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Sri Lanka Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

Chinese citizens can obtain a visa on arrival for Sri Lanka at Bandaranaike International Airport, or pre-apply online via the ETA system, with a fee of about USD 50 and processing from near-instant to 24 hours.

Guide last updated October 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid 6+ months
  • Passport-size photo
  • Return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Proof of sufficient funds, approximately USD 15 per day or equivalent
  • Printed ETA confirmation recommended even for on-arrival processing
  • Standard immigration photo/fingerprint check at the airport
  • Travel insurance recommended

Visa types

  • Tourist ETA / visa on arrival: single entry, 30 days, extendable
  • Business ETA: single entry, 30 days
  • Transit visa: up to 2 days, for layovers

Visa on arrival

  • Available at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) and other designated ports
  • Present a printed ETA approval, or apply at the on-arrival counter
  • Pay the fee in USD or major convertible currency, cash or card
  • Passport is stamped on approval
  • Queues can be long in peak season; pre-applying online via eta.gov.lk is faster and recommended

Fees & processing time

  • ETA/visa on arrival fee for Chinese nationals: approximately USD 50 (tourist, 30 days single entry)
  • Online ETA processing: typically instant to a few hours
  • On-arrival processing: 15-30 minutes depending on queue
  • Extensions inside Sri Lanka: an additional USD 50-75 through the Department of Immigration

Tips for China travelers

  • Apply for the ETA online before departure to skip the on-arrival queue
  • Keep a printed copy and your return ticket ready for immigration checks
  • Carry USD cash, as not all counters reliably accept yuan or cards
  • Extensions beyond 30 days can be arranged at the Immigration Department in Colombo
  • Double-check current fee amounts on eta.gov.lk, as they are periodically revised

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.