Sri Lanka entry requirements for Chile 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
Chilean passport holders need an eVisa to visit Sri Lanka for tourism or business. The entire application is completed online before you fly, and it's a straightforward process that typically takes 1–3 business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You need to get this online before you fly – it's not available on arrival. evisa required | Chilean citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Apply online through the official Sri Lanka ETA portal. The ETA is valid for 30 days from arrival and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry – if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before you travel. 6 months from arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure you have a completely blank page – stamps on the same page may not be accepted. at least 1 page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight – have it ready. proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket proving you will leave Sri Lanka before your ETA expires. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry a bank statement or credit card – it's not always checked, but it's safer to have it. for your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra form – just the usual immigration card. not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Chile passport holders entering Sri Lanka. | Not required |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Chilean citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. You must have the eVisa approved before you board your flight. Airlines will check this at check-in and may refuse boarding without it.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Even if you have a valid eVisa, a passport that expires sooner will get you turned away.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Sri Lanka eVisa website and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Most eVisa applications are processed within 24–72 hours. You'll receive an email with the approval. Check your spam folder if it doesn't arrive.
3
Print or save the eVisa
Print a copy of the approved eVisa or save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and to immigration officers on arrival.
4
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing in Colombo, follow the signs to 'Immigration'. Have your passport, eVisa, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport with your entry date and allowed stay.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (on arrival / at embassy)
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$50
For longer stays than ETA allows; must be obtained before arrival or at designated counters
Business Visa (on arrival / at embassy)
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$50
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company
Residence Visa
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$200
For employment, study, or long-term stay; requires sponsorship and approval
digital nomad
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa
1 year
$200
For remote workers; requires proof of income ($2,000+/month) and health insurance.
Apply at Department of Immigration retirement
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year (renewable)
$300
For retirees aged 55+; requires proof of pension or $25,000 in bank.
Apply at Department of Immigration Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard TouristSingle entry, 30 days stay, valid 6 months from issue | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – BusinessSingle entry, 30 days stay, valid 6 months from issue | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitValid for 2 days, for transit only | $20 |
| ETA Processing Fee (if using visa agent)Optional, varies by service provider | $5–$20 |
| Visa Extension (Tourist)For stays beyond 30 days, up to 90 days total | $50 |
| Visa Extension (Business)For stays beyond 30 days, up to 90 days total | $50 |
| Late Extension Penalty (if overstay)Charged at immigration when leaving | $25 per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect application form30%
Insufficient funds for stay20%
Criminal record or security concerns15%
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
Chilean passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours. If leaving the airport or staying longer, a Transit ETA is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If transiting to/from India, Nepal, or Bhutan, a Transit ETA is required even if staying airside.
- If transiting to/from Maldives, no visa is needed for airside transit.
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., Brazil, Angola).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedTetanusEssentialHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Common in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.
LeptospirosisModerate risk
Risk after flooding; avoid contact with fresh water.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; similar precautions as dengue.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in some rural areas (e.g., Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa); prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
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 8:30am-4:15pm
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 20, William Gopallawa Mawatha, Kandy
Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:15pm
Practical information for CL 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
Most applications are approved within 24 to 72 hours. It's best to apply at least 3–5 days before your flight to be safe. The official processing time is 1–3 business days.
The standard tourist eVisa fee is around $50 USD, but it can vary. Check the official eVisa website for the current fee. Payment is made online with a credit or debit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-apply, or check with the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo for any special circumstances.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Chile is not a yellow fever country, so if you're flying directly from Chile or a non-risk country, you don't need the certificate. If you've recently been in a risk area, bring the vaccination card.
You'll be denied entry and put on the next flight back. There's no visa-on-arrival facility for Chilean citizens. Don't risk it — get the eVisa before you fly.
No, the standard tourist eVisa is for a single entry. If you leave Sri Lanka and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at any international airport or seaport in Sri Lanka, including Colombo (CMB), Hambantota (HRI), and Jaffna (JAF).
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.