Sri Lanka entry requirements for Tunisia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 28, 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

Tunisian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits. As of 2026, the process is straightforward and handled at the airport.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get a visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) or at any land border. Pay the fee in USD (around $35–$50 depending on duration) — have exact cash ready. The process takes 10–15 minutes, but queues can build up during peak hours.Apply onlineRequired
Valid passport
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Sri Lanka. A printed or digital copy of your flight booking works — they rarely check the exact date, just that you have one.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Officers may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Financial means
Carry at least $50–$100 USD per day in cash or have a credit card statement showing available funds. Officers rarely check this for short stays, but it helps if you look under-prepared.Recommended
Visa on arrival is the standard method
You don't need to apply for an ETA beforehand. Just show up at Colombo airport with your documents and cash. The process takes about 15–20 minutes.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you will not be allowed to fly. Check your passport now.

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 usually two queues: one for ETA holders and one for visa on arrival. Join the visa on arrival queue.
2
Fill Out the Application Form
You'll be given a small form to fill out with your passport details, flight info, and accommodation. Have your booking confirmation handy. A pen is useful.
3
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay at the counter. As of 2026, the fee is around $40–$50 USD for a 30-day tourist visa. Credit cards are accepted, but cash (USD or EUR) is faster. Keep the receipt.
4
Get Your Visa Sticker
The officer will check your documents, take your photo, and affix the visa sticker to a blank page in your passport. Double-check the dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to Immigration
With the visa in your passport, go to the immigration counter. They'll stamp you in. You're now free to enter Sri Lanka.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Tunisia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 28, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR)

Standard visa on arrival or ETA. Extendable at immigration office.

Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 15,000 LKR)

Available on arrival or via ETA. Allows multiple entries within validity.

Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR)

Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company. Apply at embassy or online.

retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 60,000 LKR) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay without work. Must apply through the Department of Immigration.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 90,000 LKR) per year
For remote workers with proof of employment or freelance income (min. $2,000/month). No local tax liability. Apply online or at embassy.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 300,000 LKR) plus investment
For investors putting at least $50,000 USD into a Sri Lankan business or real estate. Includes residency rights. Apply through Board of Investment.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 150,000 LKR) per year
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and approval from the Department of Immigration. Employer must sponsor. Allows multiple entries.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable at airport in USD or LKR. Valid for 30 days from arrival.$35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR)
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – if applied online before travelOptional but recommended to save time. Same cost as VoA.$35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR)
Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Max extension up to 90 days total stay.$50 USD (approx. 15,000 LKR)
Overstay fine (per day)Pay at immigration office before departure. Overstay beyond 90 days may lead to blacklisting.$10 USD (approx. 3,000 LKR) per day, max $200 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

Tunisia passport holders 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 a valid visa for Sri Lanka may transit without additional visa.
  • Transit passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no checked luggage may stay airside up to 24 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). Certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-DiphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk

Mosquito-borne; outbreaks common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.

ChikungunyaModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; symptoms similar to dengue, less severe but can cause joint pain.

LeptospirosisLow risk

Risk from floodwater or freshwater exposure; avoid wading in stagnant water.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas (Colombo, Kandy, coastal regions). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider 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 10
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30

Main office for visa extensions, re-entry permits, and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa, and fee.

Kandy
Kandy Regional Immigration Office
No. 10, Peradeniya Road, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30

Handles extensions for travellers in central Sri Lanka. Less crowded than Colombo.

Practical information for TN 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
updated May 29
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
Police119
Medical110
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

The fee is approximately $40–$50 USD for a 30-day tourist visa. You can pay in USD, EUR, or with a credit card. Cash is faster.
Yes, you can extend your stay at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Extensions are granted for up to 90 days total. The cost is around $50 USD. You'll need to apply before your current visa expires.
No, Tunisian passport holders can get a visa on arrival without any prior application. But if you prefer, you can apply for an ETA online beforehand — it's the same fee and saves time at the airport.
You will be denied boarding by the airline. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions.
Visa on arrival is available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. If you arrive by land or at a smaller airport, you may need to arrange an ETA in advance.
Your passport, a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and your first night's accommodation booking. Having a pen and some USD cash helps speed things up.
No, it's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Sri Lanka can be high, and insurance covers unexpected hospital stays or trip disruptions.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.