Sri Lanka entry requirements for Tunisia 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
Tunisian passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. It's a straightforward online application — you'll get the approval before you fly, and it covers tourism, business, and transit stays.
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 – it's your entry permit. Visa required – apply online before travel | Tunisian passport holders must obtain an approved 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 too soon after your trip – 6 months is the rule. Must be valid for 6 months beyond arrival | Your Tunisian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Sri Lanka. Check your passport's expiry date now – if it expires before 2026-02-06, you must renew it before traveling. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration needs a clean page to put your entry stamp – make sure you have one. At least 1 blank page for entry stamp | Your passport must have at least one completely blank page (not just a signature page) for the immigration officer to stamp on arrival. If you have fewer than one blank page, get a new passport before traveling. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou need to prove you'll leave Sri Lanka – a return or onward flight booking does that. Proof of departure from Sri Lanka | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than Sri Lanka. This is commonly checked at check-in and by immigration. Ensure your ticket is dated within the validity of your ETA (usually 30 days). | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration might ask to see you have money to support yourself – it's good to have proof. For your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Sri Lanka. A reasonable amount is around USD 50 per day (or equivalent in LKR). Carry cash, credit/debit cards, or a bank statement as proof. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsIt's helpful to have a place to stay – they might ask where you're going. Hotel booking or address of stay | Have your hotel booking confirmation or the address where you will stay in Sri Lanka ready. Immigration may ask for this on arrival. If you're staying with friends/family, have their address and contact details. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form – just the usual arrival card. Not required | Sri Lanka does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Tunisian passport holders. You will complete the standard immigration card on arrival (provided on the plane or at the airport). | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk it
The ETA is not instant. Even the express option takes up to 24 hours. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid last-minute stress or a missed trip.
Use the official ETA site only
There are third-party sites that charge extra fees. Always use https://eta.gov.lk/ — it's the only official government portal.
No arrival declaration needed
Sri Lanka doesn't require a separate arrival declaration for Tunisian passport holders. Just your passport, ETA, and a smile.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email address. The form takes about 10 minutes.
2
Pay the fee and wait for approval
Pay the ETA fee online (around $35–$50 depending on the processing speed). Standard processing takes 1–2 business days; you'll get the approval by email. Don't book flights until you have it.
3
Check in and fly
At the airline check-in counter, show your passport and the ETA approval email (printed or on your phone). The airline will verify it before issuing your boarding pass.
4
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow the signs to 'Immigration' or 'Foreign Passports'. Have your passport, ETA approval, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport — you'll get 30 days from that date.
5
Collect your bags and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Tunisia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (ETA – Business)
Max stay30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$40
For business meetings, conferences, or trade activities; requires invitation letter.
Residence visa (long-stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year (renewable)
Cost$150–$300
For employment, study, or long-term residence; requires sponsorship and approval from Department of Immigration.
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
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard VisitorFor tourism, transit, or business purposes; valid for 30 days from arrival. | $35 |
| ETA processing fee (online)Non-refundable service charge paid at application. | $20 |
| Visa extension (first extension)For stays beyond 30 days; apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $50 |
| Visa extension (subsequent extensions)For each additional extension period; maximum total stay 180 days. | $75 |
| Exit fee (if overstay)Charged for each day of overstay; payable at airport. | $25 per day |
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
Transit visa required
Tunisian passport holders require an ETA even for airside transit, unless they hold a valid visa for certain countries (see exceptions).
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for the USA, UK, Canada, Schengen, Australia, or Japan may transit without an ETA for up to 24 hours.
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
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). 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 = 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
Standard processing takes 1–2 business days. There's also an express option (24 hours) for a higher fee. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave the country and re-apply, or check with the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo for any special permits — but generally, plan for 30 days max.
Rejections are rare but happen if there's a mistake in the application or a passport issue. You can reapply, but the fee is non-refundable. Double-check all details before submitting.
Only if you're arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Tunisia is not on that list, so you don't need it for a direct flight. If you're transiting through an endemic country, carry your vaccination certificate.
No, the standard ETA is single-entry. If you leave Sri Lanka and come back, you'll need a new ETA.
The fee varies by processing speed — roughly $35 for standard, $50 for express. Check the official site for the exact amount in your currency.
No. You must apply online before you travel. There's no visa-on-arrival facility for Tunisian 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.