Sri Lanka entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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 need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before you travel — it costs $20 USD and is valid for 30 days. Submit your application at least 48 hours before your flight to avoid last-minute issues.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Sri Lanka requires Nigerian passport holders to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Apply at eta.gov.lk at least 48 hours before your flight — the fee is $20 USD for a standard tourist ETA, valid for 30 days. Have your passport details and flight itinerary ready; approval comes via email within 24 hours in most cases.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your Nigerian passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines at Lagos and Abuja check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Bandaranaike International Airport ask for a confirmed onward ticket — a return flight to Nigeria or a ticket to your next destination. Without one, you risk being refused entry and put on the next flight out. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Sri Lanka ready. Immigration rarely asks for it, but if they do, showing a booking confirmation avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient balance. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your trip — having a credit card or cash on hand covers you. | Recommended |
Apply for ETA early
Don't wait until the last minute. The ETA system is reliable, but delays happen. Apply at least 48 hours before your flight to avoid being denied boarding.
Keep digital copies
Save your ETA approval, return ticket, and hotel booking as PDFs on your phone. Also carry printed copies in your carry-on — phone batteries die, and immigration may ask for a physical copy.
Overstay penalties are steep
Overstaying even by a day triggers a fine of $10 USD per day, capped at $500 USD. It can also complicate future visa applications. Always extend or leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ETA online
Go to eta.gov.lk and fill in your passport details, flight info, and a Sri Lankan address (your hotel). Pay $20 USD by card. You'll get an email confirmation within 24 hours — print it or save it on your phone.
2
Pack your documents
Before heading to the airport, double-check: passport with 6+ months validity, printed ETA approval, return ticket, hotel booking, and proof of funds. Keep them in your carry-on.
3
Check-in and boarding
At Lagos or Abuja airport, the airline agent will check your ETA approval and passport validity. Without an approved ETA, you won't get a boarding pass.
4
Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Have your passport, ETA printout (or phone), and return ticket ready. The officer may ask about your accommodation and funds — answer clearly. You'll get a stamp allowing a 30-day stay.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. You're now in Sri Lanka.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 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. 13,000 LKR)
Standard tourist visa for short visits.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$75 USD (approx. 27,000 LKR)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 14,500 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
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 visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa. | $35 USD (approx. 13,000 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $75 USD (approx. 27,000 LKR) |
| Stay extension feePer extension of up to 30 days, subject to approval. | $25 USD (approx. 9,000 LKR) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD (approx. 180,000 LKR). | $10 USD (approx. 3,600 LKR) per day |
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
No transit visa needed
Nigeria passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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.
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 = 327.38 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. Sri Lanka does not offer visa on arrival for Nigerian passport holders. You must apply for an ETA online before you travel. The only exception is if you hold a valid visa for the US, UK, Schengen area, or Australia — then you may transit without a visa for up to 48 hours, but you still need an ETA for a regular visit.
Most applications are approved within 24 hours. Apply at least 48 hours before your flight to be safe. If you don't receive the approval email, check your spam folder or contact the Sri Lanka ETA help desk.
Yes, you can extend your stay by up to 30 days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo or at regional offices in Kandy, Galle, or Negombo. The fee is $25 USD (approx. 9,000 LKR) per extension. You must apply before your current visa expires.
You'll be fined $10 USD per day (approx. 3,600 LKR), with a maximum cap of $500 USD (approx. 180,000 LKR). Overstaying can also affect future visa applications. Always extend or leave before your visa expires.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk. Nigeria is not currently on that list, but if you have recently traveled to a yellow fever endemic country, you may need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check the latest requirements before travel.
No, it's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Healthcare in Sri Lanka can be expensive, especially private hospitals. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation and treatment costs is a smart move.
Technically, the tourist ETA does not permit work. However, Sri Lanka offers a Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers — it costs ~$300 USD per year and allows a 1-year stay with no local tax liability. You need proof of employment and income.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.