Sri Lanka entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Sri Lankan airports. It's valid for 30 days and costs about $35 USD. As of 2026, the process is straightforward — just have your documents ready at the immigration counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You get a 30-day visa on arrival at Colombo (CMB) and other entry points. Cost is $50 USD or equivalent in major currencies — have cash ready. The visa is single-entry and not extendable.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Sri Lanka enforces this strictly at the border — airlines also check before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Onward travel proof | Immigration at Colombo asks for a confirmed onward ticket out of Sri Lanka. Airlines also require it before issuing your boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have your first night's hotel confirmation ready. Immigration officers sometimes ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial evidence | Carry at least $100 USD per day or equivalent in cash or card statements. Immigration rarely checks, but it's a formal requirement for entry. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is only at Colombo airport
If you're arriving by land from India or by sea, you must get an e-visa or a visa from a Sri Lankan embassy before travel. The visa on arrival is not available at other entry points.
Keep your visa fee in cash
While cards are accepted, cash in USD or LKR is faster and avoids any card issues. Have $35 USD ready in small bills.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter for visa issuance.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll receive a small form on arrival. Fill in your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over the form and your passport to the officer. Pay the fee — cash (USD or LKR) or credit card is accepted. Get your receipt.
4
Get your visa stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day visa. Check the stamp for correct dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to immigration queue
Join the main immigration line. Show your passport with the visa stamp, your boarding pass, and any requested documents (return ticket, hotel booking).
6
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Sri Lanka.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 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
CostFree (USD 0) for SA passport holders
Available on arrival; no pre-application needed.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostFree (USD 0) for SA passport holders
Allows multiple entries; apply at immigration office.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
CostFree (USD 0) for SA passport holders
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~USD 200 per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
~USD 100 per year
For remote workers with proof of income from abroad. No local tax liability. Requires health insurance.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~USD 500 per year
For investors putting at least USD 50,000 into a local business or real estate. Includes family dependents.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Sri Lanka offers free visa on arrival for Saudi Arabia passport holders for up to 30 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) pre-approvalOptional but recommended to pre-register online to speed up arrival. | Free (USD 0) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions are possible for up to 2 months at immigration offices. | LKR 5,000 (approx. USD 15) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Charged daily for overstay; no official cap but may lead to deportation. | LKR 5,000 (approx. USD 15) |
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
Saudi Arabia passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanusRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; avoid tap water and street food.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwater or freshwater exposure; wear protective footwear.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended only for rural travel in dry zone.
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; bring passport, visa, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 17, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central region visitors.
Practical information for SA 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 = 327.38 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
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 60 more days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. The cost is about $50 USD. You'll need to apply before your initial 30 days expire.
You will be denied a visa on arrival. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Only at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. If you arrive by land or sea, you need to get an e-visa or visa from a Sri Lankan embassy beforehand.
No, the visa on arrival is processed at the airport. But you can apply for an e-visa online if you prefer — it's the same cost and validity.
Cash in US Dollars or Sri Lankan Rupees is easiest. Credit cards are accepted but may incur a small surcharge. Avoid large bills — have smaller denominations.
No, it's a single-entry visa. If you leave Sri Lanka and want to return, you'll need a new visa on arrival or an e-visa.
You'll be fined $50 USD per day for the first 14 days of overstay, then $100 USD per day after that. You'll also need to pay at the airport before departure. Avoid overstaying.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.