Sri Lanka entry requirements for Canadian passport holders (2026): visa and passport validity
Visa (Government of Canada): Read the official visa text below
Passport validity (Government of Canada): Valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Sri Lanka. Official text
Official source: Government of Canada – Sri Lanka travel advice and advisories (travel.gc.ca), section “Entry and exit requirements” · page last updated 13 October 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026 · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
Whether Canadians need a visa for Sri Lanka and how long a Canadian passport must be valid, as published by the Government of Canada, quoted word for word with the date of the official page.
Other passports: British passport · Australian passport
Driving in Sri Lanka, do you need an international driving permit? Canadian licence · Australian licence
Do Canadians need a visa for Sri Lanka?
We quote the official text word for word and do not summarise it. The official text also mentions an electronic travel authorization, e-visa, arrival card, online form or registration, tourist card or fee: read it in full.
Official text, “Visas”:
Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 30 days
Business visa: required
Student visa: required
Work visa: required
You must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before travelling for tourism or business purposes.
An ETA allows for stays of up to 30 days. Carry a copy of your ETA approval when you go through immigration upon arrival.
If you plan to visit Sri Lanka for purposes such as medical treatment, investment, employment or long-term residence, you will need to apply for a residence visa.
Visas and ETAs may be extended at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.
You cannot convert a visa status once in Sri Lanka. Non-compliance with visa restrictions may result in deportation.
You will also need to fill out an online arrival card. You can complete the online form 3 days before arriving in Sri Lanka.
Electronic Travel Authorization form – Department of Immigration and Emigration
More from the official “Entry and exit requirements” section (other requirements)
Special permissions
Journalists and media crews need permission to travel to some northern districts.
Entry into Sri Lankan waters, at any point, requires prior permission.
Other requirements
Customs officials will ask you to show them:
- a return or onward ticket
- proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
Official source: Government of Canada – Sri Lanka travel advice and advisories (travel.gc.ca), section “Visas” · page last updated 13 October 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026 · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
How long must my Canadian passport be valid for Sri Lanka?
In short: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Sri Lanka.
Our one-line summary of the official sentence below, which matches a wording we recognise. Your airline may apply stricter rules.
Official text, “Regular Canadian passport”:
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Sri Lanka.
Official source: Government of Canada – Sri Lanka travel advice and advisories (travel.gc.ca), section “Regular Canadian passport” · page last updated 13 October 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026 · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
For Canadian passport holders. These rules are published by the Government of Canada (Global Affairs Canada) for Canadian citizens travelling on a regular Canadian passport. Before You Fly is an independent site: it is not a Government of Canada site and is not endorsed by the Government of Canada. The airline and the border officials of the destination decide whether you can travel or enter: this site is information, not legal advice. British passport? See the UK (FCDO) rules.
Read the full official travel advice for Sri Lanka (safety, health, local laws) before you travel.
Spotted a change? Tell us.
Canadian passport: all destinations · British passport rules · Liquids rules by airport · EES and ETIAS status