Sri Lanka entry requirements for Tanzania 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
Tanzanian passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. Apply online before you travel; processing typically takes 1-2 business days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)You must get this online approval before you fly – it's your entry permit. Visa required – apply online | Tanzanian passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before traveling to Sri Lanka. Apply at least a few days in advance via the official Sri Lanka ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/). The eTA is valid for a short stay (typically 30 days) and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. Valid for 6 months from arrival | Your Tanzanian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka. Check your passport's expiry date now – if it's sooner, renew it before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page (free of any stamps or markings) for the Sri Lankan immigration officer to place the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketShow you plan to leave Sri Lanka – a return flight booking is usually enough. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Sri Lanka before your eTA expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry some proof you can pay for your trip – like a bank statement or credit card. For your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Sri Lanka. This can be cash, traveler's cheques, or a bank statement. There is no fixed amount, but it should be reasonable for your planned duration. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsKnow where you're staying – it's a common question at border control. Where you'll stay | Have the address and contact details of your hotel or host in Sri Lanka ready. Immigration may ask for this on arrival. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateBring your yellow fever shot record – you'll need it if you've been in a risk country. If arriving from an infected area | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (including Tanzania), you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Tanzania is on the WHO list of yellow fever risk countries, so this applies to direct or transit travel from there. | Required |
| Arrival declarationNo extra online form needed – just fill in the landing card on the plane. Not required | Sri Lanka does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Tanzanian passport holders. You will complete the standard immigration card on arrival. | Not required |
Don't overstay your 30 days
The ETA is strictly 30 days and not extendable. Overstaying can result in fines and a negative immigration record. Set a reminder to leave on time.
Apply early, not at the last minute
Even though processing is fast, technical glitches or holidays can delay it. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid stress.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ETA Online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email address. Pay the fee online (credit/debit card). Processing typically takes 1-2 business days, but it's wise to apply at least a week in advance.
2
Receive ETA Approval
You'll get an email with your ETA approval. Print it out or save it on your phone. Double-check that your name and passport number match exactly.
3
Arrival at Sri Lankan Airport
At Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo), go to the immigration counter. Present your passport and the ETA approval (printed or on your phone). The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry permit. There are usually separate queues for ETA holders — look for the 'ETA' sign.
4
Collect Your Baggage and Exit
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, go through the green channel.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania 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
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company
Residence visa (long stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$150 (approx.)
For employment, study, or long-term business; apply after arrival with valid ETA
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 |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard VisitorSingle entry, 30 days stay, valid 6 months from issue | $35 |
| ETA – Double entryTwo entries, 30 days stay per entry | $40 |
| ETA – Transit (up to 2 days)For transit passengers, valid 2 days from arrival | $20 |
| Visa extension (onshore)For first extension of 30 days, apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo | $25 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (additional)For further extensions beyond the first, subject to approval | $50 (approx.) |
| Exit feeNo separate airport tax for most airlines | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required
Tanzanian passport holders need a transit ETA even if staying airside. Apply online before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and no need to leave the transit area may still require ETA – check with airline
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 = 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
Getting to Sri Lanka
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Usually 1-2 business days, but it can take longer during peak times. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The fee is around $35-40 USD, but check the official ETA website for the exact amount. It's paid online with a credit or debit card.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible deportation. Plan your trip within 30 days.
Only if you're arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Tanzania is not on the list, so you likely don't need it. But check with your doctor if you've traveled recently.
Rejections are rare, but if it happens, you can reapply or contact the Sri Lankan embassy. Make sure all details match your passport exactly to avoid issues.
It's possible, but not recommended. The online ETA is faster and avoids long queues. On-arrival processing may not be available for all nationalities, so stick to the online route.
No, it's single-entry. If you leave Sri Lanka, you'll need a new ETA to return.
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.