Sri Lanka entry requirements for Czech Republic passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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
Czech passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka, valid for 30 days. You can get it at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo or at any other entry point. No need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents and cash for the fee.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Sri Lanka | Your passport needs at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Airlines at Prague and other EU hubs will check this before boarding — they've denied boarding for less than 6 months validity. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for Czech passport holders | You can get a 30-day visa on arrival at Colombo airport for $35 USD (single entry). Pay in cash — USD, EUR, or GBP accepted. The queue can take 30–60 minutes; having the exact change speeds things up. Alternatively, apply for an ETA online at eta.gov.lk before travel ($35 USD, processed in 24 hours) and skip the visa-on-arrival line entirely.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Colombo will ask for proof of departure — a return flight or a ticket to your next destination. Budget airlines like AirAsia and IndiGo check this at check-in too. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration officers occasionally ask for your first night's hotel booking. A printed confirmation or a screenshot on your phone works. If staying with friends, have their address and phone number written down. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card for your stay | Officially you need at least $50 USD per person per day. In practice, they rarely ask, but having a credit card and some cash ($200–$300 USD) covers you. ATMs are widely available in Colombo and Kandy. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the visa counter
Card machines sometimes fail. Bring $50 USD in cash (or equivalent in EUR/GBP) to avoid being stuck. ATMs are available after immigration, but you need the visa first.
Keep your return ticket handy
Immigration officers frequently ask to see your onward ticket. Have a screenshot on your phone or a printed copy. If you don't have one, you can book a refundable ticket and cancel later.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the visa-on-arrival counter
After landing at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control. Have your passport, return ticket, and cash ready.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll get a small card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your personal details, flight number, and address in Sri Lanka. Keep it with your passport.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport and the fee. The officer will process payment and issue a visa sticker. This takes about 5–10 minutes if the queue is short.
4
Proceed to passport control
With the visa sticker in your passport, go to the passport control queue. The officer will check your passport, visa, and may ask for your return ticket. They'll stamp you in.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. You're in.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Czech Republic Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 6 months
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. 1,050 LKR)
Apply online via ETA. Extensions available at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 1,200 LKR)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$40 USD (approx. 1,200 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
Residence visa (long-stay)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx. 6,000 LKR)
For work, study, or retirement. Requires sponsorship.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. 6,000 LKR) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires local sponsorship and health insurance.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 3,000 LKR) per year
For remote workers with proof of income. Allows stay and work for foreign employers. Not yet fully implemented; check official sources.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$200 USD (approx. 6,000 LKR) per year
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and a work permit. Sponsored by employer.
student visa
Sri Lanka Student Visa
Duration of course, renewable
$100 USD (approx. 3,000 LKR) per year
For enrollment in recognized educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable at airport in cash (USD or LKR). | $35 USD (approx. 1,050 LKR) |
| Visa on Arrival (double entry, 30 days)Allows two entries within 30 days. | $40 USD (approx. 1,200 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Apply online via ETA system before travel. | $35 USD (approx. 1,050 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Available via ETA online. | $40 USD (approx. 1,200 LKR) |
| Stay extension (per month, up to 6 months)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $50 USD (approx. 1,500 LKR) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of $200 USD (approx. 6,000 LKR). | $5 USD (approx. 150 LKR) per day |
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
No transit visa needed
Czech Republic passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or longer layovers, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa is required.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo · Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), Hambantota
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; risk throughout the country, especially in urban areas and during rainy seasons.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in rural areas.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from freshwater exposure in rural areas; avoid swimming in floodwaters.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for travel to rural areas in the dry zone (e.g., Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa).
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 visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, photos, and fee.
Kandy
Kandy District Immigration Office
No. 10, Peradeniya Road, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for visitors in the central region.
Practical information for CZ 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
Getting to Sri Lanka
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days from the date of entry. You can extend it once for an additional 60 days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. The extension fee is around $50 USD.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 60 days. Go to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (address: 41 Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 3). Bring your passport, a passport photo, and the fee (about $50 USD). Processing takes 1–3 working days.
Overstaying costs $50 USD per day for the first 14 days, then $100 USD per day after that. You'll also get a black mark in your immigration record. Don't risk it — extend or leave on time.
No. Czech passport holders can get a visa on arrival without any prior application. The ETA system is for other nationalities. Just show up with your documents and cash.
Cash (USD, EUR, GBP) is most reliable. Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at the counter but sometimes the machine is down. Have $40–$50 USD in cash as a backup.
Yes, you can get a visa on arrival at any official entry point, including the airport in Colombo and the land border at Mannar (from India). The process is the same — just have your documents and fee ready.
Denial is rare for Czech citizens with proper documents. Common reasons: passport validity under 6 months, no return ticket, or a criminal record. If denied, you'll be sent back on the next flight at your own expense.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.