Maldives
Sri LankaDo Maldives citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
ETA required · 90 days
For an ordinary Maldives passport visiting Sri Lanka for tourism, business, or transit (short stay up to 30 days).
Reviewed and cross-checked· Last verified 30 July 2026
Short-stay rules at a glance
- Visa requirement
- ETA required
- Max stay
- 90 days
- Entry type
- All entry points
- Passport validity
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
- Requirements
- Free Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) applied at eta.gov.lk before arrival (fee waived under bilateral reciprocal agreement)
- Notes
- Maldives nationals receive a free 90-day tourist ETA under a bilateral reciprocal agreement — longer than the standard 30-day free-ETA group. ETA still mandatory; only the fee is waived.
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Frequently asked questions
Do Maldives citizens need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka?
Based on GoMate's data verified against official and consular sources, the short-stay rule for an ordinary Maldives passport entering Sri Lanka is "ETA required", for stays of up to 90 days. This covers short visits for tourism, business, or transit. Entry requirements can change, so always confirm with the Sri Lanka embassy before traveling.
How long can Maldives citizens stay in Sri Lanka?
Under current regulations, Maldives passport holders may stay in Sri Lanka for up to 90 days per entry on a short-stay basis (tourism, business, or transit). Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and may affect future visa applications, so plan to leave within the permitted period.
How do Maldives citizens apply for a Sri Lanka visa, step by step?
Maldives passport holders must obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) online before departure. Apply through Sri Lanka's official ETA system, pay the fee, and travel once it is approved — approval is usually quick. Be ready to provide: Free Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) applied at eta.gov.lk before arrival (fee waived under bilateral reciprocal agreement).
What documents do Maldives citizens need to enter Sri Lanka?
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Additional requirements: Free Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) applied at eta.gov.lk before arrival (fee waived under bilateral reciprocal agreement). Carry proof of onward travel and sufficient funds, as these may be checked at the border.
Can Maldives citizens work in Sri Lanka on this entry?
No. Short-stay entry to Sri Lanka is intended for tourism, business meetings, and transit — it does not permit paid employment. To work in Sri Lanka, Maldives citizens need a separate work visa or permit arranged in advance.
Can Maldives citizens extend their stay in Sri Lanka?
The 90 days short-stay limit is generally firm. Extensions are sometimes possible by applying to the Sri Lanka immigration authorities before your permitted stay ends. Overstaying can lead to fines, deportation, and may affect future visa applications, so do not rely on it.
Is this Sri Lanka visa rule for Maldives citizens up to date?
This rule was last reviewed on 30 July 2026. Visa policies change frequently — always confirm the final requirements with the Sri Lanka embassy or government before you travel.
Visa policies change without notice. Always confirm the final requirements directly with the Sri Lanka embassy or government before travel.