Sri Lanka entry requirements for Zimbabwe 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
Zimbabwean passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Queue at the immigration counter, pay the fee in cash, and receive a 30-day visa. This process has been in place since 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply for ETA before travel | Zimbabwe passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Colombo airport, but applying for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online beforehand is faster and avoids the queue. Go to eta.gov.lk, fill in the form, pay the fee (around $35 USD), and you'll get approval by email within 24 hours. Print the approval and hand it with your passport at immigration.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Sri Lanka immigration strictly enforces the 6-month passport validity rule. Your passport must have at least two blank pages for the entry stamp. Airlines check this at check-in, so renew if needed before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Colombo airport ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight or a ticket to your next destination. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. Budget airlines sometimes check this at check-in too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have on hand | You don't always need to show a hotel booking, but if the officer asks, having a printed confirmation or a digital copy on your phone speeds things up. A simple hostel or Airbnb booking works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have on hand | Sri Lanka doesn't have a fixed minimum, but carrying at least $500 USD in cash or having a credit card with a decent limit shows you can cover your stay. ATMs are widely available in Colombo and major towns. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or Sri Lankan Rupees. No credit cards, no mobile payments. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is not extendable
If you think you might need more than 30 days, apply for a tourist visa in advance through the Sri Lankan embassy or official eVisa portal before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Colombo airport
After landing at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Do not go to the regular passport control queue first.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll be given a small landing card on the plane or at the counter. Fill it out with your flight number, passport details, and accommodation address.
3
Pay the visa fee
At the visa on arrival counter, pay the fee in cash. As of 2025, it's around $40–$50 USD (or equivalent in Sri Lankan Rupees). Credit cards are not accepted. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. It's usually valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
5
Proceed to passport control
Now go to the regular passport control queue. Show your passport with the visa sticker, the arrival card, and your return ticket if asked. You'll be through in a few minutes.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe 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)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 6 months
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. 11,500 LKR)
Standard visa on arrival. Extend at immigration office.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$75 USD (approx. 24,750 LKR)
Allows multiple entries. Apply at Sri Lankan embassy or online.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 13,200 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. 66,000 LKR) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or $1,500/month income. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 33,000 LKR) per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and $2,000/month income. No local tax on foreign income.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
$500 USD (approx. 165,000 LKR) initial fee
For investors with minimum $50,000 USD in local business or real estate. Includes family dependents.
student visa
Sri Lanka Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 2 years
$50 USD (approx. 16,500 LKR) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Sri Lankan institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable at airport in USD or LKR. Valid for 30 days from arrival. | $35 USD (approx. 11,500 LKR) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – pre-arrivalOptional but recommended to save time. Apply online before travel. | $35 USD (approx. 11,500 LKR) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration. Max extension up to 6 months total. | $50 USD (approx. 16,500 LKR) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of $500 USD. Pay at immigration office before departure. | $10 USD (approx. 3,300 LKR) per day |
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
Zimbabwe 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 stays, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Canada, Schengen, or Australia 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., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
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; rare in tourists.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas (Colombo, Kandy, coastal regions). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended, 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 01000
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions. Bring passport, visa, photos, 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 ZW 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 = 331.57 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
As of 2025, the fee is approximately $40–$50 USD (or equivalent in Sri Lankan Rupees). Pay in cash — no credit or debit cards accepted. Keep the receipt.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Check the sticker carefully before leaving the counter.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your date of arrival in Sri Lanka.
Yes, immigration may ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a screenshot or printed copy ready.
No, the visa on arrival is only available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. If you arrive by land or sea, you must have a visa in advance.
Overstaying can result in a fine of around $25–$50 per day, and you may be banned from re-entering Sri Lanka for a period. Leave before your visa expires.
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.