Sri Lanka entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Nigerian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Sri Lanka. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Nigerian citizens, so you'll need to apply at a Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in advance. Start the process early to avoid travel disruptions.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lankan visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you need to apply at an embassy or consulate before you fly. Visa required for Nigerian citizens | You must obtain a visa before traveling to Sri Lanka. Nigerian citizens are not eligible for the Sri Lankan eVisa, so you must apply through a Sri Lankan embassy or consulate. Submit your application well in advance of your travel date. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Sri Lanka. Check your passport's expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no stamps or markings are on the page where the visa or entry stamp will be placed. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketA ticket out of Sri Lanka proves you intend to leave before your visa expires. Proof of departure from Sri Lanka | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing your departure from Sri Lanka within the allowed stay period. Immigration may ask to see this at check-in or upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsHaving proof of funds helps show you can support yourself while in the country. For your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka. This could include cash, credit cards, or bank statements. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsImmigration may want to know where you will be staying. Hotel booking or invitation | Carry details of your accommodation in Sri Lanka, such as a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. This may be requested by immigration. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateWithout this certificate, you may be refused entry or subject to vaccination on arrival. Required for travelers from Nigeria | Because Nigeria is a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Sri Lanka. Carry the original certificate with you. | Required |
| Travel insuranceInsurance protects you financially if you get sick or have travel disruptions. Recommended for medical and trip coverage | Although not mandatory, travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen events during your stay in Sri Lanka. | Recommended |
No eVisa or visa on arrival for Nigerians
Despite Sri Lanka offering eVisa and visa-on-arrival for many nationalities, Nigerian passport holders are NOT eligible. Do not fall for online scams claiming to offer eVisa services — the only legal route is through a Sri Lankan embassy or consulate.
Apply well in advance
Embassy processing can be slow, and you'll need to coordinate document submission. Start your visa application at least 4–6 weeks before your planned travel date to account for any delays.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Sri Lankan diplomatic mission — in Nigeria, that's the Sri Lankan High Commission in Abuja. Call or email them to confirm the exact visa application process, fees, and whether you need to apply in person or can mail your documents.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, bank statements, and yellow fever certificate. Make photocopies of everything — the embassy will likely keep copies and return your originals.
3
Submit your application and pay the fee
Submit your completed application to the embassy/consulate. Pay the visa fee — this varies but expect around $30–$50 USD (in local currency equivalent). Get a receipt as proof of payment.
4
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but can take longer if the embassy needs to verify documents. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
5
Collect your visa and check the details
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker or stamp in your passport. Check that your name, passport number, and validity dates are correct. If anything's wrong, tell the embassy immediately.
6
Arrive in Sri Lanka and go through immigration
At Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Present your passport with the visa, your yellow fever certificate (if applicable), and your return ticket. Immigration officers may ask about your stay — answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp allowing you to stay for the duration of your visa (typically 30 days).
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business Visa (ETA)
Max stay30 days
Validity6 months from date of issue
Cost$40
For business-related visits; requires invitation letter and supporting documents.
Residence Visa (Long Stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
CostVaries (approx. $150–$300)
For employment, study, or long-term residency; apply after arrival with proper sponsorship.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 72,000 LKR) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires annual renewal and proof of income.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 108,000 LKR) per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and income. Allows stay up to 1 year with no local tax liability.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 180,000 LKR) plus investment
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in Sri Lanka. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Single EntryRequired for Nigerian passport holders; apply online before travel. | $35 |
| Tourist ETA – Double EntryAllows two entries within validity period. | $40 |
| Tourist ETA – Multiple EntryAllows multiple entries within validity period. | $50 |
| Visa Extension (per month)Available from Department of Immigration and Emigration; max 6 months total stay. | $25 |
| Exit FeeNo separate airport tax for most international departures. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Transit visa required
Nigerian passport holders require a transit visa even for airside transit through Sri Lankan airports. Apply for a Transit ETA before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no intention of leaving the transit area may still need a transit visa – check with airline.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas; use repellent and nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
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.
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.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 20, William Gopallawa Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central region visitors.
Practical information for NG 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. Nigerian citizens are not eligible for visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. You must obtain a visa from a Sri Lankan embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. The Sri Lankan eVisa system does not include Nigeria. You cannot apply online — you must go through the embassy or consulate process.
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but it can take longer if the embassy needs to verify your documents. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your departure to avoid stress.
The visa fee varies by embassy but is generally around $30–$50 USD (or the equivalent in Nigerian Naira). Contact the Sri Lankan High Commission in Abuja for the exact current fee.
Sri Lankan immigration will refuse entry if your passport is valid for less than 6 months from your arrival date. You must renew your passport before applying for the visa.
Yes. Since Nigeria is a yellow fever endemic country, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate at immigration in Sri Lanka. Without it, you could be denied entry or placed in quarantine.
No. The visa for Nigerian citizens is not extendable. You must leave Sri Lanka before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.