Sri Lanka entry requirements for Zimbabwe 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
Zimbabwean passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. You can apply online before you fly, and you'll present the approval on arrival. The ETA covers tourism, business, and transit stays.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)You must get this online approval before you fly; without it you will be denied boarding. Visa required | Zimbabwean passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Apply online at the official Sri Lanka ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/). The ETA is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before you travel. At least 6 months | Your Zimbabwean 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; if there's no blank page, you may be refused entry. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for the entry stamp upon arrival in Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you plan to leave Sri Lanka before your visa expires. Proof of departure | You must have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing your departure from Sri Lanka within the authorized stay period. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsHaving evidence of money helps convince immigration you can support yourself during your visit. Financial means | You should be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Sri Lanka (e.g., cash, credit cards, or bank statements). The exact amount is not fixed but should be proportionate to your planned activities and length of stay. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsImmigration may ask where you are staying; having a booking confirmation speeds up the process. Where you'll stay | It is advisable to have your hotel booking or address of your accommodation in Sri Lanka ready to show at immigration if requested. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the standard immigration procedures. Not required | Sri Lanka does not require a separate arrival declaration for Zimbabwean passport holders at this time. | Not required |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Zimbabwean passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. You must have an approved ETA before you board your flight. Apply at least 3 business days before departure to avoid being denied boarding.
ETA is not extendable
The 30-day ETA cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll be fined $25 USD per day (max $250 USD). Plan your trip to fit within 30 days, or apply for a different visa type before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the 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.
2
Pay the ETA fee
Pay the processing fee online with a credit or debit card. The standard tourist ETA fee is around $35 USD. Keep the payment receipt.
3
Receive your ETA approval
Approval is usually emailed within 24 hours, but can take up to 3 business days. Check your spam folder. Print a copy or save it on your phone.
4
Check in and fly
At the airport, show your passport and ETA approval at check-in. The airline will verify your ETA before issuing your boarding pass.
5
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
On arrival in Colombo, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport, ETA approval, and return ticket. You'll get a 30-day entry stamp. The process usually takes 15-30 minutes.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Residence Visa
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$200 (approx.)
For long-term stays, work, study, or retirement. Requires sponsorship and additional documentation.
Multiple Entry Visa (Tourist)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$100 (approx.)
For frequent visitors; apply at Sri Lankan embassy or online if eligible.
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 |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard TouristFor stays up to 30 days, double entry. Apply online before travel. | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard BusinessFor business visits, up to 30 days, double entry. | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitFor transit stays up to 2 days. | $20 |
| ETA Extension (Tourist)For extension of stay beyond 30 days, up to 90 days total. Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $50 |
| ETA Extension (Business)For extension of business stay, up to 90 days total. Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration. | $50 |
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
Zimbabwean passport holders require a transit ETA even for airside transit. Apply online before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and staying airside for less than 12 hours may be eligible for a free transit pass at some airports, but this is not guaranteed – always obtain a transit ETA.
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., 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 = 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 tourist ETA fee is around $35 USD. You pay online when you apply. There may be a small processing fee added by the payment gateway. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
Most applications are approved within 24 hours, but the official processing time is up to 3 business days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. If you don't hear back within 72 hours, check your spam folder and then contact the ETA helpdesk.
No. The ETA is not extendable. If you overstay, you'll be fined $25 USD per day (up to a maximum of $250 USD) when you leave. For longer stays, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before you travel.
A digital copy on your phone is usually accepted, but a printed copy is safer. Airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable, and you don't want to be stuck without access to your email. Print one and keep it with your passport.
Rejections are rare but possible. If it happens, you'll get an email explaining why. You can reapply with corrected information, or contact the Sri Lankan embassy in your country for help. Don't book non-refundable flights until your ETA is approved.
No. The ETA must be obtained online before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Zimbabwean passport holders. If you arrive without an approved ETA, you'll be put on the next flight back.
No, the standard tourist ETA is single-entry. If you leave Sri Lanka (even for a day trip to the Maldives), you'll need to apply for a new ETA to re-enter.
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.