If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka but are not sure how to buy a flight and which entry documents you need, this article is for you. Airfares and visa rules change, so the old prices from the previous version should not be used for planning.
Separate the preparation into two steps: choose the route and ticket first, then check the ETA or other entry permission for your nationality. Before buying a non-refundable ticket, confirm which airport you will use and which rules apply on your travel date.
Once your ticket is booked, use our packing checklist What to pack for Sri Lanka. We also explain the route from Colombo airport to Hikkaduwa here.
How to search for flights
Start with your travel conditions rather than a particular airline: departure city, flexible dates, baggage, number of connections and arrival airport. Use an aggregator to see the range, then compare the final price on the carrier’s website. Baggage, seats, meals, card fees and changes may be charged separately.
- Check several dates on both sides when possible.
- Compare one-way and return fares, but do not buy an unnecessary return segment simply because it looks cheaper.
- Review connection length, terminal changes, overnight stays and transit-visa rules.
- Confirm whether all segments are on one booking. Separate tickets can require a new check-in and baggage collection and create a missed-connection risk.
- Check the spelling of your name against your passport before payment.
Searching only in private browsing is not a reliable saving method. Comparing dates, the complete fare and the ticket conditions matters more. A specific fare can disappear, so treat a displayed price as a live offer rather than a promise.
When to travel
Seasonality affects both price and the coast you choose. Sri Lanka Tourism describes November to April as a popular period for the south-western beach area, while the island remains a year-round destination with different weather and sea conditions by region. Check the forecast and the intended coast rather than applying one seasonal rule to the whole island.
Which airport to choose
For most western, southern and central itineraries, Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), near Katunayake and north of Colombo, is the practical arrival point. Always check the airport code so a connection does not lead you to the wrong terminal or airport.
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) may make sense for a southern or eastern itinerary, but it is not automatically cheaper or faster for Hikkaduwa. Check current flights and the complete land route separately. Read more about Mattala Airport.
ETA and tourist visa
The previous statement that everyone could simply obtain a visa on arrival, with fixed prices of US$40 or US$35, is outdated. The official ETA portal says that the applicable permission and fee depend on nationality and the submission method.
From 25 May 2026, the official ETA portal lists a free 30-day tourist ETA programme for nationals of 40 countries, including Russia. Other nationalities follow other rules and fees. Ukrainian citizens and travellers of other nationalities should check their own passport on the official portal rather than copying an old price.
Official pages currently use different wording about whether an ETA must always be obtained before travel. The safest approach is to apply through the official ETA portal, keep the approval and check the latest Department of Immigration notice before departure. A limited on-arrival facility does not mean that travellers should rely on it without checking fees and requirements.
Documents for entry
The official ETA instructions say that travellers should have a passport valid for at least six months from arrival, a confirmed return ticket and sufficient funds for the stay. Prepare the following:
- Use the same passport for the application and the flight. Errors in passport number, nationality or date of birth can cause delay or another payment.
- Save the ETA approval offline and keep a paper copy if possible.
- Keep your return ticket, first accommodation address and host contact available.
- Check transit-visa rules for every country on the route.
- If you plan to stay longer, study extension rules in advance and never overstay.
The official portal describes a short tourist ETA as initially limited to up to 30 days, but the category, entries, fee and extension conditions depend on the traveller. A tourist permission is not a work permit.
Arrival procedure
Follow the Immigration signs and keep your passport, ETA approval and supporting documents ready. Airport and Aviation Services says foreign passengers must complete a Disembarkation Card and hand it to Immigration. It may be provided on the aircraft or in the arrivals area; use your real accommodation address.
After immigration, collect and check your baggage before leaving for the arrivals hall. Keep the first accommodation address in English and the host’s phone number ready for transport, currency exchange or a local SIM.
How to avoid overpaying for a ticket
Calculate the complete price before paying: checked baggage, cabin baggage, connections, transfers, meals, seats and a possible transit hotel. Compare cancellation and change conditions, not only the headline fare. If you use an intermediary, find out who will handle a refund after a cancellation.
Final checklist
- Name, passport and nationality match.
- Arrival airport, CMB or HRI code and all connections are clear.
- The final price includes the baggage you need.
- Transit rules have been checked for every country.
- The official ETA portal has been checked for your passport.
- You have a return ticket, first accommodation address and enough funds.
Sources: Sri Lanka ETA — official application portal, Department of Immigration — ETA notice, Sri Lanka Immigration — Tourist Visa, Bandaranaike International Airport — Arrival Procedures, Sri Lanka Tourism — Travel Tips.
