Apply at least 3 days before departure.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines check this before boarding, so even if you get an ETA, a short-validity passport will stop you at check-in.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email address. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Receive ETA approval
Approval is usually sent to your email within 24-72 hours. Print a copy or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at immigration.
3
Check in for your flight
At the airport, the airline will verify your ETA before issuing a boarding pass. Have your passport and ETA confirmation ready.
4
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing in Colombo, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'. Present your passport and ETA (printed or digital) to the officer. You'll get a 30-day entry stamp.
5
Collect baggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim and then customs. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Residence Visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$200
Requires local sponsor, apply at Department of Immigration
Business Visa (long stay)
Max stayUp to 6 months
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD (approx. €275) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no local employment.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €183) per year
For remote workers with foreign income. Requires proof of employment and minimum income of $2,000/month. Not yet fully implemented.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €458) plus investment
For investors putting at least $50,000 into a local business or real estate. Requires business plan and approval from Board of Investment.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €183) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard VisitorValid for 30 days from arrival, double entry | $50 |
| ETA – TransitValid for 2 days, single entry | $25 |
| ETA – BusinessValid for 30 days, double entry | $50 |
| Visa extension (onshore)For stays up to 6 months, apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration | $50 |
| Late extension feeIf applied after visa expiry | $25 |
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
Latvian citizens transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a standard ETA is required.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher in urban areas and during rainy seasons.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks occur.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from freshwater exposure in rural areas.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel in 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 10
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, ETA, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 15, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central region visitors.
Practical information for LV 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
No traditional visa, but you must get an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before you fly. It's a simple form on https://eta.gov.lk/ and takes a few minutes to fill out.
The ETA allows a stay of up to 30 days from the date of arrival. It's not extendable, so if you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type.
The fee is around $35–$40 USD (approximately 10,000–12,000 LKR), payable online by credit or debit card. The exact amount is shown on the official ETA website when you apply.
Usually 24–72 hours. It's best to apply at least 3 days before your flight. In urgent cases, you can try the emergency counter at the airport, but it's not guaranteed and may cost more.
Technically, there's an on-arrival facility at Bandaranaike International Airport, but it's not reliable and may involve long queues or extra fees. Always get the ETA online beforehand to avoid problems.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline and entry by Sri Lankan immigration. Renew your passport before you travel — no exceptions.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. For Latvian citizens flying directly from Europe, it's not required. Check the latest health advice before you go.
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.