Sri Lanka entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Good news: as a Madagascar passport holder, you can get a visa on arrival when you land in Sri Lanka. This policy is in effect for 2026 and remains straightforward — just have your documents ready at the airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply for ETA before travel | Sri Lanka offers a visa on arrival for Madagascar passport holders, but you should apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before departure. Go to eta.gov.lk, fill in your details, and pay the fee — approval usually comes within minutes. Print the approval email or save it on your phone to show at immigration.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the duration of your stay in Sri Lanka. Airlines at departure may ask for 6 months validity, but immigration in Colombo only checks that it covers your visit. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Bandaranaike International Airport will ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they check this at the counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from a host in Sri Lanka help speed things up. Immigration rarely asks, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least $50 USD per day or a credit card statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely checks, but budget airlines may ask at check-in. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the visa counter
While some counters accept cards, it's safer to carry $40–$50 USD in cash. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need the visa first.
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration officers frequently ask for proof of onward travel. A screenshot on your phone is fine — just make sure it's easy to find.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are clearly marked before the main immigration queues. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll be given a small arrival card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your personal details, flight number, and address in Sri Lanka. Keep it with your passport.
3
Present documents at the visa counter
Hand over your passport, arrival card, and supporting documents. The officer will process your visa on arrival — this usually takes 5–10 minutes. There's a fee (around $35–$50 USD, payable in USD or LKR).
4
Proceed to immigration
After getting your visa stamp, go to the immigration officer for entry clearance. They'll check your passport and may ask about your stay. Answer briefly and honestly.
5
Collect luggage and exit
Once stamped, head to baggage claim, then customs. Keep your passport and visa stamp accessible — you'll need them again when leaving.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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. 11,000 LKR)
Same as VoA/ETA. Apply online or on arrival.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 15,500 LKR)
For frequent visitors. Apply at Sri Lankan embassy.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 12,500 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable at airport in USD or LKR. Valid for 30 days. | $35 USD (approx. 11,000 LKR) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)Optional pre-arrival online application. Same cost as VoA. | $35 USD (approx. 11,000 LKR) |
| Stay extension feeFor 30-day extension at Department of Immigration. Apply before visa expires. | $25 USD (approx. 7,500 LKR) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $100 USD. Pay at immigration office before departure. | $5 USD (approx. 1,500 LKR) per day |
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or leaving airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Australian visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
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 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 = 326.27 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 fee is typically around $35–$50 USD. You can pay in US dollars or Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR). Credit cards are sometimes accepted, but carry cash to be safe.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. The exact duration will be stamped in your passport at the airport.
No, you don't need to apply online. The visa on arrival is processed at the airport. However, you can also apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online if you prefer to have it sorted beforehand.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Sri Lankan immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
It's not mandatory for the visa itself, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Sri Lanka can be high, and insurance covers unexpected issues like illness or trip cancellation.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all international airports in Sri Lanka, including Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.