Coming to Sri Lanka

Immigration Requirements

Almost all visitors to Sri Lanka are required to obtain authorization (known as Electronic Travel Authorization, ETA) prior to entering Sri Lanka, with few exceptions. ETA can be applied online. As procedures and requirements can change, please visit www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ for updated details.

Medical Requirements

According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), proof of vaccination against yellow-fever is required by the Sri Lankan government if the country you are visiting from has a risk of yellow-fever. For more information, please visit wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/sri-lanka

Almost all of the mainstream medicines are available in Sri Lankan pharmacies for purchase; however, if you feel you require special kinds of medication, please bring them with you. Please note that if you are bringing large quantities of a medicine for personal use, having proof of why you need them (such as a prescription from a medical doctor) will help you to avoid potential complications with Sri Lanka Customs when you arrive in Sri Lanka.

Controlled Substances

Please be mindful not to possess any kind of controlled substance without a prescription from a medical doctor when you visit Sri Lanka. The Law is very strict against drug trafficking and/or possession and offenders will be prosecuted with severe punishment. Rule of Thumb: if you think a substance maybe controlled don’t take it to Sri Lanka (unless you have a prescription).

Travelling with Pets

If you are visiting Sri Lanka with your pet(s), you will be required to obtain prior authorization from the Sri Lanka Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH). The procedure for bringing your pet(s) can be found at www.daph.gov.lk

Entry

If you visit Sri Lanka by air, most probably you will be coming through Sri Lanka’s main international airport, Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake (approximately 30 km to the north of Colombo). After clearing immigration and baggage claim, you will be able to access ground transportation or domestic air travel.