Sri Lanka entry requirements for Zambia 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
Zambian passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. The entire process is online — you apply, pay, and receive approval by email before you fly. No embassy visits or paper forms are required.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-Visa (ETA) for Sri LankaYou need to get this online approval before you fly – it's not available on arrival for Zambian citizens. Apply online before travel | Zambian passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Apply at least 3-5 days in advance via the official Sri Lanka ETA website (eta.gov.lk). The e-visa is valid for 30 days from arrival and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner than 6 months after you arrive, you'll be denied entry – renew it first. At least 6 months from arrival | Your Zambia passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Sri Lanka. Check the expiry date well before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a blank page to stamp your passport – if there's none, you'll be turned away. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page (not counting the endorsement pages) for the entry stamp. Ensure the page is clean and undamaged. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight – they often ask for it. Proof of departure from Sri Lanka | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket leaving Sri Lanka before your 30-day e-visa expires. Immigration may ask to see it at check-in or upon arrival. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsNot always checked, but having a bank statement or card helps avoid problems at immigration. For your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, credit card, or bank statement) to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka. The amount is not fixed but should be reasonable for your planned activities. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsIt's a common question – keep a copy of your hotel reservation handy. Hotel booking or address | Have the name and address of your accommodation in Sri Lanka ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying, and you may need to show a booking confirmation. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form – just your e-visa and passport. Not required | Sri Lanka does not require a separate arrival declaration for Zambian passport holders. The e-visa and passport are sufficient for entry. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk it
The ETA is not instant. Standard processing can take up to 72 hours, and there have been cases where applications take longer due to technical glitches. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid stress.
Use the official ETA website only
The only official site is https://eta.gov.lk/. There are third-party agencies that charge extra fees for the same service. Stick to the official site to save money and avoid scams.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and complete the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email address. Pay the fee online (around $35–$50 depending on the processing speed).
2
Receive ETA approval
Approval is usually sent by email within 24–72 hours for standard processing. Print a copy or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and possibly at immigration.
3
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'E-Visa/ETA' counters. Have your passport, ETA approval, and arrival card ready. The officer will stamp your passport — usually for 30 days.
4
Collect baggage and exit
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia 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)
Max stay30 days
Validity6 months
Cost$40
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company
Residence Visa (for employment/study)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$150
Apply after arrival at Department of Immigration
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 |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard VisitorSingle entry, 30 days stay, valid 6 months from issue | $35 |
| ETA – Double EntryTwo entries, 30 days total stay, valid 6 months | $40 |
| ETA – TransitValid for 2 days, for transit only | $20 |
| Visa Extension (first 2 months)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo | $50 |
| Visa Extension (subsequent months)Up to 6 months total stay | $75 per month |
| Late extension penaltyIf overstay without extension | $25 per day |
| Exit feeNo separate airport tax for most airlines | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required
Zambian passport holders need a transit ETA even for airside transit, unless they hold a valid visa for certain countries (see exceptions).
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or official passports
- Holders of valid visas for USA, UK, Canada, Schengen, Australia, or Japan (may be eligible for visa-free transit 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 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 = 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 standard ETA fee is around $35–$50 USD, depending on the processing speed you choose. You pay online with a credit or debit card when you apply.
Standard processing usually takes 24–72 hours. There's also an express option (around $50) that can be approved within a few hours. Apply at least 3 days before your flight to be safe.
The ETA typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are not possible — the database shows extendable: 0. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type before travel.
If you're arriving from a yellow fever endemic country, you'll need a yellow fever certificate. Zambia is not on the endemic list, so it's not required for direct travel from Zambia. But if you've recently been to an endemic country, carry your certificate.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline. Sri Lanka does offer visa-on-arrival for some nationalities, but Zambian passport holders are not eligible — you must have the ETA before you fly.
The standard ETA is for a single entry. If you plan to leave Sri Lanka and come back (e.g., a day trip to the Maldives), you'll need to apply for a new ETA.
Yes, for practical purposes it's a visa — it grants you entry to Sri Lanka. The difference is it's applied for and approved entirely online, with no embassy visit or passport submission.
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.