Sri Lanka entry requirements for Poland 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
Polish passport holders can get a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival in Sri Lanka in 2026. No advance application needed — just land at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport, have your documents ready, and follow the signs to the visa counter after deplaning.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA application Electronic Travel Authorization | Apply for your ETA online at eta.gov.lk before departure. The ETA costs $35–$50 USD depending on your nationality and is usually approved within minutes. Print the approval email or save it on your phone — immigration at Colombo Bandaranaike Airport will ask to see it.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your Polish passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines at Warsaw Chopin Airport will check this before boarding — they won't let you fly if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Colombo airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they may check it at the counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Sri Lanka. Immigration occasionally asks for it, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have at least $50 USD per day in cash, a credit card, or a bank statement ready. Immigration rarely checks this for short stays, but it's better to have proof if asked. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is free — but only at Colombo airport
Polish passport holders get a free 30-day visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport. If you arrive by land or at another airport, you must apply for an ETA online before travel.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. You'll see a separate counter before the main passport control booths.
2
Present your documents at the visa counter
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and return ticket if asked. The officer will issue a free 30-day tourist visa stamp.
3
Proceed to passport control
After the visa is stamped, join the main immigration queue. Show your passport with the new visa. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and accommodation details.
4
Collect luggage and exit
Once through immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. You're free to enter Sri Lanka.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 6 months
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. 35 USD)
Apply online via ETA system; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit, up to 6 months total
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 40 USD)
Ideal for multiple trips within validity period.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
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. Allows long-term residence.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of income (minimum $2,000/month). No local tax liability. Simple application process.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD initial fee
For investors putting at least $50,000 USD into a local business or real estate. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or Sri Lankan Rupees at the airport. | $35 USD (approx. 35 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Can be applied online via ETA system before travel. | $35 USD (approx. 35 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days per visit)Valid for 6 months from issue date. | $40 USD (approx. 40 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month, up to 6 months total)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $50 USD (approx. 50 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum fine cap of $500 USD. | $10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Poland 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, 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure; avoid swimming in fresh water.
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 visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office Kandy
No. 22, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for travellers in the central region.
Practical information for PL 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
Getting to Sri Lanka
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
You get 30 days from the date of entry. It's a single-entry tourist visa. If you want to stay longer, you can extend it once for up to 60 more days at the Department of Immigration in Colombo.
Yes, you can extend it once for up to 60 additional days. Go to the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (Battaramulla). The fee is around 20,000 LKR (about €60) for a 30-day extension, and 40,000 LKR (€120) for 60 days. Processing takes 1–3 working days.
Yes, as of 2026, Polish passport holders get a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport. No payment is required at the counter.
The visa on arrival is only available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. If you arrive by land from India (e.g., via the ferry from Tuticorin to Colombo), you need to apply for an ETA online before travel. The ETA costs about $20 and is processed within 24 hours.
A screenshot on your phone is usually fine. But if you want to be safe, print a copy or have the airline app ready. Immigration officers rarely ask, but they can.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. There are no exceptions for short trips.
No. The visa on arrival is strictly for tourism. For work, study, or volunteering, you need to apply for the appropriate visa at a Sri Lankan embassy 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.