Sri Lanka entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Vietnamese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Sri Lanka's international airports. You fill out a form at the airport, pay the fee in cash, and receive your visa on the spot. As of 2026, the visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your full stay | At least 6 months validity beyond your entry date. Minimum 1 blank page for the entry stamp. Airlines may deny boarding if validity is too close. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Officers check this regularly | A confirmed flight out of the country. Immigration may ask to see this — have a screenshot ready on your phone. An onward ticket from a neighbouring country also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel name or address | A hotel booking confirmation, or the address of where you are staying. The arrival form often asks for this. A Booking.com or Airbnb confirmation email is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Rarely checked | Immigration officers may ask you to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay. A credit card or bank statement usually suffices. | Recommended |
Cash Only for Visa on Arrival
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — US dollars or Sri Lankan rupees. Credit cards are not accepted. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and any unexpected expenses.
ETA is Cheaper and Faster
Applying for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before you travel costs around $20 USD and is processed within 24 hours. This lets you skip the visa on arrival queue at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the Airport
Land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before immigration.
2
Fill Out the Application Form
Pick up a visa on arrival application form at the counter. Fill it out with your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address.
3
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the fee in cash (USD or LKR). As of 2026, the fee is around $35 USD. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive Your Visa
The officer will process your application and stick a visa sticker in your passport. This usually takes 5–10 minutes.
5
Proceed to Immigration
Show your passport with the new visa to the immigration officer. They'll stamp you in. You're now free to enter Sri Lanka.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 60 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR)
Apply online via ETA or at embassy. Standard option for most travellers.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$75 USD (approx. 22,500 LKR)
Requires embassy application. Good for regional travel.
Business Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost$100 USD (approx. 30,000 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company. Multiple entries allowed.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (30 days)Payable at airport in USD or LKR. Single entry only. | $35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR) |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) pre-approvalOptional but recommended to speed up arrival. Apply online at eta.gov.lk. | $35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Max 2 extensions. | $50 USD (approx. 15,000 LKR) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $200 USD. Pay at airport departure. | $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
Vietnam passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 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 = 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
Getting to Sri Lanka
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The visa on arrival is valid for a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable.
The fee is approximately $35 USD. You can pay in US dollars or Sri Lankan rupees (LKR) at the counter. Credit cards are not accepted — bring cash.
Yes, you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before departure. The ETA costs around $20 USD and is processed within 24 hours. This can save you time at the airport.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel — a flight, bus, or ferry ticket out of Sri Lanka. A screenshot on your phone is fine.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave Sri Lanka and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Overstaying results in a fine of $50 USD per day. You may also be banned from re-entering Sri Lanka for a period. Don't overstay.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.