Sri Lanka entry requirements for Poland 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
Polish passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka for tourism, which you can get online before you fly. It's a straightforward process — you fill out a form, pay a fee, and receive approval by email, usually within a day or two. Plan ahead and apply at least a few days before your trip to avoid any last-minute stress.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You need to get this online approval before you fly to Sri Lanka. evisa | Polish citizens must obtain an approved ETA before departure. Apply online at the official Sri Lanka ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/). The ETA is valid for a short stay (typically 30 days) and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. 6 months | Your Polish passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there is an empty page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp. 1 page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight booking. proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket proving you will leave Sri Lanka before your ETA expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry evidence that you can support yourself during your visit. sufficient means | You should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay in Sri Lanka, such as cash, credit cards, or bank statements. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the standard immigration procedures. not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Polish citizens entering Sri Lanka. | Not required |
Apply early — don't rely on last-minute
While the ETA is usually approved within 24–48 hours, processing can occasionally take longer, especially during peak travel seasons. Apply at least 3–5 days before your flight to avoid stress. The official site is https://eta.gov.lk/ — avoid third-party sites that charge extra fees.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Even if you're only staying a week, a passport that expires sooner will get you turned away at check-in or immigration. Check your passport now, not the night before.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, flight information, and a valid email address. Pay the fee (around $35–$50 USD depending on the processing speed) with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Standard processing takes 24–48 hours, but it can be faster. You'll receive an email with your ETA approval — save it as a PDF and print a copy just in case. Check your spam folder if it doesn't arrive quickly.
3
Check in and fly
At the airport in Poland, show your passport and ETA approval at check-in. The airline will verify your ETA before issuing your boarding pass. Keep the ETA handy for the flight.
4
Arrive in Sri Lanka
At Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, go through immigration. Present your passport, ETA approval, and return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry. Then collect your bags and head out.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 6 months
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. 35 USD)
Apply online via ETA system; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, up to 6 months total
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 40 USD)
Ideal for multiple trips within validity period.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$40 USD (approx. 40 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no local employment. Allows long-term residence.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of income (minimum $2,000/month). No local tax liability. Simple application process.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD initial fee
For investors putting at least $50,000 USD into a local business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or Sri Lankan Rupees at the airport. | $35 USD (approx. 35 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Can be applied online via ETA system before travel. | $35 USD (approx. 35 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days per visit)Valid for 6 months from issue date. | $40 USD (approx. 40 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month, up to 6 months total)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $50 USD (approx. 50 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of $500 USD. | $10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Poland passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
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), 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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
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 swimming in fresh water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended 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 visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 22, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for travellers in the central region.
Practical information for PL 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 standard ETA fee is around $35 USD for a 30-day tourist visa. There's also a 'fast track' option that costs more (around $50 USD) if you need quicker processing. Pay online with a credit or debit card at https://eta.gov.lk/.
Standard processing is 24–48 hours. In practice, many applicants get approval within a few hours, but it's not guaranteed. Apply at least 3 days before your flight to be safe. If you're in a rush, use the fast-track option.
No, the standard tourist ETA is not extendable. You must leave Sri Lanka before your 30 days expire. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a different visa type before travel.
It's not strictly required, but it's highly recommended. Immigration officers can look you up electronically, but having a printed copy speeds things up and helps if there's a system glitch. Also, the airline at check-in may ask to see it.
Rejections are rare for Polish citizens, but they can happen if you have a criminal record or provide incorrect information. If rejected, you can reapply with corrected details or contact the Sri Lankan embassy. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have approval.
If you're staying airside (not passing through immigration) and your layover is under 24 hours, you don't need an ETA. But if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight in a hotel, you must have an ETA. Check with your airline if unsure.
No, the standard tourist ETA is single-entry. If you leave Sri Lanka (e.g., a day trip to the Maldives), you'll need to apply for a new ETA to re-enter. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
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.