Sri Lankan border entry points
Sri Lanka has a few border crossings where foreigners may enter the country. Border entry points in Sri Lanka require travellers to present a few documents.
All citizens —except those from the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore— visiting the island country are required to carry an approved Sri Lanka ETA visa waiver to be granted entry at one of the Sri Lankan border entry points. The Sri Lanka ETA is the quickest and easiest way to gain entry into the country and does not require visiting an embassy or witing in line at a port of entry in Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lanka eVisa is the quickest and easiest way to gain entry to Sri Lanka. Getting the ETA can be done entirely online.
Obtaining a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka is also possible for citizens of some countries. However, visas on arrival are not available at all Sri Lanka’s entry points.
Ports of entry to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has 11 designated ports of entry that welcome international tourists.
The country’s border crossings include 4 airports and 7 seaports.
Taking into account that Since Sri Lanka is an island, it has no land border crossings nor land entry points.
In the past, a natural bridge existed between Sri Lanka and India. There are plans to build a bridge that would connect both nations by land once again.
Sri Lanka’s International Airports
Travellers wondering which airport to fly to when visiting Sri Lanka, can choose between 2 international airports.
Most airlines —including Emirates, Qatar, Turkish and Swiss— fly into Bandaranaike International Airport.
Sri Lanka’s main International Airport is located 30 kilometers (roughly 18.6 miles) north of the island nation's capital of Colombo.
The following are Sri Lanka’s 2 international airports:
- Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
- Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (MRIA)
Upon arrival at any of the airports, foreign travellers must present a valid ETA for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s International Seaports
The most important seaport in Sri Lanka is undoubtedly Colombo Port, which not only welcomes foreign tourists but also offers a variety of boat tours you won’t want to miss. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka has other sea entry points which you may want to look into while planning your next vacation to the island:
- Galle Harbor
- Magam Ruhunupura Mahinda Rajapaksha Port (Hambanthota)
- Trincomalee Harbor
- Kankesanthurei Harbor
- Thalaimannar Pier
- Norochcholai Pier
Those travelling to Sri Lanka on a cruise ship, can read our guide about the best time of year to visit Sri Lanka.
What is the Entry Procedure upon Arrival at a Sri Lanka Border Entry Point?
All foreign visitors must undergo immigration clearance before entering Sri Lanka.
The immigration officers at the border determine whether to grant entry or not.
It is necessary to follow the entry procedure to Sri Lanka by having all necessary documents.
Documents required upon arrival at a Sri Lanka entry point
The following documents are required upon arrival in Sri Lanka:
- A passport with at least 6 months validity
- Valid Sri Lanka visa or ETA, if applicable
- Sufficient funds to last for the intended period of stay in Sri Lanka
- Confirmed onward/return tickets, if applicable
- Entry facilities to their onward destinations, if applicable e.g. visas.
- Completed Disembarkation Card
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable
What is the Sri Lanka disembarkation card?
All passengers arriving in Sri Lanka must fill out the Sri Lanka disembarkation card.
It is available at all Sri Lanka immigration checkpoints. Most airlines provide travellers with the disembarkation card.
Those travelling with children must complete a disembarkation card per child.
Immigration officers expect the card to be properly and clearly completed. Once immigration clearance is granted, the officer will retain the disembarkation card.
What Questions Will I Be Asked Upon at a Sri Lanka Entry Point?
Upon arrival at an entry point in Sri Lanka, travellers must declare fully all dutiable, controlled or prohibited items, if they are carrying any.
If a passenger has any dutiable goods or controlled goods, they must seek Customs clearance at the Red Channel.
Passengers who do not have anything to declare can continue to the Green Channel.
Does the Sri Lanka ETA have to be stamped on the passport at the border?
The Sri Lankan ETA is electronically linked to the traveler's passport number. Hence, there’s no need to get it stamped on the passport.
Can I get a visa on arrival at Sri Lanka's border entry points?
Nationals from all countries except the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore are eligible to apply for an ETA Sri Lanka online. This can be done from a smartphone, tablet or personal computer and requires no more than 10 minutes to complete a simple online form.
There are a number of countries whose citizens do not qualify for a visa on arrival to Sri Lanka, also known as VOA. Nevertheless, these citizens are eligible to apply for a Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization. This is a much more practical way to gain entry into the island country:
- Afghanistan
- Cameroon
- The Democratic Republic of Congo
- Cote d'Ivoire
- Egypt
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Liberia
- Mali
- Myanmar
- Nigeria
- North Korea
- Sierra Leone
- Sudan
- Syria
International tourists holding a passport issued by a different country from those listed above who wish to wait in line at a Sri Lankan port of entry for a visa on arrival may do so. However, requesting a VOA usually involves paying the visa fees in cash and wasting precious vacation time queueing.
The easier way to enter Sri Lanka is to apply for an eVisa. The application process is simple and most requests are approved within 48 hours.