Sri Lanka entry requirements for France passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
French passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit. The process is straightforward at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for short stays.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA application Electronic Travel Authorization | Apply online at eta.gov.lk before departure. The ETA costs $35–$50 USD depending on processing speed. Approval usually comes within 24 hours — do this at least 3 days before your flight.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your arrival date in Sri Lanka. Airlines check this at check-in — they'll deny boarding if you're short. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers ask for a confirmed onward ticket at the border. A flight booking out of Sri Lanka within your visa validity works — they rarely check if it's refundable. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have your first night's hotel confirmation ready. If staying with friends, a letter of invitation with their address and phone number is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card | Carry at least $100 USD per day of your stay in cash or have a credit card with available limit. ATMs are common in Colombo but unreliable in rural areas. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival counter does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring USD, EUR, or GBP in cash. Damaged or old notes may be refused.
Visa on arrival is for short stays only
This visa is designed for tourism, business, or transit stays up to 30 days. If you plan to stay longer, consider an e-visa or a different visa type before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main immigration booths.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll get a small card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address.
3
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, return ticket (if asked), and cash. The officer will process the visa and affix it to a passport page.
4
Proceed to immigration
Take your passport with the new visa sticker to the immigration officer. They'll stamp you in. Keep the arrival card stub — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. €32)
Standard visa for tourism. Can be obtained on arrival or via ETA.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37)
Allows multiple entries within validity. Useful for regional travel.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company. Apply via embassy or ETA.
Residence Visa (Long Stay)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostLKR 20,000 (approx. $60 USD) per year
For retirees, investors, or digital nomads. Requires proof of income, health insurance, and local sponsor.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
LKR 20,000 (approx. $60 USD) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with a guaranteed monthly income of at least $1,500 USD. Requires health insurance and local bank account. Allows multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
LKR 15,000 (approx. $45 USD) per year
For remote workers with proof of employment or freelance income of at least $2,000 USD/month. Requires health insurance and local address. No tax on foreign income.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
LKR 50,000 (approx. $150 USD) per year
For investors who invest at least $50,000 USD in a Sri Lankan business or real estate. Requires business plan and local partner. Fast-track residency.
student visa
Sri Lanka Student Visa
Duration of course (up to 2 years), renewable
LKR 10,000 (approx. $30 USD) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Sri Lankan institutions. Requires admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable at airport immigration counters in USD, EUR, or GBP. Credit cards accepted at major entry points. | $35 USD (approx. €32) |
| Visa on Arrival (double entry, 30 days each)Allows two separate entries within the validity period. | $40 USD (approx. €37) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – pre-arrivalOptional but recommended to save time. Apply online at eta.gov.lk at least 24 hours before travel. | $35 USD (approx. €32) |
| Stay extension (per month, up to 2 months)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Requires passport, visa, and proof of funds. | LKR 5,000 (approx. $15 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Payable at immigration office or airport departure. Overstay beyond 90 days may lead to blacklisting. | LKR 5,000 (approx. $15 USD) per day, max LKR 50,000 (approx. $150 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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
France passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours. No transit visa is required for same-day connections.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area (e.g., to stay overnight in a hotel), a visa on arrival or ETA is required.
- Transit through Colombo to Maldives or India may require separate visa for those countries.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America). Certificate must be at least 10 days old.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk year-round, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. Use repellent and sleep under nets.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks. Similar prevention as dengue.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from freshwater exposure (e.g., paddy fields, floods). Avoid wading in floodwaters.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas (Colombo, Kandy, coastal resorts). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider 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 01000
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:15
Main office for extensions, re-entry permits, and visa issues. Bring passport, visa, photos, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 17, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:15
Handles extensions and visa queries for central Sri Lanka. Less crowded than Colombo.
Practical information for FR 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 = 326.09 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 standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. It can be extended once for an additional 30 days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.
Yes, you can extend it once for another 30 days. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (address: 41 Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 03). The fee is around $50 USD, and processing takes a few hours. Bring your passport, visa sticker, and a passport photo.
For stays over 60 days, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before travel, such as a tourist visa (e-visa) or a residence visa. The visa on arrival is not extendable beyond 60 days total.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Overstaying incurs a fine of $50 USD per day for the first 14 days, then $100 USD per day after that. You'll also be flagged and may face difficulties re-entering Sri Lanka. Always extend or leave before your visa expires.
Yes, you can apply for an e-visa online before travel. It's the same type of visa but processed in advance. The cost is similar, and it saves time at the airport. Apply at the official Sri Lanka ETA website (eta.gov.lk).
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a completed arrival card, and cash for the fee. You may also be asked for your return ticket and hotel booking. Have them ready on your phone or printed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.