Sri Lanka entry requirements for Greece passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Greek passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka — no need to apply in advance. Just arrive at Colombo (CMB) or any other entry point, pay the fee in cash, and you're in. This policy is confirmed for 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA application Electronic Travel Authorization | Apply for your ETA at eta.gov.lk before departure. The system processes applications within minutes — you get an email confirmation. Print the approval or save it on your phone; immigration officers at Bandaranaike International Airport will scan the QR code.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your Greek passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Sri Lanka does not enforce the 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your visit. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Colombo airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone. If you're overlanding to India, show your bus or train reservation. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host. Officers rarely check it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing at least $50 USD per day of your stay. Officers almost never ask for it, but it's a formal requirement on the books. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or LKR. Credit cards are not accepted. ATMs are available after immigration, so bring enough cash beforehand.
ETA alternative saves time
You can apply for an ETA online before you fly. It costs about $35, is processed in 24 hours, and lets you use the faster ETA queue at immigration. Recommended if you want to skip the visa on arrival line.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before immigration. There are usually two queues: one for ETA holders and one for visa on arrival.
2
Fill out the arrival form
Grab a white immigration card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your personal details, flight number, and hotel address. Keep your passport and return ticket handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, and cash (USD or LKR). The officer will process payment and issue a visa sticker. Expect 5–10 minutes per person.
4
Get stamped and proceed
Once the visa is affixed, you'll be directed to the immigration officer for a final stamp. After that, collect your bags and exit. Total time: 15–30 minutes in a normal queue.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Greece Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. €32)
Standard visa on arrival or ETA; can be extended twice.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. €46)
Allows multiple entries; extension possible for each stay.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. €185) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay without work rights.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. €275) per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and income of at least $2,000/month. Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €460) per year
For investors who invest at least $50,000 in a Sri Lankan business or property. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €185) per year
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD at the airport upon arrival. | $35 USD (approx. €32) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – alternative pre-arrivalCan be applied online before travel; same cost as VoA. | $35 USD (approx. €32) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $25 USD (approx. €23) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of $200 USD. | $5 USD per day (approx. €4.50) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa on arrival20%
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
Greece passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and do not pass through immigration. For stays over 24 hours or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure; avoid wading in stagnant water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel in 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
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 10, Peradeniya Road, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for travellers in the central region.
Practical information for GR 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 grants 30 days. You can extend it once for an additional 60 days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (cost around $50).
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 60 more days. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (Battaramulla) with your passport, visa, and a completed application form. The fee is about $50.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you need proof of onward travel out of Sri Lanka. A bus or ferry ticket to India works — just show the booking confirmation.
No, only cash is accepted at the visa on arrival counter. Bring USD or LKR. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that.
Yes, you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before departure. It costs about $35 and is processed within 24 hours. This lets you skip the visa on arrival queue.
Overstays are fined $10 per day for the first 30 days, then $20 per day after that. You'll need to pay at the airport before departure. Serious overstays can lead to a ban.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.