Sri Lanka entry requirements for China 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
Chinese passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. You can apply online before you fly, and it's a straightforward process that usually takes just a few minutes to complete.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You need to get this online approval before you fly; without it you may be denied boarding. Apply online before departure | Chinese passport holders must obtain an approved ETA (evisa) before traveling to Sri Lanka. Apply at the official ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/) at least a few days before departure. The ETA is valid for a short stay (typically 30 days) and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date – it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. At least 6 months from arrival | Your Chinese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there is a completely blank page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa/stamp page for the entry stamp upon arrival. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready to show if asked. Proof of departure | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Sri Lanka before your ETA expires. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsIt's wise to have a bank statement or credit card to prove you can support yourself. For your stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka. While there is no fixed amount, carrying cash or a bank statement is advisable. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsKeep a copy of your hotel reservation or the address of your host. Hotel booking or address | Immigration may ask for your accommodation address in Sri Lanka. Have your hotel booking confirmation or the address where you will stay ready. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form – just your passport and ETA. Not required | Sri Lanka does not require a separate arrival declaration for Chinese passport holders at this time. | Not required |
Apply early, not at the airport
You can get a visa on arrival at the airport, but it costs more and you'll wait in a longer line. Applying online before you fly is cheaper and faster.
Passport validity is critical
Sri Lanka requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it's shorter, you'll be denied boarding. Check now, not the night before your flight.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, flight information, and a valid email address. Pay the fee (around $35 USD for standard processing) with a credit or debit card. You'll get a confirmation email once approved.
2
Wait for approval
Standard processing usually takes 1-2 business days. Check your email for the approval notice. It's a good idea to apply at least a week before your flight to avoid any delays.
3
Arrive at the airport in Sri Lanka
When you land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, head to the immigration counters. Have your passport and a printed or digital copy of your ETA approval ready. The officer will stamp your passport, and you're in.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and walk through customs. If you have nothing to declare, you can use the green channel. If you're carrying items like electronics or large amounts of cash, use the red channel.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$40
For business activities, can be extended onshore.
Residence visa
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200
For employment, study, or long-term stay; requires sponsorship.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds of at least $1,500/month. Allows long-term stay without work.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of income of $2,000/month. Currently in pilot phase; check official sources.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Resident Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and approval from the Department of Immigration. Allows employment.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD initial fee
For investors with minimum $50,000 USD in a local business or government bonds. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – StandardFor tourism, valid for 30 days from arrival, double entry. | $50 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitFor transit up to 48 hours, single entry. | $20 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – BusinessFor business visits, valid for 30 days. | $40 |
| Visa extension (onshore)For first extension of 30 days, apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration. | $50 |
| Visa extension (additional)For further extensions, up to a maximum of 180 days total stay. | $100 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Chinese passport holders require an ETA even for transit, unless they remain airside and do not pass immigration. However, the transit ETA is required if leaving the transit area.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and staying airside for less than 24 hours may not need a visa, but must hold a transit ETA if they need to enter the country.
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 or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid from contaminated food/water.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure; rare in tourists.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended only for rural travel in dry zone (e.g., Anuradhapura).
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 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, visa, and photos.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office - Kandy
No. 15, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Convenient for travellers in the hill country.
Practical information for CN 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 ETA fee is around $35 USD. You can pay online with a credit or debit card. There's also a 'fast track' option that costs more, but standard processing is usually quick enough.
Standard processing typically takes 1-2 business days. In practice, many travelers get approval within a few hours. To be safe, apply at least a week before your departure.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave the country and re-apply for a new ETA. Overstaying can result in fines or other penalties.
It's not strictly required, but it's a good idea to have a printed copy or at least have the email accessible on your phone. Immigration officers may ask to see it, and having it handy speeds things up.
Rejections are rare, but if it happens, you can reapply or contact the Sri Lanka ETA support team. Make sure all your details match your passport exactly. If you're in a hurry, you can also apply for a visa on arrival at the airport, but it's more expensive and involves waiting in line.
Yes, the ETA is valid for entry at any of the international airports (Colombo, Hambantota, Jaffna) and seaports. Just make sure you have the ETA approved before you arrive.
Yes, for most travelers, the ETA acts as your visa. It's an electronic authorization that allows you to enter Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit. You don't need to visit an embassy or get a stamp in your passport beforehand.
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.