Sri Lanka entry requirements for Senegal 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
Senegalese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. Show up at the airport with the right documents — no advance application needed. As of 2026, the process is straightforward for tourism and short business visits.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Colombo airport | Senegalese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. The visa costs $20 USD for a single-entry stay of up to 30 days. Have $20 USD in cash ready — the counter doesn't always have change.Check visa details | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, they'll deny boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Colombo airport ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or the booking on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact number ready. A booking on your phone is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Immigration may ask for proof you have at least $50 USD per day for your stay. A credit card or bank statement on your phone works. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
You don't need to apply in advance. Just show up at Bandaranaike International Airport with your passport, return ticket, and enough cash for the fee. The process takes about 10–15 minutes.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Sri Lanka. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be turned away.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation address ready. The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport. The whole thing usually takes 10–15 minutes.
2
Pay the visa fee
Visa on arrival costs around USD 35–60 depending on your nationality and length of stay. Pay in cash (USD or EUR preferred) or by credit card. Keep the receipt.
3
Proceed to immigration
After getting your visa stamp, join the immigration queue. Hand over your passport and visa receipt. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and how long you're staying. Answer clearly.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
Once immigration clears you, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Sri Lanka.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Senegal 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, online)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR)
Apply via ETA system. Same as VoA but pre-approved.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, online)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR)
Good for multiple visits within validity.
Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD / year
For retirees aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds of at least $1,500/month. Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD / year
For remote workers with proof of income of at least $2,000/month. No local tax on foreign income.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD + investment
For investors putting at least $50,000 into a local business or real estate. Includes residency rights.
student visa
Sri Lanka Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 2 years
~$100 USD / year
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable at the airport in USD or LKR. Valid for 30 days. | $35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, online)Apply via ETA system before travel. Same cost as VoA. | $35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, online)Valid for 30 days per entry, multiple entries allowed. | $40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration. Max 2 extensions. | $50 USD (approx. 15,000 LKR) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of $200 USD. Pay at airport departure. | $10 USD (approx. 3,000 LKR) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Senegal passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing 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 yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa). Senegal is endemic, so certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is year-round, especially in urban areas. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk after flooding or in rural areas. Avoid contact with floodwater.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas, but present in some rural regions. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended; use mosquito avoidance.
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, Sangaraja Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central Sri Lanka.
Practical information for SN 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
Typically 30 days for tourism. You can extend it once at the Department of Immigration in Colombo for up to 60 more days. The extension costs around USD 50.
Yes, you can extend it once. Visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (address: 41 Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha). The extension costs about USD 50 and takes a few hours to process.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you stay airside and don't pass immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport during a layover, you'll need a visa on arrival.
Yes, Sri Lanka offers an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online. It costs about USD 35 and is valid for 30 days. Apply at eta.gov.lk at least 2 days before travel. It's not required — visa on arrival works fine — but it can save time at the airport.
Your passport (6+ months validity), a printed or digital return ticket, and optionally your hotel booking. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and how long you're staying.
Yes, the visa on arrival costs around USD 35–60. Pay in cash (USD or EUR) or by credit card. Keep the receipt.
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.