Sri Lanka entry requirements for Israel 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
Israeli passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka for tourism, valid for up to 30 days. This policy started in 2024 and continues through 2026. No advance application needed — just show up with the right documents.
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 6 months of validity remaining from the day you leave Sri Lanka. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at Colombo Bandaranaike Airport or other designated entry points | You can get a visa on arrival at Colombo Airport for $50 USD (single entry, 30 days). Have cash USD ready — the counter does not always accept cards. You can also apply online in advance at the ETA portal to skip the queue.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Sri Lanka | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Sri Lanka. A printed or digital copy of your flight booking works. If you are overlanding, have a bus or train ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration rarely asks, but budget airlines sometimes check before letting you board. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry at least $500 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely checks, but having it ready avoids delays if asked. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival only at Colombo airport
This visa is only available at Bandaranaike International Airport. If you're arriving by land or at another airport, you must get a visa in advance from a Sri Lankan embassy or online.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you'll be denied boarding. No exceptions.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration' counters. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll receive an arrival card on the plane or at the counter. Fill it out with your personal details, flight info, and address in Sri Lanka.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa on arrival fee at the counter. As of 2026, it's $50 USD for a 30-day tourist visa. Cash (USD or LKR) or credit card accepted. Keep the receipt.
4
Get your visa stamped
The immigration officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter. You're now cleared for up to 30 days.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel 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)
Max stay30 days, extendable 60 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$35 USD (USD 35)
Apply online via ETA system; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (USD 40)
Good for multiple visits within validity.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$40 USD (USD 40)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD / year
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds of at least $1,500/month. Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD
For remote workers with proof of income $2,000+/month. Not yet fully implemented; check official sources.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD + investment
Requires investment of at least $50,000 in a Sri Lankan business or property. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Department of Immigration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)For Israeli passport holders, visa on arrival is free for up to 30 days. | Free (USD 0) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Optional online ETA for convenience; same conditions. | $35 USD (USD 35) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $40 USD (USD 40) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration; max 2 extensions. | LKR 5,000 (~$15 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of LKR 50,000 (~$150 USD). | LKR 500 (~$1.50 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Israeli passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival or ETA is required.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo
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-pertussisRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; avoid tap water and street food to reduce risk.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure; wear protective footwear.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel in dry zone.
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 fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 35, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Convenient for travellers in central Sri Lanka.
Practical information for IL 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 fee is $50 USD for a 30-day tourist visa. You can pay in USD or Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) at the counter. Credit cards are also accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling or leave and re-enter.
No, Israeli passport holders do not need an ETA or e-visa. You can simply get the visa on arrival at the airport. No advance application is required.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Sri Lankan immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions.
The visa on arrival is only available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. If arriving by land from India, you need to arrange a visa in advance.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and proof of first night accommodation. Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended.
Rejection is rare for genuine tourists with proper documents. Common reasons include insufficient passport validity, lack of return ticket, or previous overstays. Just follow the checklist.
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.