Visas & Documents

Do airlines check return ticket and ETA (Sri Lanka visa) at check-in before flying to Sri Lanka?

Airlines almost always check your Sri Lanka ETA (e-visa) at check-in and again during transit re-registration — get it before departure. A return/onward ticket is checked inconsistently depending on airline and staff, so it's safer to have a booking ready just in case.

2 sources · 12 days ago

Do I need a transit visa when connecting through India (Delhi or Mumbai) on the way to Sri Lanka?

If you stay inside the airport transit zone, no visa is required. If you go through passport control (e.g. changing terminals or leaving for the city), you need an Indian e-visa — free of charge for Russian citizens.

2 sources · 14 days ago

What are Sri Lanka's entry visa requirements — do you need an ETA, and how long does approval take?

As of 2026, only the electronic ETA visa is required to enter Sri Lanka — no paper migration card needed; approval usually takes 24-48 hours, so apply a few days before your flight to be safe.

2 sources · 26 days ago

Do you need to show a printed Sri Lanka ETA visa approval when departing or arriving?

At check-in some airlines ask for ETA confirmation — an email showing your application was accepted is usually enough even if the approval hasn't arrived yet. On arrival in Sri Lanka, immigration doesn't check the ETA at all.

1 source · 28 days ago

When should you extend a Sri Lanka tourist visa, and how long is the initial stay after entry?

The initial tourist stay in Sri Lanka is typically 30 days from the date of entry, and the first extension should be filed before the expiry date. In practice, travelers usually apply a few days before it ends to avoid overstay fines and last-minute issues.

1 source · 8 days ago

Can you leave Sri Lanka and apply for a new tourist visa online after using up all extensions?

Yes, after exhausting extensions you can leave Sri Lanka and apply for a fresh tourist e-visa online before re-entering. Applying for a tourist extension does not appear to block a later residency visa application.

1 source · 5 days ago

Do immigration officers in Sri Lanka check for a return ticket on arrival, and can you be denied entry?

A return ticket may be requested at Sri Lanka immigration, but travelers are often let through without one, especially with a clean travel history. However, entry can be denied — travelers with suspicious travel patterns have been turned away at Colombo airport.

2 sources · today

What happens if you overstay your visa in Sri Lanka by a few days — is there a fine?

Overstaying up to 7 days incurs no penalty fine — you pay $60 as a standard extension fee. Submitting an online application before departure avoids any fine. Border officers often overlook 1-2 day overstays.

1 source · 14 days ago