Sri Lanka entry requirements for Laos 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
Laos passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Sri Lanka's main airports. No need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents and cash for the fee. This is current for 2026.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
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 visa fee in USD (around $35–$50 depending on duration) — bring crisp US dollars as ATMs are limited before immigration. Have your passport photo and return ticket ready at the counter.Apply online | Required |
| 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 left from the day you leave Sri Lanka. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at CMB ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Budget airlines flying into Colombo enforce this strictly — have a printed copy or the booking on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask where you're staying — have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. A printed booking confirmation works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Officers rarely ask, but carry at least $50–$100 per day in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. ATMs are available after immigration. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival counter does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring USD or Sri Lankan Rupees in cash. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need the visa first.
ETA is faster
If you don't want to queue at the airport, apply for an ETA online at eta.gov.lk before you go. It costs the same ($35 USD) and takes about 10 minutes. You'll get a confirmation email — show it at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration' — they're clearly marked.
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
Queue at the visa counter
Hand over your passport, completed form, and cash. The officer will process your visa — usually takes 5–10 minutes. They'll ask your purpose of visit (tourism is fine).
4
Pay the fee and get your visa
Pay in USD or LKR. You'll receive a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates before you walk away.
5
Proceed to immigration
Show your passport with the new visa to the immigration officer. They'll stamp you in. That's it — you're in Sri Lanka.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$35 USD (approx. $35 USD)
Apply online via ETA; can be extended once.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)
Allows multiple entries; each stay up to 30 days.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. $40 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no local employment.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of income (min. $2,000/month). Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD initial fee
For investors putting at least $50,000 into a local business. Requires business registration and proof of investment.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD per year
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in USD cash upon arrival at airport or seaport. | $40 USD (approx. $40 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Apply online via ETA system before travel. | $35 USD (approx. $35 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Available via ETA for multiple entries within validity. | $40 USD (approx. $40 USD) |
| Stay extension feeExtension up to 30 days, apply at Department of Immigration. | $50 USD (approx. $50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $100 USD. | $5 USD per day (approx. $5 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel 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
Laos passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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-diphtheriaEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease common in urban and rural areas; use repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwater or freshwater exposure; avoid wading in floodwater.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended. Risk in remote rural areas of the 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 01000
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 15, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for travellers in the central region.
Practical information for LA 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The standard tourist visa on arrival costs around $35 USD or equivalent in Sri Lankan Rupees. Fees can change, so bring a little extra just in case. The counter only takes cash.
You'll typically get 30 days. It's a single-entry visa. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 60 more days. Go to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (Battaramulla). The fee is around $50 USD. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and the fee in cash.
Visa on arrival is only available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI). If you're coming by land from India, you need to get an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before you travel.
Yes, immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or bus ticket ready. If you don't have one, they might deny entry.
Yes, you can apply for an ETA online before you travel. It's the same fee ($35 USD) and saves you queuing at the airport. Apply at eta.gov.lk at least 2 days before departure.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Sri Lankan immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. No exceptions.
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.