Sri Lanka entry requirements for Madagascar 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
You don't need to visit an embassy — Madagascar passport holders can get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Sri Lanka. It's a straightforward online application, and you'll have the document before you fly.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA / e-VisaYou need to get this online approval before you fly; it is not available on arrival for your passport. Apply online before travel | Madagascar 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 not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it is less than 6 months away, renew it before you travel. At least 6 months from arrival | Your Madagascar passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure you have a completely blank page — not just a margin — for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for the entry stamp upon arrival in Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight booking; have it ready in print or on your phone. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket to prove you will leave Sri Lanka before your ETA expires. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsNot always checked, but it is safer to carry evidence of funds to avoid any questions at immigration. For your stay | You should be able to demonstrate that you have enough money (in cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsImmigration may ask where you are staying; having the address handy speeds things up. Hotel booking or host address | Have your hotel reservation or the address of where you will stay in Sri Lanka ready to present if asked. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Madagascar passport holders entering Sri Lanka. | Not required |
Apply early — don't rely on last minute
While the ETA is usually quick, processing can take up to 3 days. Apply at least a week before your flight. Also, only use the official website (https://eta.gov.lk/) to avoid scams and inflated fees.
Your ETA is not extendable
If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible deportation. Plan your trip to fit within the 30-day limit.
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 (credit/debit card). The process takes about 10–15 minutes.
2
Receive your ETA approval
Most ETAs are approved within 24–48 hours, but it can take up to 3 days. You'll get an email with your ETA approval. Print it 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 ETA approval and passport 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' or 'Arrivals'. Present your passport, ETA (if asked), and any supporting documents. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry permit.
5
Collect your bags and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. You're in Sri Lanka — enjoy your trip!
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$50
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company; apply at Sri Lankan embassy or online.
Residence Visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$150
For employment, study, or long-term stay; requires sponsorship and police clearance.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Resident Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 62,000 LKR) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires local bank deposit of $50,000. Allows multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 93,000 LKR) per year
For remote workers with proof of income ($2,000+/month). No local tax on foreign income. Simple application process.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 155,000 LKR) per year
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Employer sponsors the visa. Includes residence permit.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
3 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 310,000 LKR) initial fee
For investors with minimum $100,000 in local business or real estate. Fast-track processing. Includes family.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Single EntryValid for 30 days from arrival; double entry available for $40. | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Double EntryAllows two entries within 30 days. | $40 |
| Visa Extension (per month)Extendable up to 6 months total stay; apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $25 |
| Late Extension PenaltyIf applied after visa expiry; additional fines may apply. | $25 |
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
No transit visa needed
Airside transit up to 24 hours is visa-free for all nationalities at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers leaving the airport transit area must obtain an ETA.
- Passengers with onward tickets and no checked luggage may stay airside without a visa.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa). Madagascar is not endemic, but transit through endemic areas may require certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-DiphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in northern and eastern regions.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure; avoid wading in stagnant water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas (Colombo, Kandy, Galle). Prophylaxis recommended only for rural areas 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 extensions. Bring passport, visa, photos, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 20, William Gopallawa Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visitors in central Sri Lanka. Same procedures as Colombo.
Practical information for MG 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
Most applications are approved within 24–48 hours, but it can take up to 3 days. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid stress. The official site is https://eta.gov.lk/.
The official ETA fee for Madagascar passport holders is around $35–$40 USD, depending on the category. Pay only on the official government website — third-party sites may charge extra.
No. The ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Sri Lanka and re-apply for a new ETA, or check with the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo for other visa options.
A digital copy on your phone is usually fine, but it's safer to print it. Some airlines and immigration officers prefer a physical copy. Keep both handy.
Rejections are rare, but if it happens, you'll receive an email. You can reapply or contact the Sri Lanka ETA support. Don't book non-refundable flights until your ETA is approved.
No. The ETA is single-entry. If you leave Sri Lanka, you'll need a new ETA to re-enter.
No. You must have an approved ETA before you arrive. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Madagascar citizens.
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.