Visa checks · updated 2026-08-17

United Arab Emirates visa for Sri Lankan citizens

e-Visa (apply online)
🇱🇰 Sri Lankan passport → 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates: yes — an e-visa, applied for online before travel.

How it works

Apply online before you travel: passport scan, photo, fee. Approval typically takes a few days — apply at least a week ahead, print or save the approval, and carry it.

Heads-up: United Arab Emirates commonly asks for proof of onward travel (airline check-in).

Before the airport: run the "Will I board?" checklist for this route →

Beyond United Arab Emirates: the Sri Lanka passport

The 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka passport ranks #181 of 199 worldwide, entering 43 destinations without a visa arranged in advance (see the world ranking).

Also visa-free on the Sri Lanka passport: 🇹🇭 Thailand (60 days), 🇸🇬 Singapore (30 days), 🇹🇯 Tajikistan (30 days) — all 43 open destinations.

Going the other way? Emirati citizens visiting Sri Lanka need a visa on arrival, issued at the border.

Never get caught out

Visa rules change with little notice. Get one email when United Arab Emirates changes its entry rules for Sri Lankan passports.

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Capital Abu Dhabi · Currency United Arab Emirates dirham (د.إ) · Dialling +971

Before you travel

Sorting your United Arab Emirates trip on the Sri Lanka passport:

See the whole picture

Every destination for the Sri Lanka passport, and everyone who can enter United Arab Emirates.

Sri Lankan passport: all destinations Who can enter United Arab Emirates Plan the trip