Destination 
Verified Sponsor Route, Requirements and Cost
Updated 9 July, 2026Nigerian passport holders cannot use Sri Lanka's self-service online ETA, and are not covered by the free-visa scheme that began on 25 May 2026. A Sri Lankan sponsor files the application at the immigration head office, after which the traveller receives a 30-day visit visa.
Part of our full Sri Lanka travel visa guide.
Sri Lankan sponsor at the immigration head office
30-day Visit Visa with double entry
Does not apply to Nigeria
Reviewed by Rikas Hussain, Visa & Travel Manager, Arabiers Colombo
In short: Nigerian passport holders need a visit visa and cannot use the self-service online ETA. Nigeria is not among the 40 countries in the free-visa scheme from 25 May 2026. A Sri Lankan sponsor files the application at the immigration head office in Battaramulla, after which a 30-day Visit Visa is granted on entry.
Yes. Nigerian passport holders need a visit visa and cannot use the self-service ETA.
Visa requiredNo. Nigeria is not among the 40 free-visa countries from 25 May 2026.
Not includedA Sri Lankan sponsor files the application at the immigration head office.
Sponsor routeA government visa fee plus a sponsor service fee based on the required documents.
Two costsPassport, photograph, ticket, accommodation and residence-related documents if requested.
DocumentsA 30-day Visit Visa (Tourist), with double entry.
30 days
Yes. Nigerian passport holders need a visit visa and use the sponsor route, not the online ETA.
Nigerian passport holders require a visit visa to enter Sri Lanka and cannot apply through the self-service online ETA. In its guidance of 25 May 2026, the Department of Immigration and Emigration placed Nigeria, together with Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Afghanistan, in the group of nationalities that must apply through a Sri Lankan sponsor at the head office in Battaramulla.
Nigeria is in the sponsor-route group and is not one of the 40 free-visa countries.
On 25 May 2026, Sri Lanka introduced a free 30-day tourist ETA for citizens of 40 countries. Nigeria is not on that list and cannot use the self-service ETA portal. A Sri Lankan sponsor must file the application at the immigration head office on the applicant's behalf.
A sponsor files at the head office, a Landing Endorsement is issued, and the visit visa is granted on entry.
A confirmed return or onward ticket and a passport valid for at least six months are required.
Two costs apply: the government visa fee and a sponsor service fee.
Because Nigerian passport holders cannot apply themselves, a Sri Lankan sponsor files the application. This carries a sponsor service fee in addition to the government visa fee payable to the Department of Immigration and Emigration. The sponsor fee varies because the required documents depend on the applicant's country of residence.
Prepare your passport, photograph, travel evidence and any residence documents requested.
A Nigerian passport valid for at least six months from arrival, with a blank page.
A recent passport-style photograph.
A confirmed return or onward flight ticket.
Proof of accommodation in Sri Lanka.
Residence documents for the country you are applying from, if requested.
The required documents depend on where the applicant currently lives.
Many Nigerian passport holders apply from the UAE, the United Kingdom or another country. Requirements such as a residence permit copy or police clearance certificate depend on the country of residence rather than Nigerian nationality alone. The sponsor confirms the exact document list for each case.
The visit visa is granted for 30 days from entry, with double entry, and can be extended.
The visit visa allows a 30-day stay from the date of entry, with double entry. Travellers who wish to stay longer can apply for an extension through the Visa Division of the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo, on payment of the applicable fee.
Yes. Nigerian passport holders need a visit visa and cannot use Sri Lanka's self-service online ETA. A Sri Lankan sponsor files the application at the Department of Immigration and Emigration head office in Battaramulla.
No. The free 30-day ETA scheme that began on 25 May 2026 covers 40 countries and does not include Nigeria. Nigerian passport holders continue to use the sponsor route through the immigration head office.
A Sri Lankan sponsor files the application at the Department of Immigration and Emigration head office. The department issues a Landing Endorsement, and the traveller receives a 30-day Visit Visa on entry, then attends the Visa Division to regularise it.
Two costs apply: the government visa fee payable to the Department of Immigration and Emigration, and a sponsor service fee for filing the application. The sponsor fee varies with the documentation required, which depends on the applicant's country of residence.
A passport valid for at least six months, a photograph, a confirmed return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. Additional documents such as a residence permit or police clearance may be requested depending on the applicant's country of residence.
The visit visa is granted for 30 days from entry, with double entry, and can be extended through the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
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