Do German citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Passport

Germany

Destination

Sri Lanka

Germany passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka, so no application is needed before travelling.

Answer Visa on arrival

Visa on arrival

Entry requirement: Visa on arrival
Maximum stay: Check on entry
Apply before travel: No
Last updated: February 2026

Before you travel

Checked November 2026

At the border

Every foreign national, including those eligible for a free ETA, must obtain an ETA before arriving.
The free ETA is valid for 30 days from first arrival; staying longer requires a paid visa extension.
Nationals of some countries (e.g. Nigeria, Ghana, Afghanistan, Syria, Taiwan, Kosovo) must apply through a Sri Lankan sponsor at the Department's head office in Battaramulla.
Diplomatic and official passport holders on official duty from specified countries may get a visa without a prior ETA.

Recent changes

May 2026: from 25 May 2026, nationals of 40 countries get a free 30-day tourist ETA; fees paid before that date are not refunded.

Official source: Department of Immigration & Emigration, Sri Lanka - Official ETA website · Not yet confirmed officially: eta.fee for nationalities outside the free list (official fee page did not load), eta.processing time, Visa on arrival / airport ETA option and fee ('alternative options' mentioned but not detailed), Passport validity, onward ticket and funds rules (not on the pages read), scamWarning: none found on the pages read

What Germany passport holders need to do

Bring a passport with enough validity and at least one blank page.
Have the visa fee ready, often in cash, plus passport photos if they are requested.
Carry proof of onward travel and accommodation to show the immigration officer.

Germany is one of 191 passports in the “visa on arrival” group for Sri Lanka. See the full Sri Lanka visa requirements for every passport.

Other easy destinations in Asia for Germany passport holders

Sri Lanka is one of 31 destinations in the “visa on arrival” group for the Germany passport, which ranks #3 worldwide with a mobility score of 165. Of 50 destinations in Asia, 41 need no visa arranged in advance; the easiest are listed below.

Destination	Requirement	Max stay
Armenia	Visa-free	180 days
Brunei	Visa-free	90 days
China	Visa-free	30 days
Georgia	Visa-free	360 days
Hong Kong	Visa-free	90 days
Israel	Visa-free	90 days
Japan	Visa-free	90 days
Kazakhstan	Visa-free	30 days
Kyrgyzstan	Visa-free	60 days
Macau	Visa-free	90 days
Malaysia	Visa-free	–
Mongolia	Visa-free	30 days