Sri Lanka entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. It's a straightforward online application — you'll get approval by email before you fly, and it covers tourism, business, and transit stays. The whole process takes a few minutes online, and you'll have your permit in hand before you board.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA / e-VisaYou need to get this online approval before you fly — it's not available on arrival for Vietnamese citizens. Apply online before travel | Vietnamese passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Apply at the official Sri Lanka ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/). The ETA is valid for a single entry and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before you travel. At least 6 months from arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp you in. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight — have it ready. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than Sri Lanka, with a date before your ETA expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but it's safer to carry evidence of financial means. Sufficient for your stay | You should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra forms before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Sri Lanka at this time. | Not required |
Apply only on the official ETA website
Use https://eta.gov.lk/ — the official Sri Lankan government site. Many third-party websites look official but charge 2–3 times the actual fee and may not process your application correctly. The official site is in English and accepts international credit cards.
ETA is not extendable
Your 30-day stay cannot be extended. If you need more time, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before you travel. Overstaying even a day can result in fines at the airport.
Fast and easy process
Most Vietnamese travellers get their ETA approved within 24 hours. The online form is simple, and you don't need to visit an embassy or provide photos or fingerprints. Just your passport details and a credit card.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email address. The form takes about 10 minutes. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Receive your ETA by email
Approval is usually sent within 24 hours, often much faster. Check your email (and spam folder) for the ETA confirmation. Print a copy or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in.
3
Check in for your flight
At the airline counter, present your passport and ETA. The airline will verify your ETA before issuing your boarding pass. If you don't have it, you won't be allowed to board.
4
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing in Colombo, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'E-Visa/ETA' counters. Have your passport, ETA, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport — you're in. The process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam 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
For business activities; can be extended onshore.
Residence visa (long-stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $100–$200)
Requires local sponsor; apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or $25,000 in savings. Allows multiple entries and local bank account.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of income $2,000+/month. Includes tax exemption on foreign income. Not yet fully implemented.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Resident Guest Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year
Requires employment contract with a Sri Lankan company. Sponsored by employer. Allows family dependents.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD initial fee
For investors putting $50,000+ into local business or real estate. Fast-track residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – StandardFor tourism, valid for 30 days from arrival, double entry. | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitFor transit stays up to 2 days. | $20 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – BusinessFor business visits, valid for 30 days. | $40 |
| Visa extension (onshore)Possible at Department of Immigration and Emigration, Colombo; max 2 extensions of 30 days each. | Approx. $25 (LKR 7,500) |
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
All Vietnamese passport holders require an ETA even for transit, unless staying airside and not passing immigration. A Transit ETA is required if leaving the transit area.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no need to clear immigration may stay airside without an ETA for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-DiphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher in urban areas and during rainy seasons (May–October).
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common causes of traveller's diarrhea; avoid tap water and street food.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwater or freshwater exposure in rural areas.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas (Colombo, Kandy, coastal regions). Prophylaxis recommended only for rural travel in dry zone (e.g., Anuradhapura).
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 re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 15, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central region. Less crowded than Colombo.
Practical information for VN 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
The standard ETA fee for a 30-day tourist visit is around $35–$40 USD, depending on the current rate. You pay online at https://eta.gov.lk/ with a credit or debit card. There's also a processing fee, so expect the total to be slightly higher. The official site is the only place you should pay — avoid third-party sites that charge extra.
Most applications are approved within 24 hours, and many come through in just a few hours. The official guidance says to apply at least 24 hours before your flight, but applying 2–3 days ahead is safer. If you're in a rush, you can pay a higher fee for expedited processing (usually within a few hours).
No. The ETA is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave Sri Lanka and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before you travel. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation, so plan your trip within the 30-day limit.
It's not strictly required, but it's highly recommended. Airlines and immigration officers can look up your ETA in their system with your passport number, but a printed copy or a saved PDF on your phone makes the process smoother. If you have no internet access at the airport, a printed copy is your backup.
Rejections are rare but can happen if you have a criminal record, have overstayed in Sri Lanka before, or if your passport details don't match. If rejected, you'll receive an email explaining why. You can reapply with corrected information, or contact the Sri Lankan embassy in Hanoi for assistance. Don't book non-refundable flights until your ETA is approved.
Yes, the ETA is valid for entry at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo), Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, and all seaports. If you're arriving by land from India, the ETA also works at land border crossings. Just make sure you have the ETA approved before you arrive.
No. The ETA is an electronic pre-approval — you must have it before you board your flight. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Vietnamese citizens at Sri Lankan airports. If you arrive without an ETA, you'll be denied entry and sent back on the next flight.
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.