Sri Lanka entry requirements for Taiwan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Taiwan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka in 2026. Fill out a form at the airport and pay the fee. No advance application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application ETA required | Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) at eta.gov.lk before departure. The ETA costs $35–$50 USD depending on processing speed and is valid for 30 days. Approval usually comes within 24 hours — do this at least 2 days before your flight.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months 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 Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Bandaranaike International Airport ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before granting visa on arrival. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Sri Lanka. Immigration may ask for this during the visa on arrival process — a printed booking confirmation works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card | Carry at least $50 USD per day or have a credit card showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely checks this for short stays, but it helps if asked. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Sri Lanka. If it's even a day short, you'll be turned away at immigration.
Cash is king at the visa counter
While cards are accepted, the visa on arrival counter sometimes has card machine issues. Bring $30–$50 USD in cash to be safe.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. You'll fill out a simple form with your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, and return ticket. Pay the visa fee (cash or card). The officer will process and stamp your passport.
3
Proceed to immigration
Take your stamped passport to the immigration officer. They may ask a few questions (purpose of visit, where you're staying). Answer clearly. Then you're through.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Taiwan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 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
Cost$35 USD (approx. $35 USD)
Standard option for tourism. Apply online or on arrival.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
For travellers planning multiple visits within 6 months.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds. Requires local bank deposit of $50,000 USD. Allows multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of income. Currently in pilot phase; check official sources. Allows stay and work remotely.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee + investment
For investors with minimum $100,000 USD in approved sectors. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work 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 sponsors.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable at airport in USD or equivalent. Valid for 30 days from arrival. | $35 USD (approx. $35 USD) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – pre-arrivalOptional but recommended to save time. Apply online before travel. | $35 USD (approx. $35 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month, up to 2 months)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Max extension of 60 days. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)No official cap, but fines accumulate. Avoid overstaying. | $5 USD per day (approx. $5 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Taiwan passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit up to 48 hours at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). You must stay in the transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport, you must obtain a visa on arrival or ETA.
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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure; avoid wading in stagnant water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel in dry zone (e.g., Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa).
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 fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 32, William Gopallawa Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central region. Less crowded than Colombo.
Practical information for TW 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
The fee is approximately $20–$30 USD for a 30-day visa. You can pay in US dollars, Sri Lankan rupees, or by credit/debit card at the counter. Cash is safest.
Yes, you can extend it once you're in Sri Lanka. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Extensions cost around $50 USD and can add up to 60 days.
The 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 apply for an e-Visa beforehand.
Yes, an onward ticket to any destination outside Sri Lanka works. It just proves you're leaving the country.
Yes, the visa on arrival covers tourism and short business visits. For longer business stays or work, you'll need a different visa type.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions.
Yes, you can apply for an e-Visa online before you travel. It's the same cost and validity, but saves time at the airport. Apply at the official Sri Lanka ETA website.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.