Sri Lanka entry requirements for Norway passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Norwegian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka for tourism, valid for up to 30 days. This has been the case since 2024 and remains in effect for 2026. No need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA application Electronic Travel Authorization | Apply for your Sri Lanka ETA online at eta.gov.lk before departure. The ETA costs $35–$50 USD depending on your passport and is valid for 30 days. Approval usually comes within 24 hours — do this at least 3 days before your flight.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your Norwegian passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Sri Lanka. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Sri Lanka | Immigration officers at Colombo Bandaranaike Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — a booking reference alone won't cut it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Sri Lanka. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, a booking on your phone is acceptable. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds At least $50 USD per day | Have cash or a bank statement showing at least $50 USD per day of your stay. Credit cards work at most hotels and restaurants in Colombo, but smaller towns are cash-only. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival only at Colombo airport
If you're flying into Mattala or arriving by sea, you must get an ETA online before you travel. The visa on arrival is only available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa fee is about $35 USD. Credit cards are accepted, but the machine might be down. Bring $50 USD in cash just in case.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. Head to the 'Visa on Arrival' counter in the arrivals hall before immigration.
2
Fill out the arrival form
You'll be given a small form to fill in with your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Keep it simple — no need for a detailed itinerary.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee at the counter. As of 2026, it's around $35 USD for a 30-day tourist visa. Credit cards are accepted, but cash (USD or EUR) is smoother.
4
Get your visa sticker
The officer will check your documents, take your photo, and stick a visa in your passport. This takes 2–5 minutes.
5
Proceed to immigration
After getting the visa, go to the immigration queue. Show your passport with the new visa, your boarding pass, and your return ticket if asked. You're in.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Norway Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 6 months
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$35 USD (approx. 11,000 LKR)
Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. 12,500 LKR)
Ideal for travelers making multiple trips within 6 months.
Long-stay visa (6 months)
Max stay6 months, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 USD (approx. 31,000 LKR)
Requires proof of funds and purpose; apply at embassy.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. 62,000 LKR) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. 93,000 LKR) per year
For remote workers with proof of income (approx. $2,000/month). Allows stay and work for foreign employers. Currently in pilot phase.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$1,000 USD (approx. 310,000 LKR) plus investment
For investors committing at least $50,000 USD in approved sectors. Includes residency rights and family inclusion.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or LKR at arrival counters. | $35 USD (approx. 11,000 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Apply online via ETA system before travel. | $35 USD (approx. 11,000 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $40 USD (approx. 12,500 LKR) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $50 USD (approx. 15,500 LKR) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $200 USD (approx. 60,000 LKR). | $5 USD (approx. 1,500 LKR) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Norway passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, 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.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne disease; risk higher in urban areas and during rainy seasons.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common including traveler's diarrhea; avoid tap water and street food.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwater 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. 10, Peradeniya Road, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central region; less crowded than Colombo.
Practical information for NO 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
The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. Extensions are possible for up to 90 days total, but you'll need a reason (e.g., volunteering, yoga retreat). The extension fee is around $50 USD.
Yes, it's extendable. Go to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (Battaramulla) before your 30 days expire. You'll need a passport photo, your passport, and the fee (about $50 USD). Processing takes 1–3 working days.
The visa on arrival is only available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. If you fly into Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) or arrive by sea, you must get an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online before travel. The ETA costs $35 USD and is processed within 24 hours.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need a visa on arrival or an ETA. Transit passengers can get a free 48-hour transit visa at the airport if they have a confirmed onward ticket.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined $50 USD per day for the first 30 days of overstay, and $100 USD per day after that. You may also be banned from re-entering Sri Lanka for a period. Always extend or leave before your visa expires.
No. The visa on arrival is strictly for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. If you plan to work, volunteer, or study, you need a proper visa (e.g., Business Visa, Resident Visa) arranged before travel. Working on a tourist visa can get you deported and banned.
Not officially required for visa on arrival, but immigration officers may ask if you look like you're planning to stay long-term. Having a credit card or a few hundred dollars in cash is enough to satisfy them.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.