Sri Lanka entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed September 30, 2026·View sources
Recently changed · September 30, 2026
Visa on arrivaleVisa required
Confirmed by an official source (IATA / government).
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
Russian citizens need a visa to enter Sri Lanka, but it's handled through a straightforward online system — the Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Apply before you fly at eta.gov.lk, and you'll get approval by email, usually within a day or two.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA / e-VisaYou need to get this online approval before you fly – it's not available on arrival for Russian passport holders. Apply online before travel | Russian citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Apply at the official Sri Lanka ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/) at least a few days before travel. The ETA is valid for a short stay (typically 30 days) and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon – it needs to be valid for half a year after you land. At least 6 months from arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka. Ensure your passport meets this requirement before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page (free of any markings) for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have more than one blank page for safety. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketShow that you plan to leave – a ticket out of the country is usually expected. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Sri Lanka before your ETA expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry some cash or a card – officers might ask how you'll support yourself. Sufficient money for stay | You may be asked 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 should be enough for accommodation and daily expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form – just your passport and ETA. Not required | Sri Lanka does not require a separate arrival declaration for Russian citizens at this time. No additional form is needed beyond the ETA and standard immigration procedures. | Not required |
| Vaccination certificateNot a legal requirement, but staying healthy is a good idea – check with your doctor. Recommended | While not mandatory for entry, it is recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccines (e.g., measles, tetanus) and consider hepatitis A and typhoid. No specific COVID-19 vaccination proof is required as of 2026. | Recommended |
Apply only through the official site
Use eta.gov.lk — the official Sri Lankan government portal. Dozens of lookalike sites charge two or three times the real fee and sometimes never submit your application. If a site asks for more than the official fee, you're on the wrong page.
The 6-month passport rule is enforced
Sri Lanka checks passport validity at check-in and at immigration. If your Russian passport expires less than 6 months after your arrival date, renew it first. There's no workaround at the airport.
Keep a digital and paper copy
Save your ETA approval as a PDF on your phone and print one copy. Airport Wi-Fi and mobile data can be unreliable, and a dead phone battery shouldn't cost you your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the ETA online
Go to eta.gov.lk and fill in the form with your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation address. Pay the fee by card. You'll get an email confirmation — keep that reference number.
2
Wait for approval
Most ETA applications are approved within 24–72 hours. Check your spam folder. Once approved, print the notice or save the PDF to your phone.
3
Check in at your departure airport
The check-in agent will ask for your ETA approval and your onward ticket. Have both ready — this is where people without an ETA get stopped.
4
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Fill in the arrival card on the plane or in the arrivals hall. Head to the immigration queue for foreign passports. Show your passport, ETA approval, and arrival card.
5
Get stamped and exit
The officer stamps your passport with the entry date and permitted stay. Check the stamp — make sure the dates are correct before you leave the counter. Collect your bags and you're through.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated September 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business ETA
Max stay30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$40
Double entry, requires business invitation letter
Residence Visa (long-stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200–$500
Requires local sponsor, apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay without work. Requires annual renewal.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and income (min. $2,000/month). No local tax on foreign income. Apply through Department of Immigration.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee + investment
Requires investment of at least $50,000 in a Sri Lankan business or real estate. Includes residency rights for family.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and approval from the Department of Immigration. Employer typically sponsors.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard TouristValid for 30 days from arrival, double entry | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitValid for 2 days, single entry | $20 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – BusinessValid for 30 days, double entry | $40 |
| Visa extension (onshore)For first 30-day extension, apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration | $50 |
| Visa extension (additional 30 days)Second extension, total stay up to 90 days | $50 |
| Late fee for overstayPayable at airport or immigration office | $25 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
Russian citizens transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a standard ETA is required.
- If transiting to a domestic flight, a standard ETA is required.
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-Diphtheria-PertussisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher in urban areas and during rainy seasons (May–October). Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common causes of traveler's diarrhea. Avoid tap water, ice, and street food. Drink bottled water.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwater or freshwater exposure. Avoid wading in stagnant water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended, but consider 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 01000
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, visa, and extension fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 20, William Gopallawa Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central Sri Lanka. Less crowded than Colombo.
Practical information for RU 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 ETA fee is paid online by credit or debit card when you apply at eta.gov.lk. Fees are set in US dollars and vary depending on the current rate and any seasonal promotions Sri Lanka runs. Check the official site for the exact amount before you pay — third-party sites often charge inflated fees for the same application.
Most applications are approved within 24 to 72 hours. In practice, many come through within a few hours. Apply at least 3–5 days before departure to be safe. If you haven't heard back within 72 hours, check your spam folder first, then follow up through the eta.gov.lk contact form.
The ETA is issued for a set period — typically 30 days from arrival, though the exact duration is stated on your approval notice. Check the dates on your approval email and on your entry stamp. Overstaying, even by a day, results in fines and can get you banned from re-entry.
Extensions are not guaranteed and are handled case-by-case by the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. If you want to stay longer than your ETA allows, contact them well before your permitted stay expires. Don't just stay past your stamp date and hope for the best — that's how you end up with a fine and an entry ban.
If you stay in the international transit area and don't pass through immigration, you generally don't need an ETA. If you leave the airport — even for a few hours — you need one. If your layover involves clearing immigration, apply for the ETA before you travel.
You may be able to apply for an ETA on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, but it costs more, takes time, and isn't guaranteed. The airline at your departure point may also refuse to board you without proof of an ETA. Apply online before you fly — it's cheaper and avoids the stress.
Functionally, yes — it's your permission to enter Sri Lanka. The ETA is an electronic authorization linked to your passport, not a sticker or stamp in your passport. You still get an entry stamp when you arrive. For Russian citizens, the ETA is the standard route; there's no need to visit an embassy unless you have a specific case like a work or long-stay visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on September 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.