Sri Lanka entry requirements for Nepal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Nepali passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. As of 2026, you arrive at the airport, fill out a form, pay the fee, and get stamped in. No advance application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Colombo (CMB) and other entry points. Pay in USD — $35 for 30 days, $50 for 60 days. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready; the visa officer will ask for both.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Colombo will ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — a screenshot works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration officers at Colombo sometimes ask for it during the visa on arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash, card, or bank statement | Carry at least $50 per day in cash or have a credit card with a sufficient limit. Immigration rarely checks, but the visa on arrival officer may ask if you look underfunded. | Recommended |
Visa on Arrival vs ETA
You can get a visa on arrival at Colombo airport, but applying for an ETA online beforehand is cheaper (around $20) and faster at immigration. Both give you 30 days.
Passport Validity is Strict
Sri Lanka enforces the 6-month passport validity rule strictly. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away at the airport. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before immigration. There are usually two queues: one for ETA holders, one for visa on arrival. Join the correct one.
2
Fill Out the Arrival Form
You'll get a small form on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the Fee
Hand over your passport, form, and fee. Cash (USD is easiest) or card. The officer will process and stamp your passport. Expect 5-10 minutes.
4
Proceed to Immigration
Take your stamped passport and go to the immigration counter. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and how long you're staying. Answer clearly.
5
Collect Baggage and Exit
After immigration, collect your luggage and walk through customs. You're in Sri Lanka.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Nepal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 60 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (USD 0)
Nepal passport holders get free visa on arrival; extension possible.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 6 months)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months
CostLKR 20,000 (~USD 60)
Apply at Sri Lankan embassy in Kathmandu; allows multiple entries.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostLKR 15,000 (~USD 45)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Nepal passport holders are eligible for free visa on arrival for up to 30 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Tourist visa extension (per month)Extensions can be applied at immigration offices; max 90 days total stay. | LKR 10,000 (~USD 30) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Fine applies for each day overstay; no official cap but may lead to deportation. | LKR 5,000 (~USD 15) |
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
Nepal passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 = 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
Getting to Sri Lanka
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but only at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. If you arrive by land or sea, you need to arrange an ETA in advance.
As of 2026, the fee is approximately $35-50 USD. Pay in cash (USD, EUR, GBP, or LKR) or by credit/debit card. Cash in USD is fastest.
Typically 30 days. It's not extendable, so plan your trip accordingly. If you need longer, apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your entry date, not your departure.
Yes, immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
Yes, you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before travel. It's cheaper (around $20) and lets you skip the visa on arrival queue. Apply at eta.gov.lk.
You'll be fined $50 per month (or part thereof) at the airport immigration office before departure. Pay in cash or card. Overstaying can also affect future visits.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.