Sri Lanka entry requirements for Hungary 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
Hungarian passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka — it's a quick online application, not a traditional visa. You can complete it in about 10 minutes, and you'll get the approval by email before you fly.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You must obtain this online authorization before you fly; without it you will be denied boarding. evisa | Apply for an ETA online before travel at the official Sri Lanka ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/). The ETA is required for Hungarian passport holders. Approval is typically granted within 24-72 hours. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport's expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your planned exit from Sri Lanka. 6 months | Your Hungarian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport on arrival. 1 page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you will leave Sri Lanka before your visa expires. Proof of departure | You must hold a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Sri Lanka within the authorized stay period. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsWhile not always checked, having proof of funds helps avoid issues at immigration. Financial means | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Sri Lanka (e.g., cash, credit cards, bank statements). | Recommended |
| Visa fee paymentYour ETA application is not complete until the fee is paid successfully. Payment method | Pay the ETA processing fee online using a valid credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable. | Required |
| ETA approval confirmationHaving the approval document ready speeds up the immigration process. Print or save | Carry a printed or digital copy of your approved ETA confirmation to present upon arrival in Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Sri Lanka. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk it
Even though the ETA is usually quick, processing can occasionally take longer. Apply at least 3–5 days before departure. If you arrive without an approved ETA, you'll be turned away.
Use the official site only
There are third-party websites that charge inflated fees for ETA applications. Always use https://eta.gov.lk/ — it's the only official government portal.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email address. Pay the fee (around $35–$50 depending on processing speed) with a credit/debit card. Approval typically arrives within 24–72 hours for standard processing.
2
Check your email for approval
You'll receive an approval notice by email. Print it or keep it accessible on your phone. Double-check that your name and passport number match exactly — any typo means you'll have to reapply.
3
Arrive at the airport in Sri Lanka
At Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, head to the immigration counters. Present your passport and the ETA approval. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes a few minutes. Have your return ticket and hotel booking ready in case they ask.
4
Enjoy your stay — but watch the 30-day limit
Your ETA allows a maximum stay of 30 days. It's not extendable, so plan your departure accordingly. Overstaying can result in fines or problems on future visits.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Hungary 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 stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company
Residence visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200
For employment, study, or long-term stay; requires sponsorship
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
LKR 20,000 (approx. USD 60) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with a guaranteed monthly income of at least $1,500. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
LKR 15,000 (approx. USD 45) per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and income of $2,000+/month. No local tax on foreign income.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
LKR 50,000 (approx. USD 150) plus investment
Requires a minimum investment of $50,000 in a local business or property. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
LKR 30,000 (approx. USD 90) 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 |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – StandardValid for 30 days from arrival, double entry | $50 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – ExtendedValid for 180 days from arrival, double entry | $60 |
| Visa extension (onshore)For stays beyond 30 days, up to 90 days total | $50 |
| Late extension feeIf applied after visa expiry | $25 |
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
Transit passengers staying airside and not passing immigration do not need a visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the transit area or staying overnight in a hotel, a regular ETA is required.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
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)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk year-round, especially in urban areas and during rainy seasons.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common; avoid tap water, street food, and ensure proper hygiene.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure; wear protective footwear.
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 10
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, visa, and extension fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 20, William Gopallawa Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central Sri Lanka; less crowded than Colombo.
Practical information for HU 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
Standard processing usually takes 24–72 hours. There's also an expedited option (within 24 hours) for a higher fee. Apply at least 3 days before your flight to be safe.
The fee varies by processing speed — roughly $35 for standard, $50 for expedited. Pay online with a credit or debit card. Check the official site for the current exact amount.
No — the ETA is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter (which resets the 30 days) or apply for a different visa type before arrival. Overstaying is risky and can lead to fines.
Not strictly — immigration can look it up in their system. But having a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone speeds things up and helps if there's a system glitch.
Rejections are rare for Hungarian passport holders, but if it happens, you'll get an email explaining why. You can reapply with corrected information or contact the Sri Lanka ETA support. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have approval.
No — the standard ETA is single-entry. If you leave Sri Lanka (even to the Maldives for a day trip), you'll need a new ETA to come back.
No. The ETA is approved before you fly. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Hungarian passport holders — you must have the ETA in advance.
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.