Sri Lanka entry requirements for Mongolia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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

Mongolian passport holders can get a visa on arrival when landing in Sri Lanka. No need to apply before your trip — just show up at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo with the right documents. As of 2026, the process is straightforward.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
Your passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Sri Lanka
Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Without one, you may be refused entry or asked to buy a ticket on the spot at the airport.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have a printed or digital hotel reservation for your first few nights. Immigration may ask where you are staying, and a booking shows you have a plan.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can cover your stay
Carry at least $50 USD per day in cash or have a credit card with available balance. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you are not working illegally.Recommended
Visa on arrival only at Colombo airport
If you're arriving by land from India or at any other airport, you must apply for an ETA online before travel. The visa on arrival is strictly for Bandaranaike International Airport.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity at check-in. If it's under 6 months from your entry date, you won't be allowed to board. Double-check before you leave.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main immigration booths. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll receive a small 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 any supporting documents. The officer will process your visa on arrival — no payment is required at the counter for Mongolian passport holders.
4
Get your passport stamped
Once approved, the officer stamps your passport with the visa. Check the stamp says 'Visa on Arrival' and note the validity period (usually 30 days). Then proceed to baggage claim.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Mongolia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 6 months
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. 11,000 LKR)

Standard visa-on-arrival. Extensions available at immigration offices.

Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$50 USD (approx. 15,000 LKR)

Allows multiple entries. Apply at Sri Lankan embassy or online ETA.

Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity3 months
Cost$40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR)

Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company. Apply at embassy.

Resident Visa (Long Stay)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. 60,000 LKR)

For retirees, investors, or long-term visitors. Requires proof of funds and local sponsor.

retirement visa
Sri Lanka Resident Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. 60,000 LKR) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds of at least $1,500/month. Allows long-term stay without work. Requires local sponsor or bank deposit.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 30,000 LKR) per year
For remote workers with proof of income of $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 (approx. 150,000 LKR) initial fee
For investors with minimum $50,000 USD investment in approved sectors. Includes family. Requires business plan and local partner.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 30,000 LKR) per year
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Department of Immigration.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable at airport in USD or LKR. Valid for 30 days.$35 USD (approx. 11,000 LKR)
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) - pre-arrivalOptional but recommended to avoid queues. Apply online at eta.gov.lk.$35 USD (approx. 11,000 LKR)
Stay extension (per month)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration. Max extension up to 6 months total stay.$50 USD (approx. 15,000 LKR)
Overstay fine (per day)Payable at airport or immigration office. Overstay beyond 30 days may incur additional penalties.$10 USD (approx. 3,000 LKR) per day, max $200 USD

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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

Mongolian 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 Canadian 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 or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk

Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.

Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk

Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.

LeptospirosisLow risk

Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure; rare in tourists.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas (Colombo, Kandy, coastal regions). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel in dry zone.

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 - Head Office
41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 10
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30

Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, visa, photos, and fee.

Kandy
Regional Immigration Office - Kandy
No. 20, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30

For visitors in central Sri Lanka. Same services as Colombo.

Practical information for MN 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 = 327.38 LKR
updated May 29
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
Police119
Medical110
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. You can extend it once for up to 60 more days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. The extension costs around 10,000 LKR (about $30 USD).
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 60 additional days. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration at 41 Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 3. Bring your passport, visa stamp, and the fee (around 10,000 LKR). Processing takes 1–3 working days.
No, Mongolian passport holders do not pay a fee for the visa on arrival at the airport. It's free of charge.
Visa on arrival is only available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. If you arrive by land from India (e.g., at the Mannar border), you must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before travel. The ETA costs $20 USD and is processed within 24 hours.
No, immigration does not require proof of funds for Mongolian passport holders on arrival. However, having a credit card or some cash (USD or LKR) is practical for your trip.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions.
No, the visa on arrival is single-entry. If you leave Sri Lanka and want to return, you'll need a new visa on arrival (or an ETA if re-entering by land).

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.