How Long Can Nepali Stay on a Sri Lanka Layover?

In short: whether a Nepali passport holder needs a transit visa for Sri Lanka — and exactly which documents — depends on your travel purpose and the latest Sri Lanka rules. The relevant class is Sri Lanka Transit ETA (stay Up to 2 days (48 hours)). This guide covers the requirement, the document checklist, costs, and the step-by-step process, with the official portal linked below.

Sri Lanka Transit visa: key facts for Nepali applicants

Visa class	Sri Lanka Transit ETA
Stay	Up to 2 days (48 hours).
Validity	Single transit.
Entries	Single.
Processing time	24 hours.
Official portal	https://eta.gov.lk (Mobitel-restored portal — primary) · https://www.govt.sl (alternate, sometimes redirects)
Where to apply	Online — eta.gov.lk (Electronic Travel Authorisation) — "Oshin Kunj", Rudreshwor Chowk, Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, Nepal (P.O. Box 8802)

Facts verified against the official source; confirm before you apply — visa rules change. Last checked 2026-07-12.

Documents you will usually need

• Passport (6+ months)
• Onward ticket within 48 hours
• Visa for final destination (if required)
• Email
• Proof of onward/return travel (a flight reservation) and accommodation (a hotel booking) where required.

Step-by-step: how to apply from Nepal

1. Confirm the visa type and current requirements on the official portal (https://eta.gov.lk (Mobitel-restored portal — primary) · https://www.govt.sl (alternate, sometimes redirects)).
2. Gather and scan your documents; book your appointment at Online — eta.gov.lk (Electronic Travel Authorisation) or start the online form.
3. Prepare proof of onward travel and accommodation — many applicants use Yatra's verifiable reservations rather than buying non-refundable bookings before approval.
4. Pay the visa fee, submit (and give biometrics if required), then track your application.

Typical costs & processing time

Processing for a Sri Lanka transit visa typically takes 24 hours. Budget separately for supporting documents: a Yatra dummy flight ticket is NPR 999, a hotel reservation NPR 499, or the full bundle from NPR 1499.

Common reasons applications get delayed

• Weak or inconsistent proof of funds.
• No credible proof of onward travel or accommodation.
• Photos or forms that don't meet the embassy spec.
• An itinerary that doesn't match the stated purpose or dates.

Frequently asked questions

How Long Can Nepali Stay on a Sri Lanka Layover?

The relevant class is Sri Lanka Transit ETA allowing a stay of Up to 2 days (48 hours). Nepali applicants should confirm the current Sri Lanka rule on the official portal, then prepare passport, application, funds, and proof of onward travel and accommodation.

How long does a Sri Lanka transit visa take to process?

Processing typically takes 24 hours. Apply with at least a 1–2 week buffer beyond this.

How much money should I show for a Sri Lanka visa?

There is no single figure — it varies by visa type and length of stay. Show consistent bank statements covering your trip and any sponsor evidence the embassy asks for.

Can Yatra For Fun help with my Sri Lanka documents?

Yes — Yatra issues verifiable flight, hotel and itinerary reservations for your visa file, delivered as PDFs in about 30 minutes.

Preparing your Sri Lanka application? Yatra For Fun issues visa-ready flight reservations, hotel bookings and itineraries. Ask us on WhatsApp.