Sri Lanka entry requirements for Russia 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
Russian passport holders can get a visa on arrival for Sri Lanka in 2026. You'll receive a 30-day tourist visa at the airport without applying in advance. Just arrive with the required documents and pay the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) required | Apply for your ETA at eta.gov.lk before departure. The ETA costs $35–$50 USD depending on your nationality and is usually approved within 24 hours. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at Bandaranaike International Airport will stamp you in on arrival.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Russian passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines at Sheremetyevo and Pulkovo check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Colombo airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Budget airlines like AirAsia and IndiGo also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Sri Lanka. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A booking on Booking.com or Agoda works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds At least $50 per day | Have cash (USD or EUR) or a credit card statement showing you can cover your stay. The official requirement is $50 per person per day, but in practice immigration rarely asks unless you look underfunded. ATMs are widely available in Colombo and Kandy. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Colombo airport is well-organized. Have your documents ready and you'll be through in 15–20 minutes.
Cash is king at the visa counter
While cards are accepted, cash (USD or LKR) is faster and avoids any card issues. Bring small bills.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before immigration. There are separate queues for different visa types — look for 'Tourist Visa on Arrival'.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll get a small white arrival card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address.
3
Present documents and pay
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card, and return ticket. Pay the visa fee (cash or card). The officer will issue a 30-day visa sticker.
4
Proceed to immigration
With the visa sticker in your passport, go to the immigration counter. They'll stamp you in. Keep the arrival card stub — you may need it when leaving.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0) for Russian citizens
Apply online via ETA system. Free of charge.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (USD 0) for Russian citizens
Available through ETA. Allows multiple visits within validity.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostFree (USD 0) for Russian citizens
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company. Apply via ETA.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Russian passport holders get visa-free entry for 30 days. No fee required. | Free (USD 0) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – if applying onlineETA is free for Russian citizens. Apply online at eta.gov.lk. | Free (USD 0) |
| Stay extension (30 days)Extension possible at Department of Immigration and Emigration. Apply before visa expires. | LKR 10,000 (~USD 30) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap LKR 50,000 (~USD 150). Pay at immigration office before departure. | LKR 5,000 (~USD 15) 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 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 Canadian 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 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 = 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can extend your 30-day tourist visa once for an additional 60 days. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. The fee is around $50 USD. You'll need your passport, a passport photo, and proof of funds.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Technically possible, but risky. Immigration officers often ask for proof of onward travel. Without it, you may be questioned or denied entry. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Yes, at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and at the main seaport in Colombo. For land borders (e.g., from India), you need to arrange an ETA in advance.
As of 2026, the fee is around $35–$50 USD for a 30-day tourist visa. Pay in cash (USD or LKR) or by credit/debit card. Some ATMs at the airport dispense LKR.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the transit area, you'll need a visa on arrival or an ETA.
You'll be fined $50 USD per day for the first 14 days of overstay, then $100 USD per day after that. You may also be banned from re-entering Sri Lanka for a period.
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.