This page was last updated on January 2023
Is Sri Lanka open for visitors?
Yes. Sri Lanka has now fully opened to all international visitors. Before traveling to Sri Lanka, fully vaccinated travellers and children under 12 years no longer need to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test. Visitors are no longer required to fill up a Health Declaration form to enter the country.
Is Sri Lanka open to international tourism?
Sri Lanka is now fully open for international visitors. Arrivals to Sri Lanka can stay at any accommodation of their choice. All unvaccinated international arrivals are subject to COVID-19 testing before and after arriving in Sri Lanka.
Please consult the ‘Ministry of Health – Sri Lanka’ for further information.
Is Sri Lanka open for business travellers?
Yes. Sri Lanka has now fully opened its borders to international visitors, including business travellers.
Travellers coming to Sri Lanka for business purposes can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online to travel and remain in Sri Lanka for one month. They can also apply for a business visa which will be endorsed on their passport and usually valid for 3 months.
What are Sri Lanka’s vaccine requirements?
All arrivals can now enter Sri Lanka, regardless of their vaccination status. There’s no need to show a vaccination certificate upon arrival. However, it is still advised to have a vaccination certificate for medical purposes during your stay.
The government of Sri Lanka has validated the following vaccines for all inbound foreign travellers:
- Pfizer/BioNTech
- Sputnik V
- Oxford/AstraZeneca
- Covishield
- Sinopharm
- Sinovac
- Moderna
Source: Sri Lanka – COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker (trackvaccines.org)
What are Sri Lanka’s testing and quarantine requirements?
Testing requirements
Travellers are not required to take pre-departure testing for COVID-19. You may be subjected for PCR/RA testing if you show COVID-19-like symptoms or signs.
Quarantine requirements
There are no quarantine rules in place for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers.
Additional entry requirements
Electronic Travel Authorization
Foreign travellers must request an ‘Electronic Travel Authorization’ (ETA) before departure. Citizens of Singapore, Maldives, and Seychelles are exempt from this requirement.
Upon insurance payment, travellers will be issued a ‘Tourism Reference number,’ which will be needed when applying for a visa. In the visa form under the section’ contact details’ and under ‘address in Sri Lanka, ’ travellers are advised to include this reference number as the Department of Immigration and Emigrations, Sri Lanka (DIE) will check for this information when granting visa approval for all visitors entering the country.
Transiting in Sri Lanka
Transit via Sri Lanka is allowed as long as the connecting flight is within 10 hours of arrival. Passengers in transit who do not cross Sri Lankan immigration lines but who transfer between flights inside the airport do not require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) approval or a visa.
Travellers should check with their airline on the transit times since the travel and transit rules may vary depending on the destination country. All passengers should comply with all travel requirements imposed by the authorities of their final destination.
Exit requirements for Sri Lankans
Only departing travellers with valid air tickets will be granted access to the International Departure Hall at the airport. Check with your airlines for flight information and the latest travel advisory before your travel.
Travellers are required to refer to destination country travel rules to understand the specific requirements of the destination country.
