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Sri Lanka Visa for Kenya Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

Kenyan citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka, obtainable online in advance or on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport; the fee is USD 50, with most approvals issued within minutes to 24 hours.

Guide last updated September 26, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival
  • Completed ETA application (online at eta.gov.lk) or on-arrival form
  • Return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation booking
  • Evidence of sufficient funds for the stay
  • Passport-size photo (digital upload for the online application)
  • No biometrics required for the ETA itself; travel health insurance is recommended but not mandatory

Visa types

  • Tourist ETA — single entry, valid for a stay of up to 30 days, extendable up to 6 months total
  • Business ETA — single entry, up to 30 days, for meetings and conferences
  • Transit ETA — for stays under 2 days while transiting through Sri Lanka

Visa on arrival

  • Kenyan travelers who did not pre-apply online can obtain the ETA on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, at the dedicated ETA counter. Present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof, pay the fee in USD or by card, and receive approval typically within 15-30 minutes. Pre-applying online at eta.gov.lk before departure is strongly recommended to avoid queues, as approval usually arrives by email within a few hours.

Fees & processing time

  • Tourist ETA fee: USD 50 for most nationalities, including Kenya (verify current fee on eta.gov.lk, as promotional periods have occasionally waived it)
  • No additional service fee when applying directly on the official government portal; avoid unofficial third-party sites that charge extra
  • Online processing: typically a few minutes to 24 hours
  • On-arrival processing: 15-30 minutes at the airport counter, with no dedicated express option since it is already fast

Tips for Kenya travelers

  • Apply online via eta.gov.lk at least 3-4 days before travel to avoid airport queues and keep a digital or printed copy of the approval
  • Common rejection reasons include a near-expiry passport, missing return ticket details, or using an unofficial third-party ETA website with incorrect information
  • Only use the official eta.gov.lk portal; lookalike sites often charge higher unofficial fees
  • Extensions can be obtained from the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo before the initial 30 days expire, up to a total of 6 months
  • A yellow fever certificate may be requested since Kenya is a yellow-fever-endemic country

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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.