Sri Lanka entry requirements for Iceland 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
Icelandic passport holders get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka — no advance application needed. Just show up at Bandaranaike International Airport with your documents and you'll be processed on the spot. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. Pay the fee in USD (around $35–$50 depending on duration) — bring cash, cards are not always accepted. Have your passport photo and return ticket ready at the counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at CMB routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready — they check this before issuing the visa on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Officers may ask for your hotel booking or host address during visa on arrival processing. Have a printed confirmation or a digital copy on your phone ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry at least $100 USD per day in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely asks, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is only at Colombo airport
If you're arriving by sea (e.g., cruise ship) or at Mattala Airport, you must get an ETA or visa beforehand. The visa on arrival facility is exclusively for Bandaranaike International Airport.
No fee for Icelandic passport holders
The visa on arrival is completely free. You won't need to pay anything at the counter.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are before the main immigration booths. There's usually a separate queue for visa on arrival applicants.
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 number, and accommodation address. Keep it with your passport.
3
Present documents at the visa counter
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card, and return ticket. The officer will process your visa on arrival — it takes about 5–10 minutes. No fee for Icelandic passport holders.
4
Proceed to immigration
After getting your visa stamp, join the main immigration queue. Show your passport and arrival card. You'll get an entry stamp with your allowed stay duration.
5
Collect luggage and exit
Head to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare. You're in.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland 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 twice for 30 days each
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. 11,000 LKR)
Standard option; apply online via ETA or on arrival.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$75 USD (approx. 24,000 LKR)
Ideal for multiple visits; apply online before travel.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 13,000 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Resident Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year (approx. 65,000 LKR)
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds of at least $1,500/month. Allows long-term stay without work. Apply at Department of Immigration.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year (approx. 97,000 LKR)
For remote workers with proof of income of at least $2,000/month. Allows stay and work for foreign employers. Not yet fully implemented; check official sources.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Employment)
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD per year (approx. 162,000 LKR)
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and approval from the Department of Immigration. Employer typically sponsors.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD per year (approx. 325,000 LKR)
For investors putting at least $50,000 USD into a Sri Lankan business or real estate. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable at airport immigration counter in USD or LKR. | $35 USD (approx. 11,000 LKR) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – alternative pre-arrivalApply online before travel; same cost as VoA but faster processing. | $35 USD (approx. 11,000 LKR) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo; max 2 extensions. | $25 USD (approx. 7,500 LKR) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Payable at immigration office before departure; overstay may affect future visits. | $5 USD (approx. 1,500 LKR) per day, max $200 USD |
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
Iceland passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (e.g., 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 passing through immigration, a visa on arrival or ETA 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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-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 food is thoroughly cooked.
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 fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 15, Peradeniya Road, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central region; less crowded than Colombo.
Practical information for IS 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
No. Icelandic passport holders get a visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. No advance application needed.
It's free for Icelandic passport holders. No fee is charged at the counter.
The standard stay is 30 days. It's not extendable, so plan your trip within that window.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry into Sri Lanka.
Only at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. If you arrive by sea or at another airport, you need to arrange a visa in advance through the Sri Lankan embassy or online.
Yes, immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy ready.
No, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Sri Lanka can be high, and insurance covers emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
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.