Sri Lanka entry requirements for Qatar 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
Qatari passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. You can apply online before you fly, and it's a straightforward process that takes just a few minutes.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You need to get this online approval before you fly; without it you may be denied boarding. e-Visa required | Qatari passport holders must obtain an approved ETA before departure. Apply online at the official Sri Lanka ETA portal (eta.gov.lk) at least 2-3 days before travel. The ETA is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. It 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. 6 months from arrival | Your Qatar passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka. Check your passport's expiry date now and renew if needed. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration needs a clean page to stamp your entry; if there's no blank page, you could be turned away. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page (not just the endorsement page) for the immigration entry stamp. Ensure no stamps or markings occupy the page where the officer will stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration wants to see that you plan to leave Sri Lanka before your visa expires. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket to a destination outside Sri Lanka, with a departure date within your authorized stay (30 days). This may be checked at check-in or upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsIt's not always asked, but having proof of money helps show you can support yourself during your visit. For your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Sri Lanka (e.g., cash, credit cards, or bank statements). The exact amount is not fixed, but you should have at least USD 50 per day or equivalent. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsKnowing where you'll stay makes it easier for immigration to process you and is often requested. Hotel booking or address | Have your hotel reservation or the address of where you will stay in Sri Lanka ready. Immigration may ask for this on arrival. If staying with friends/family, carry their contact details and address. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form before landing — just the usual arrival card. Not required | Sri Lanka does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Qatari passport holders. You will complete the standard immigration card on arrival. | Not required |
Apply Early — Don't Risk It
While the ETA is usually approved quickly, processing can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least 3 business days before your flight to avoid last-minute stress or being denied boarding.
Official ETA Website Only
Use only the official Sri Lanka ETA website: https://eta.gov.lk/. Third-party sites may charge extra fees or provide incorrect information.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ETA Online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application form. 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 typically sent by email within 24-72 hours. Check your spam folder. Print a copy or save it on your phone to show at check-in if asked.
3
Arrive at the Airport
At Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, proceed to the immigration counter. Present your passport and boarding pass. The officer will check your ETA in the system and stamp your passport.
4
Collect Your Baggage and Exit
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Qatar 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)
Max stay30 days, extendable 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (online ETA) + extension fee
Standard option for longer stays; apply online before travel.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (online ETA)
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$40 USD (online ETA)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD per year (processing fee)
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay but no work. Apply through the Department of Immigration.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
A proposed visa for remote workers with proof of income (approx. $2,000/month). Not yet fully implemented; check official sources for updates.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (application fee) + investment of $50,000+
For investors in real estate or business. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Allows family inclusion.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires employer to sponsor and obtain approval from the Board of Investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or LKR) at the airport upon arrival. | $35 USD (or equivalent in LKR) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – pre-arrivalOptional but recommended to save time; apply at eta.gov.lk. | $35 USD (online processing fee) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration; limited to 2 extensions. | ~$30 USD (approx. 5,000 LKR) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Pay at immigration office before departure; overstay may affect future visits. | ~$5 USD (approx. 1,000 LKR) per day, max cap ~$500 USD |
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
Qatar 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 overnight stays, 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 risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is higher in urban areas and during rainy seasons (May–October).
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common causes of traveler's diarrhea; avoid tap water and street food.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from freshwater exposure in rural areas; wear protective footwear.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended only for rural travel in dry zone (e.g., Anuradhapura).
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 and visa issues; bring passport, visa, and fee in cash.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 10, Peradeniya Road, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Convenient for travellers in the hill country; same services as Colombo.
Practical information for QA 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
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 (approximately 10,500 LKR) for a 30-day tourist visa. Fees are paid online during the application. Double-check the exact amount on the official ETA website.
Usually within 24 hours, but it can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least 3 business days before your flight to be safe.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-apply for a new ETA, or check with the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo for other options.
Not strictly, but it's a good idea to have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone. The immigration officer will look up your ETA in their system using your passport number.
Rejections are rare but can happen if there's an error in your application. You can reapply with corrected information, or contact the Sri Lanka ETA support team for help. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have approval.
No, the standard ETA is single-entry. If you leave Sri Lanka and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new ETA.
No. The ETA must be obtained online before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Qatari passport holders at Sri Lankan airports.
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.