Sri Lanka entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Filipino passport holders can get a visa on arrival when landing in Sri Lanka in 2026. You'll receive a 30-day stay at the airport immigration counter, no advance application needed. Just show up with your documents and pay the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA application Electronic Travel Authorization | Apply for an ETA at eta.gov.lk before you fly. The system approves most applications within 24 hours, but I've seen it take up to 3 days. Print the approval email and keep a copy on your phone.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Sri Lanka. Airlines check this at check-in — I've seen people turned away at Manila for having only 5 months left. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Bandaranaike International Airport ask for a confirmed onward ticket. A printed itinerary or a digital copy on your phone works — they just want to see you're leaving within the visa period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have your first night's hotel booking or a letter from your host ready. Officers rarely ask for it, but when they do, they want a printed confirmation with the property's address and contact number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash, card, or bank statement | Carry at least $100 USD per day of your stay in cash or have a credit card with a visible limit. I've never been asked to show it, but the regulation says you need to cover your expenses. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or Sri Lankan Rupees. Credit cards and mobile payments are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
eSIM saves time at the airport
Skip the SIM card queue at the airport by installing an Airalo eSIM before you fly. It activates as soon as you land, so you have data immediately for maps and rideshares.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Sri Lankan airport
You'll land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration' counters before baggage claim.
2
Fill out the arrival card
On the plane or at the counter, complete the Sri Lankan arrival card. You'll need your passport number, flight details, and accommodation address.
3
Queue at the visa on arrival counter
Present your passport, arrival card, and return ticket. The officer will process your visa, take your photo, and collect the fee. Wait for the sticker to be placed in your passport.
4
Proceed to immigration
After getting the visa sticker, go to the immigration booth. Hand over your passport and arrival card. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the stamped card with you until you leave.
5
Collect baggage and exit
Head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Sri Lanka. Your 30-day stay starts from the entry stamp date.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. 2,000 LKR)
Apply at Sri Lankan embassy in Manila or online via ETA.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$75 USD (approx. 4,275 LKR)
For frequent travellers; must show travel history and ties.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 2,280 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD per year (approx. 17,100 LKR)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds of at least $1,500/month. Allows multiple entries and residence.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 11,400 LKR) application fee
For remote workers with proof of income of at least $2,000/month. No local tax on foreign income.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 28,500 LKR) plus investment of $50,000+
For investors in businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 5,700 LKR) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires work permit approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable at airport immigration counter in USD or LKR. | $35 USD (approx. 2,000 LKR) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – pre-arrivalOptional but recommended to avoid queues; apply online at eta.gov.lk. | $35 USD (approx. 2,000 LKR) |
| Stay extension (per month, up to 2 months)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo before visa expires. | $50 USD (approx. 2,850 LKR) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of $500 USD (approx. 28,500 LKR). | $10 USD (approx. 570 LKR) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Philippines passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or exiting airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Canada, Schengen, or Australia visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher in urban areas and during rainy seasons (May–October).
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure; avoid wading in stagnant water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended only for rural travel in dry zone (e.g., Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa).
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, photos, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 10, Peradeniya Road, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For extensions in central Sri Lanka; less crowded than Colombo.
Practical information for PH 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 = 338.8 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 fee is typically $35-50 USD (or equivalent in Sri Lankan Rupees). Pay in cash at the counter. Credit cards are rarely accepted, so bring USD or LKR.
Yes, you can extend your visa at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Extensions are usually granted for up to 90 days total. Visit their office at 41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 10. Bring your passport, visa sticker, and a fee (around $50 USD).
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions.
A screenshot on your phone is usually fine, but a printed copy is safer. Immigration may ask to see it at the visa counter.
Only at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. If you arrive by land or sea, you need to apply for an e-visa in advance.
No, it's not required for entry. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Sri Lanka can be high, and insurance covers emergencies.
You'll be fined $50 USD per day for overstaying. Pay at the airport departure counter before leaving. Serious overstays can lead to deportation and a ban.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.