Sri Lanka entry requirements for Latvia 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
Latvian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka in 2026. It's straightforward — you'll get a 30-day tourist visa at the airport with no prior application needed. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. Pay the visa fee in USD (around $35–$50 depending on duration) — bring cash. The counter is before immigration, takes 10–15 minutes.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Latvian passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your departure date from 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 entry | Immigration officers at Colombo airport ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of Sri Lanka. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — a flight booking within 30 days works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to have ready | Officers rarely ask for hotel bookings, but having a printed reservation for your first few nights helps if questioned. A hostel or hotel confirmation is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to have ready | Carry at least $50–$100 USD per day in cash or show a bank statement on your phone. Immigration rarely checks, but budget airlines sometimes ask at check-in. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport has less than 6 months validity from your arrival date, you will not be allowed to fly. Renew early.
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee is around $35–$50 USD. While cards are accepted, cash (USD or EUR) is faster and avoids any card reader issues. Have it ready in your hand luggage.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. There are separate queues for different nationalities — look for the one marked for European passports. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll be given a small arrival card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your personal details, flight number, and address in Sri Lanka. Keep it with your passport.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa on arrival fee is around $35–$50 USD (payable in USD, EUR, or LKR). Cash is easiest — credit cards are accepted but can be slow. Keep the receipt.
4
Get your passport stamped
The immigration officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day tourist visa. Check the stamp before walking away — make sure the dates are correct. You're now free to enter Sri Lanka.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia 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. €32)
Standard ETA for tourism; can be extended once.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37)
For frequent visitors; each stay limited to 30 days.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD (approx. €275) 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 (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €183) per year
For remote workers with foreign income. Requires proof of employment and minimum income of $2,000/month. Not yet fully implemented.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. €458) plus investment
For investors putting at least $50,000 into a local business or real estate. Requires business plan and approval from Board of Investment.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €183) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Single EntryRequired for visa on arrival; apply online before travel or pay at arrival. | $35 USD (approx. €32) |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Multiple EntryAllows multiple entries within 30 days. | $40 USD (approx. €37) |
| Stay Extension FeeApply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $50 USD (approx. €46) for 30 days |
| Overstay FinePay at immigration office before departure. | $25 USD per day (approx. €23), max $500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Latvia passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, an ETA is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisRecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher in urban areas and during rainy seasons.
ChikungunyaLow risk
Mosquito-borne; sporadic outbreaks occur.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from freshwater exposure in rural areas.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel in dry zone (e.g., Anuradhapura).
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 visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, ETA, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 15, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central region visitors.
Practical information for LV 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 visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. It's a single-entry visa — if you leave Sri Lanka, you'll need a new visa to re-enter. Extensions are possible at the Department of Immigration in Colombo for an additional fee.
Yes, you can extend your stay by up to 60 days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. The extension fee is around $50 USD. You'll need to apply before your initial 30 days expire.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the airport. Renew your passport before traveling — no exceptions.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need a visa on arrival.
Yes, you can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before travel. It costs about $35 USD and is processed within 24 hours. This lets you skip the visa-on-arrival queue at the airport.
Cash is preferred — USD, EUR, or LKR. Credit cards are accepted but can be slow. ATMs are available after immigration, but it's easier to have cash ready.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Latvia is not a risk country, so you won't need it. Check the latest health requirements before travel.
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.