Sri Lanka entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. Show up at Bandaranaike International Airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Zambians visiting for tourism or business.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Colombo airport | Zambian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. The visa costs $40 USD for a 30-day stay. Have the exact cash ready in USD — the counter does not always have change.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Colombo airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. A bus or ferry ticket out of Sri Lanka also works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter from your host in Sri Lanka ready. A booking.com or Agoda confirmation on your phone is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers may ask for evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing available balance. Credit cards are widely accepted in Colombo but cash is preferred for smaller towns. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa on arrival fee is best paid in US dollars cash. ATMs at the airport dispense Sri Lankan rupees, not dollars. Bring crisp, undamaged bills — old or torn notes may be rejected.
eSIM saves time at the airport
Instead of queuing for a local SIM at the airport, buy an Airalo eSIM before you travel. It activates as soon as you land — you'll have data immediately for maps, taxis, and WhatsApp.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are before the main immigration booths. Join the queue — it can take 15–30 minutes during peak hours.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll get a small card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your passport details, flight number, and address in Sri Lanka. Keep it with your passport.
3
Present documents and pay
Hand over your passport, arrival card, return ticket (if asked), and the visa fee. The officer will process your visa and stamp it in your passport.
4
Proceed to immigration
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the immigration booths. Show your passport and visa. They'll stamp you in — you're good to go.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, online)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$20 USD (approx. 6,000 LKR)
Apply via ETA system before travel. Extendable once at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, online)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR)
Allows multiple entries. Extendable per stay.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 60,000 LKR) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay without work rights.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 90,000 LKR) per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and income (min. $2,000/month). No local tax liability.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 150,000 LKR) plus investment
Requires minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Sri Lankan business or property. Includes residency rights.
student visa
Sri Lanka Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 30,000 LKR) per year
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in USD or LKR at the airport upon arrival. | $35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, online)Apply via ETA system before travel for lower fee. | $20 USD (approx. 6,000 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, online)Valid for 30 days, extendable. | $40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $50 USD (approx. 15,000 LKR) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $200 USD (approx. 60,000 LKR). | $5 USD (approx. 1,500 LKR) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Zambia passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or exiting the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Australian visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
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., Zambia). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid from contaminated food/water.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwater or freshwater exposure, especially in rural areas.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas (Colombo, Kandy, coastal regions). Prophylaxis recommended 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 visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 20, William Gopallawa Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for travellers in the central region.
Practical information for ZM 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 = 326.27 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 standard fee is around $35–$50 USD for a 30-day tourist visa. It's best to have exact change in crisp US dollars. Cards are accepted at some counters but cash is more reliable.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 60 more days. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. The fee is about $50 USD. You'll need your passport, a passport photo, and proof of funds.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. No exceptions.
If you stay airside and don't pass immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport during a layover, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Only at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. If you arrive by sea (e.g., at a port like Colombo or Galle), you may need to arrange a visa in advance. Check with your cruise line or shipping agent.
You'll be fined $5 USD per day for the first 14 days, then $10 USD per day after that. Pay at the airport departure counter before you leave. Overstaying can also get you banned from re-entry.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (Zambia is not on the list), you need proof of vaccination. Otherwise, no. But check if you've recently been to any endemic countries.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.