Onward Ticket for Sri Lanka Visa (2026)

Yes, the Sri Lanka ETA application asks for your departure date and flight details. Airlines also check for a return ticket at departure. Having a dummy ticket provides the required information for both the application and airline check-in.

Immigration officers at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) may ask to see your return or onward ticket. While not every traveler is checked, it is at the officer's discretion. Having a confirmed booking avoids any potential issues at the border.

Yes, once inside Sri Lanka, you can extend your ETA at the Department of Immigration in Colombo without needing a new onward ticket at that stage. The onward ticket requirement is primarily enforced at initial entry and airline check-in.

The ETA is an electronic authorization required before travel, similar to an e-Visa. It grants a 30-day stay and requires travel details including onward flight information. It is processed online and linked to your passport number.

Popular onward ticket routes from Colombo include flights to India (Chennai, Delhi), the Maldives (Male), and Southeast Asian hubs like Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur. Any international departure from CMB satisfies the requirement.