Sri Lanka entry requirements for Tanzania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Tanzanian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. No need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport with your documents and pay the fee. This policy started in 2024 and is still in effect for 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply for ETA before travel | Tanzanian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Sri Lankan airports, but the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is faster and avoids queues. Apply online at eta.gov.lk at least 24 hours before departure — the fee is $20 USD for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Without an ETA, you'll pay $35 USD at the airport and wait longer.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Bandaranaike International 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. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | You may be asked for a hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Keep a printed copy or have it accessible on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Officers can ask for evidence of sufficient funds — around $50 USD per day is a safe benchmark. A bank statement or credit card works. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Colombo airport is well-organized. Just follow the signs and have your documents ready. The whole thing usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Cash is king at the visa counter
While cards are accepted, the card machines sometimes have issues. Carry $50 USD in cash (or equivalent in EUR/GBP) to be safe.
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 e-Visa holders and one for visa on arrival. Join the correct one.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll be given a small white arrival card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your passport details, flight number, and accommodation address. Keep it with your passport.
3
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, arrival card, and return ticket (if asked). Pay the visa fee. The officer will process and stick the visa sticker into your passport.
4
Proceed to immigration
With the visa sticker in hand, go to the immigration counter. The officer will stamp you in. You're now free to enter Sri Lanka.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR)
Standard option; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
Residence visa (long-stay)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. 60,000 LKR)
For work, study, or retirement; requires sponsorship.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. 60,000 LKR) per year
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds ($1,500/month). Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 30,000 LKR) per year
For remote workers with proof of income ($2,000/month). Not yet officially launched; check current status.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 150,000 LKR) per year
Requires investment of $50,000+ in local business or property. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. 60,000 LKR) per year
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and approval from the Department of Immigration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or LKR at the airport. | $35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)Optional pre-arrival system; can be obtained online before travel. | $35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)Standard fee for VoA or ETA. | $35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at Department of Immigration before visa expiry. | $50 USD (approx. 15,000 LKR) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $500 USD. | $10 USD (approx. 3,000 LKR) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Tanzania passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Canada, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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., Tanzania). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
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 floodwaters or freshwater; avoid swimming in contaminated water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended. Risk in northern and eastern provinces (e.g., Jaffna, Trincomalee).
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 extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office - Kandy
No. 10, Sangaraja Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central region visitors.
Practical information for TZ 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 = 325.59 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
As of 2025, the visa on arrival fee is approximately $35–$50 USD. Pay in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP) or by credit/debit card at the counter. Exact change helps avoid delays.
The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. You can extend it once for an additional 30 days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 30 more days. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (near the Viharamahadevi Park). The extension fee is around $50 USD. Apply before your initial 30 days expire.
No, Sri Lanka does not require yellow fever vaccination for travellers arriving from Tanzania. However, if you're coming from a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Sri Lankan immigration. Renew your passport before travel.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo and at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI). It is not available at land borders.
No, there is no online arrival declaration required for Sri Lanka. You just fill out the paper arrival card given on the plane.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.