Sri Lanka entry requirements for Malta 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
Maltese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka for tourism or short business visits. This has been the case since 2026 — no advance application needed, just show up with the right documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Colombo airport | Malta passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. The visa costs $50 USD for a 30-day stay — pay in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP accepted). Have your return ticket and hotel booking printed out; the visa officer will ask for both before issuing the sticker.Check visa fees | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Maltese passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines at Malta International Airport will check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Colombo airport always ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Budget airlines like IndiGo and AirAsia are strict about this at check-in too — have a printed copy or a screenshot ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Sri Lanka. The visa officer at the counter will ask to see it — a booking confirmation from Booking.com or Agoda works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for your stay | Carry at least $100 USD in cash or have a credit card with available balance. Immigration officers rarely check this for short stays, but having it ready avoids any questions. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or LKR). Credit cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
For Maltese citizens, the process is simple and quick — no advance application needed. Just arrive with the required documents and cash.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Sri Lankan airport
Fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before immigration.
2
Fill out arrival form
You'll receive a small arrival card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address.
3
Present documents at visa counter
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card, and return ticket. The officer will process the visa — usually takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or local currency). As of 2026, the fee is around $35–$50 depending on nationality. Credit cards are not always accepted.
5
Receive visa stamp and proceed
Once approved, the officer stamps your passport with the visa. Then head to immigration for entry clearance.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta 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 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$35 USD (approx. €32)
Standard option for tourism. Apply online or on arrival.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$75 USD (approx. €69)
For frequent visitors. Must show travel history and purpose.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost$40 USD (approx. €37)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Resident Visa (Retirement)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. €184) per year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or income of at least $1,500/month. Requires local bank deposit of $25,000. Allows multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. €276) per year
For remote workers with proof of income of $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 (approx. €460) per year
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. €920) per year
For investors who invest at least $100,000 in a Sri Lankan business or government bonds. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable at airport in USD, EUR, or GBP. Valid for 30 days from arrival. | $35 USD (approx. €32) |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) pre-approvalOptional but recommended to speed up arrival. Apply online at eta.gov.lk. | $35 USD (approx. €32) |
| Tourist visa extension (30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Requires form, photo, and fee. | $50 USD (approx. €46) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. Overstay may affect future visits. | $5 USD per day (approx. €4.60), max $100 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
Malta passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or longer layovers, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Australian visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
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 FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure; rare in tourists.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas (Colombo, Kandy, coastal resorts). Prophylaxis recommended only for rural travel in northern and eastern provinces.
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. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 22, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visitors in central Sri Lanka. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for MT 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
As of 2026, the fee is approximately $35–$50 USD (or equivalent in Sri Lankan Rupees). Pay in cash — credit cards are rarely accepted at the visa counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
The standard stay is up to 30 days. The exact duration is at the discretion of the immigration officer, but 30 days is typical for tourism.
No, you can get the visa on arrival without any prior application. However, you can also apply for an ETA online if you prefer — it's the same process but done in advance.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
It's available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. For land borders or other airports, check with Sri Lankan immigration in advance.
Yes, the visa on arrival covers short business visits (meetings, conferences). For longer business stays or work, you need a different visa.
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.