Sri Lanka entry requirements for Ukraine passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
Recently changed · July 19, 2026
Visa on arrivaleVisa required
Confirmed by an official source (IATA / government).
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
Ukrainian passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka for tourism. It's a straightforward online application — you'll get the approval before you fly, and it's valid for a single entry with a 30-day stay. The process is quick, but make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA / e-VisaYou must get this online approval before you fly — it is not available on arrival for Ukrainian passport holders. Apply online before travel | Ukrainian citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Apply at the official Sri Lanka ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/) at least 2-3 days before travel. The e-Visa is single-entry and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months after your planned return, renew it before you go. At least 6 months | Your Ukrainian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration officers need a clean page to stamp — a page with writing or stamps may be rejected. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have 2 blank pages to avoid issues at immigration. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and immigration may ask to see your exit ticket — have it printed or on your phone. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than Sri Lanka, with a departure date within your permitted stay (typically 30 days for e-Visa holders). | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration may ask how you'll support yourself — having evidence of money helps avoid delays. Financial means | You should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay in Sri Lanka. A reasonable guideline is at least USD 50 per day, though the exact amount is not fixed. Carry cash, bank statements, or credit cards. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsIt's common for border officers to ask where you're staying — a booking confirmation makes this easy. Where you'll stay | Have your hotel booking or address of your accommodation in Sri Lanka ready to show at immigration if requested. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateOnly needed if your journey includes a stopover in a yellow-fever-risk country — check your route. If arriving from an endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. This does not apply if you travel directly from Ukraine. | Not required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form — just your ETA and passport. Online form | Sri Lanka does not require a separate arrival declaration for Ukrainian citizens. The ETA application serves as your entry authorization. | Not required |
Use the official ETA website only
There are many third-party websites that look official but charge double or triple the fee. The only official site is https://eta.gov.lk/ — the fee is $35 USD. Anything more is a scam.
ETA is not extendable
The 30-day tourist ETA cannot be extended. If you think you might need more time, consider a different visa type or plan to leave and re-enter. Overstaying can result in fines and possible deportation.
ETA processing is fast
Most applicants get approval within 24 hours. Apply at least 2 business days before your flight to avoid stress. You'll receive the approval by email — keep it accessible.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your 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. The official fee is $35 USD (or equivalent) for a standard tourist ETA. Processing usually takes 24-48 hours, but can be faster. Don't use third-party sites that charge extra — stick to the official portal.
2
Receive your ETA approval
You'll get an email with your ETA approval. Print it out or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at immigration. Double-check that your name and passport number match exactly.
3
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow the signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'. You'll queue at the foreign passport counters. Have your passport, ETA approval, and boarding pass ready. The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day entry permit. The process is usually smooth — expect 15-30 minutes in line.
4
Exit and collect your luggage
After the immigration check, you'll proceed to baggage claim, then through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Then you're free to start your trip.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Ukraine Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (e.g., for remote work or study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityIssued for specific purpose, renewable
CostVaries (approx. $100–$200)
Requires sponsorship or proof of purpose; apply at Sri Lankan embassy or online.
Residence visa
Max stayUp to 5 years
ValidityLong-term, renewable
CostVaries (approx. $200–$500)
For employment, investment, or retirement; requires local documentation.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx.) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx.)
For remote workers with proof of employment and income (min. $2,000/month). No local tax on foreign income.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
$500 USD (approx.)
For investors who invest at least $50,000 in a Sri Lankan business or property. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$300 USD (approx.)
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and approval from the Board of Investment. Allows employment and long-term stay.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – StandardFor tourism purposes, valid for 30 days from arrival, double entry. | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitFor transit stays up to 48 hours. | $20 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – BusinessFor business visits, valid for 30 days. | $40 |
| Visa extension (onshore)For extensions up to 60 days, apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $50 |
| Late extension feeIf applying after visa expiry, additional penalty may apply. | $25 |
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
Transit visa required
Transit passengers must obtain a Transit ETA before arrival, unless they qualify for visa-free transit (e.g., hold a valid visa for Australia, Canada, Japan, Schengen, UK, or USA).
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and staying airside for less than 48 hours may be eligible for a free transit ETA if they meet the visa waiver conditions.
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).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-DiphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure; avoid wading in floodwater.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis is generally not recommended for short stays, 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 extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 12, Peradeniya Road, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central region; less crowded than Colombo.
Practical information for UA 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
The official fee for a standard tourist ETA is $35 USD (or equivalent in Sri Lankan Rupees). You pay online at https://eta.gov.lk/ with a credit or debit card. Beware of third-party websites that charge inflated fees — always use the official portal.
Usually within 24-48 hours, but it can be faster — sometimes within a few hours. The official site says to allow 2 business days. If you're in a rush, apply at least 3 days before your flight to be safe. There's no expedited option on the official site, so plan ahead.
No, the tourist ETA is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave the country and re-apply for a new ETA, or check with the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo for other visa options. But for a standard tourist visit, 30 days is the max.
It's not strictly required, but it's highly recommended. You'll need to show it at airline check-in, and having a printed copy avoids any issues if your phone dies or the network is down. Save a PDF on your phone as a backup too.
You won't be allowed to board your flight to Sri Lanka. Airlines check for the ETA before issuing a boarding pass. There's no visa-on-arrival for Ukrainian citizens, so you must have the ETA approved before you travel.
No, the standard tourist ETA is single-entry only. If you leave Sri Lanka (e.g., for a day trip to the Maldives), you'll need to apply for a new ETA to re-enter. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
Yes, the ETA is valid for entry at any international airport or seaport in Sri Lanka. Most travellers arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, but you can also enter via Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) or by sea.
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.