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🇺🇸 Does an American need a visa for Sri Lanka 🇱🇰?

What this means for your trip

A visa on arrival is issued at the port of entry. Expect a fee, a passport photo and sometimes proof of onward travel and accommodation.

Not every airport or land border issues it, and some nationalities are sent to secondary checks; confirm the entry point before you travel.

Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have blank pages for stamps; many countries apply this rule.

Sri Lanka at a glance

Capital: Colombo · Currency: Sri Lankan rupee (LKR, Rs රු) · Official languages: Sinhala, Tamil · Calling code: +94

U.S. State Department travel advisory for Sri Lanka: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (updated 9 October 2025). It is written for U.S. citizens; read the advisory before you book.

Plugs and voltage

You need a travel adapter: Sri Lanka uses plug types D, G, M, the United States uses A, B. Mains voltage differs (Sri Lanka: 230 V; the United States: 120 V): most phone and laptop chargers accept 100–240 V, but single-voltage devices such as some hair dryers need a converter.

More about entering Sri Lanka →

Your embassy in Sri Lanka

If your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help in an emergency in Sri Lanka, contact the embassy of the United States:

• Embassy of the United States in Sri Lanka · 210 Galle Road · lk.usembassy.gov

Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.

Easier destinations near Sri Lanka for American passport holders

• 🇦🇲 Armenia — Visa-free 180 days
• 🇧🇳 Brunei — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇬🇪 Georgia — Visa-free 360 days
• 🇭🇰 Hong Kong — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇯🇵 Japan — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan — Visa-free 30 days
• 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan — Visa-free 60 days
• 🇲🇴 Macau — Visa-free 30 days

The other way round

🇱🇰 Sri Lankan passport holders visiting the United States: Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa for the United States, applied for at an embassy or consulate of the United States before travelling.

The American passport at a glance

All destinations for United States passport holders → · Who needs a visa for Sri Lanka →

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