Sri Lanka entry requirements for Ukraine passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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
Ukraine passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. It costs $35 USD for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa, payable at the airport immigration counter in USD or LKR. This option has been available since 2024 and is straightforward for most travellers.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Sri Lanka | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from the day you leave Sri Lanka. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio page as backup. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Sri Lanka | Immigration officers at Bandaranaike International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. This applies even if you plan to overland exit — show any ticket leaving Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you are staying on arrival. Have a hotel confirmation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host with their address and phone number. A booking on your phone is fine, but a printed copy avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Officers can request proof you can support yourself — carry at least $50 USD per day of your stay. A credit card statement or a few hundred dollars in cash (USD or EUR) works. ATMs are widely available in Colombo but not in rural areas. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity at check-in. If it's less than 6 months from your departure date from Sri Lanka, you will be denied boarding. No exceptions.
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa on arrival fee is $35 USD. Credit cards are not always accepted at the immigration counter. Carry USD or LKR in cash to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before immigration. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The queue can take 15–45 minutes depending on flight volume.
2
Pay the visa fee
At the counter, pay $35 USD (or equivalent in LKR) for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa. Cash is preferred — credit cards are not always accepted. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter. You're then cleared to proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Ukraine Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 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 6 months
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD
Standard option for short visits; can be extended once.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD
Ideal for multiple trips within 6 months.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$40 USD
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
Residence Visa (Long Stay)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx.)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (30 days)Payable at airport immigration counters in USD or LKR. | $35 USD (approx. 1,300 LKR) |
| Tourist Visa (Single Entry, 30 days)Can be obtained on arrival or online via ETA. | $35 USD |
| Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry, 30 days)Available on arrival; allows multiple entries within validity. | $40 USD |
| Stay Extension (per month)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration; max 6 months total. | $50 USD (approx. 1,850 LKR) per month |
| Overstay Fine (per day)Pay at immigration office before departure; overstay may affect future visits. | $10 USD per day (max $200 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
Ukraine passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (e.g., Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
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 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 = 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can extend your 30-day tourist visa for up to 6 months total. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 10) or regional offices in Kandy, Galle, or Negombo. Extensions cost $50 USD per month. Bring your passport, two passport photos, and the fee.
Overstays are fined $10 USD per day, capped at $200 USD. Pay at the immigration office before departure. Overstaying can affect future visits, so avoid it.
No, if you stay airside (don't pass through immigration) and your layover is under 24 hours at Bandaranaike International Airport or Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. If you leave the airport or stay overnight, you need a visa on arrival.
Yes, a multiple-entry tourist visa (30 days per entry, valid 6 months) costs $40 USD on arrival. It's useful if you plan to leave and re-enter Sri Lanka during your trip.
No vaccines are mandatory unless you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. The CDC recommends Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccines like Tetanus-Diphtheria. Consider Hepatitis B, Rabies, and Japanese Encephalitis for longer stays or rural travel. Malaria risk is low in tourist areas.
Not for visa approval, but strongly recommended. Private hospitals in Colombo are good but expensive — a few days in hospital can cost hundreds of dollars. Medical evacuation coverage is wise for remote areas.
Top reasons: no return ticket (30% of denials), insufficient funds (25%), suspicious travel patterns like multiple short visits (20%), incomplete documents (15%), and overstay history (10%). Have all documents ready and a clear itinerary.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.