Sri Lanka entry requirements for Nepal 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
Nepali passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. The application is online and approval is typically emailed within 24 hours. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-Visa (ETA) for Sri LankaYou need to get this online visa approval before you fly; it is not available on arrival. Apply online before travel | Nepali citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka. Apply at the official ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/) at least a few days before departure. The e-visa is valid for a short stay and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon after your trip – it needs to be valid for half a year after you arrive. At least 6 months from arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Sri Lanka. Check your passport's expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp when you enter. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketShow that you plan to leave Sri Lanka – a ticket out of the country is usually expected. Proof of departure from Sri Lanka | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Sri Lanka before your e-visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsIt's wise to carry some proof that you can support yourself financially while in Sri Lanka. For your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka. The amount is not fixed but should be reasonable for your planned duration. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsKnowing where you'll stay helps convince officers you have a planned visit. Hotel booking or address | Have your hotel booking confirmation or the address where you will stay in Sri Lanka ready to present if asked by immigration. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form before you arrive – just the usual landing card. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Sri Lanka based on current regulations. You will complete the standard immigration form on arrival if needed. | Not required |
ETA is not extendable
The 30-day ETA cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Sri Lanka and apply for a new ETA. Overstaying results in fines and possible entry bans.
Apply early, not at the airport
There is no visa-on-arrival for Nepali citizens. You must have your ETA approved before you fly. Apply at least 3-5 days in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ETA Online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email address. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Receive ETA Approval
Approval is usually sent to your email within 24 hours. Print a copy or save it on your phone to show at check-in and upon arrival.
3
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow the signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Have your passport, ETA approval, and return ticket ready. The officer will check your documents and stamp your passport.
4
Collect Baggage and Exit
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. You're now in Sri Lanka!
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Nepal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (ETA Business)
Max stay30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$40
Double entry; requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
Residence visa (long-stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $150–$300)
Requires local sponsor and approval from Department of Immigration.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD / year
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires health insurance and no local employment.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD / year
For remote workers with proof of income. Allows stay up to 1 year with no local tax liability.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD + investment
Requires minimum investment of $50,000 in local business or real estate. Includes family.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD / year
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and work permit approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – StandardFor tourism, valid 30 days from arrival, double entry. | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitValid 2 days from arrival, single entry. | $20 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – BusinessValid 30 days from arrival, double entry. | $40 |
| Visa extension (first 30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $25 |
| Visa extension (subsequent 30-day periods)Maximum stay up to 180 days total. | $50 per month |
| Late fee for overstayPayable at airport or immigration office. | $25 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
Nepali citizens transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a transit ETA is required (cost $20, valid 2 days).
- If transiting to/from certain countries with security restrictions, check airline requirements.
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 or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; avoid tap water and street food to reduce risk.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or contaminated water; wear protective footwear.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; 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
41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 10
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions; bring passport, visa, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 20, William Gopallawa Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central region; less crowded.
Practical information for NP 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
Getting to Sri Lanka
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The ETA is usually processed within 24 hours. However, it's best to apply at least 3-5 days before your trip to account for any delays. The official site is https://eta.gov.lk/.
The standard ETA fee for Nepali citizens is around $35 USD (subject to change). You pay online with a credit or debit card. Check the official ETA website for the current fee.
No, the ETA is mandatory for Nepali passport holders. You must have it approved before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Nepali citizens.
The ETA allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable, so if you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-apply.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and entry by Sri Lankan immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the ETA.
Only if you are arriving from a country with a yellow fever risk. Nepal is not a yellow fever endemic country, so if you're flying directly from Nepal, you don't need the certificate. If you've recently traveled to a risk country, you'll need to show proof of vaccination.
You'll be fined per day of overstay, and you may be banned from re-entering Sri Lanka. It's important to leave before your 30 days are up.
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.