Sri Lanka entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
Russian passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka for tourism. The process is entirely online, and you'll get your approval by email before you fly. As of 2026, the ETA is valid for 30 days from arrival.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA / e-VisaYou need to get this online approval before you fly – it's not available on arrival for Russian passport holders. Apply online before travel | Russian citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Apply at the official Sri Lanka ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/) at least a few days before travel. The ETA is valid for a short stay (typically 30 days) and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityYour passport must not expire soon – it needs to be valid for half a year after you land. At least 6 months from arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka. Ensure your passport meets this requirement before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page (free of any markings) for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have more than one blank page for safety. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketShow that you plan to leave – a ticket out of the country is usually expected. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Sri Lanka before your ETA expires. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry some cash or a card – officers might ask how you'll support yourself. Sufficient money for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Sri Lanka (e.g., cash, credit cards, or bank statements). The exact amount is not fixed but should be enough for accommodation and daily expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form – just your passport and ETA. Not required | Sri Lanka does not require a separate arrival declaration for Russian citizens at this time. No additional form is needed beyond the ETA and standard immigration procedures. | Not required |
| Vaccination certificateNot a legal requirement, but staying healthy is a good idea – check with your doctor. Recommended | While not mandatory for entry, it is recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccines (e.g., measles, tetanus) and consider hepatitis A and typhoid. No specific COVID-19 vaccination proof is required as of 2026. | Recommended |
Apply for ETA well in advance
Even though the ETA is usually approved within 24 hours, don't leave it to the last minute. If there's a system glitch or your application gets flagged, you could miss your flight. Apply at least 3–5 days before departure.
Official ETA website only
Use only https://eta.gov.lk/ for your application. There are third-party sites that charge inflated fees — they're not official and may not process your application correctly.
Passport validity is non-negotiable
Sri Lankan immigration enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly. If your passport expires before that, you'll be turned away at the airport — no exceptions. Check your passport now, not the night before your flight.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, flight info, and an email address. Pay the fee (around $35–40 USD) with a credit/debit card. Approval is usually sent within 24 hours, but apply at least 2–3 days before to be safe.
2
Check your email for approval
You'll receive an email with your ETA approval. Print it out or save it on your phone. Double-check that your name and passport number match exactly — any typo means you'll have to reapply.
3
Arrive at the airport in Sri Lanka
At Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, follow the 'Visitors' or 'Foreign Passports' signs. Join the queue for immigration. Have your passport, ETA approval, and boarding pass ready. The officer will stamp your passport — the ETA is valid for 30 days from that stamp.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After the stamp, collect your bags and walk through customs. There's a 'Nothing to Declare' channel if you have no restricted items. You're free to exit the airport.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business ETA
Max stay30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$40
Double entry, requires business invitation letter
Residence Visa (long-stay)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200–$500
Requires local sponsor, apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For those aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay without work. Requires annual renewal.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of employment and income (min. $2,000/month). No local tax on foreign income. Apply through Department of Immigration.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee + investment
Requires investment of at least $50,000 in a Sri Lankan business or real estate. Includes residency rights for family.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and approval from the Department of Immigration. Employer typically sponsors.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard TouristValid for 30 days from arrival, double entry | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – TransitValid for 2 days, single entry | $20 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – BusinessValid for 30 days, double entry | $40 |
| Visa extension (onshore)For first 30-day extension, apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration | $50 |
| Visa extension (additional 30 days)Second extension, total stay up to 90 days | $50 |
| Late fee for overstayPayable at airport or immigration office | $25 per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Russian citizens transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a standard ETA is required.
- If transiting to a domestic flight, a standard ETA is required.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-Diphtheria-PertussisEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher in urban areas and during rainy seasons (May–October). Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common causes of traveler's diarrhea. Avoid tap water, ice, and street food. Drink bottled water.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwater or freshwater exposure. Avoid wading in stagnant water.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended, but consider 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 01000
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, visa, and extension fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 20, William Gopallawa Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central Sri Lanka. Less crowded than Colombo.
Practical information for RU 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
Yes, but it's an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), not a traditional visa. You apply online, get approval by email, and it's stamped in your passport on arrival. It's valid for 30 days.
The standard tourist ETA fee is around $35–40 USD, payable online with a credit or debit card. The exact amount is shown on the official ETA website (eta.gov.lk) when you apply.
Usually within 24 hours, but it can take up to 2 business days. Apply at least 3 days before your flight to avoid any delays. If you're in a rush, there's an emergency option, but it costs more.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave the country and re-apply, or check with the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo for other options — but as of 2026, extensions are not granted for this ETA type.
Rejections are rare but can happen if you have a criminal record or your passport details are incorrect. You can reapply, but double-check your information. If it's rejected again, contact the Sri Lankan embassy in Moscow for guidance.
Only if you're arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. If you're flying directly from Russia, you don't need it. But if you've been in Africa or South America recently, carry your vaccination certificate.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding by the airline and entry by immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.