Posted by
Kinita
Being Sri Lankan is superb, if all you want to do is just stay in Sri Lanka, drink some thambili, and rub your belly on a beautiful beach somewhere. If you'd like to go explore the world, things get a bit trickier. Globally ranking at #189 on the Passport Index 2018, the Lankan passport is as useful as a screen door on a submarine.
As disheartening as this map below looks, it's not all bad:
Before your heart quails and you start advertising yourself on Craiglist looking for a greencard marriage, have a look at the countries that are gracious enough to let us in. We've highlighted our favourites!
This feature is sponsored by SampathCards. The best part is if you're looking to travel during this year, you can book your airfare through any of their partner agents (listed below) and get 12 month 0% installment options if you book before the 30th of April!
1. Bahamas - No visa required for first 3 months 
Apart from the Bahamas being one of the sexiest honeymoon spots in the world, with great drinks (Bahama Mama anyone?), pristine beaches, and friendly locals, you also get to hang out with this chill pig pictured above.
2. Barbados - No visa required for first 6 months
3. Bolivia - Visa on arrival for 90 days
A volcano, a lake, and a desert all walk into a bar. This 3 in one holiday in Bolivia's Licancabur is more bang for your buck! Also Bolivia has plenty of llama, certified to be one of the world's sassiest animals.
4. Burundi - Visa on arrival for 90 days
5. Cape Verde - Visa on arrival
6. Comoros - Visa on arrival
7. Djibouti - Visa on arrival
8. Dominica - No visa required for 6 months
9. Ecuador - No visa required for 90 days
Whether it's the Amazon, the Andes, the Galapagos, or the quaint colonial Quito you're yearning for, Ecuador has got you covered. Much like Sri Lanka, it's a relatively small country packed with diversity.
10. Grenada - No visa required 3 months
11. Guinea-Bissau - Visa on arrival for first 90 days
12. Haiti - No visa required
13. India - e-Tourist Visa for 30 days, only through specific airports. Not a very reliable system though, from our experience VFS is still the most reliable route.
We could have used a picture of the Taj Mahal, some artistic camels in the desert, or the bustling Mumbai metropolis. Instead we used this dapper moustachioed man. Because he's fabulous. Follicular fancy aside though, the Indian visa will take you some time and patience so despite the e-Tourist visa claims, you should apply in advance.
14. Indonesia - No visa required for 30 days
Indonesia is stunning. It's incredibly diverse, with everything from wild party beaches, to volcanic hiking (why do a lot of the countries on this list features beaches or volcanos?), to yoga retreats and high-end resorts.
15. Iran - No visa required for 1 month
16. Kenya - e-Visa valid for 3 months
If you're a wildlife fan, Kenya absolutely has to be on your bucket list. They offer some of best safaris in the world and one of the few places where us Lankan lions can visit hassle free to actually see some real lions.
17. Lesotho - No visa required for 90 days
18. Madagascar - Visa on arrival for 90 days
19. Malawi - Visa on arrival
20. Maldives - Visa on arrival for 30 days
Maldives is one of the most accessible options on this list. A short hour to Male, flights are super cheap (you can get a round trip ticket from Rs. 16-20k), and there are hundreds of resorts and islands to choose from. It's the perfect luxe beach spot, especially for couples.
21. Mauritania - Visa on arrival
22. Micronesia - No visa required for 30 days
23. Mozambique - Visa on arrival for 30 days
24. Myanmar - e-Visa available for 28 days, but you must arrive via Yangon Airport
Despite how closed-off Myanmar appears to be, its natural and cultural beauty are absolute wonders. With gilted temples, a rich and varied religious history, and a few rambling colonial structures, Burma is definitely a worthwhile visit. The eerie emptiness of the oddly overdeveloped Napyidaw is also interesting to experience, especially if you'd like something to compare Mattala airport to.
25. Nepal - Visa on arrival for 90 days
In the wake of the two intrepid Lankan climbers, Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala and Johann Peiris, you could do a little Everest mission of your own. No, we don't expect you to climb or summit it, but at least have a steaming hot cup of tea and let it fill up your landscape. With charming monasteries and a simple, peaceful way of life, Nepal is one of those heartbreakingly beautiful spots that will change you.
26. Palau - Visa on arrival for 30 days
27. Saint Kitts & Nevis - No visa required for 30 days
28. Saint Vincent & the Grenadines - No visa required for 30 days
29. Samoa - Entry Permit on arrival for 60 days
More volcanoes!! Samoa is one of the lovely pristine Polynesian islands, more preserved than you'd imagine. If you want less tiki bars and buffets, and more achingly intense natural beauty and the true "Samoan Way" or Fa'a Samoa, you need to etch this on your list. The downside is that it would take you more than 24 hours, at least 3-4 flights, and some $ 3000 to get there from Colombo. However, if you're already in New Zealand, or Australia, it's not too difficult.
30. Senegal - Visa on arrival
31. Seychelles - Visitors permit on arrival for 1 month
32. Singapore - Visa not required for 1 month
Ah Singapore! The long lost cousin that wanted to be like us, then did vastly better than us, and now we wish we were like. With little natural resources, they've created an empire based on quality, a huge service industry, and setting themselves up as a hub for Asian trade, finance, and entertainment. Just about 4 hours, and a measly Rs. 20,000 roundtrip flight away, Singapore is your ideal weekend getaway for a concert, a family holiday, or just some decadent good living.
33. Timor-Leste - Visa on arrival for 30 days
34. Togo - Visa on arrival for 7 days
35. Tuvalu - Visa on arrival for 1 month
36. Uganda - Visa on arrival for 3 months
We don't know too much about Uganda, but they do have rich forests, with some cool wildlife stars like lions and gorillas. It's the perfect opportunity to drop some shade on your husband's jolly pot belly and furry shoulders by pointing and squealing "aney look darling, that fellow looks like you". It will never get old. Not for you at least.
37. Vanuatu - Visa not required for 30 days
Happy travels you intrepid explorers! Try not to fall in a volcano.
Disclaimer: All of these regulations are as of 25th May, 2016. Foreign policy is constantly evolving, so make sure you double check before you plan a trip!
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Rave
You might want to check lao too.
Kinita
Hey Rave, from what I managed to unearth, there's a bit of a process involved. But this could be wrong or outdated. Do you have another source? https://www.timaticweb.com/cgi-bin/tim_website_client.cgi?SpecData=1&VISA=&page=visa&NA=LK&AR=00&PASSTYPES=PASS&DE=LA&user=KLMB2C&subuser=KLMB2C
Kane
Last year I needed a visa to enter Lao PDR. So, Sri Lankan passport holders do need a visa to enter Laos.
danu
Lao & Cambodi, apparently SL is in their so called 'black-list', so get a visa up front, be ready for questioning at the tourist police upon arrival to their airports and ready to waste at least 30 mins at tourist police.
Tip: They could look for a reason to get you to bribe them, so make sure you keep copies of ur return tickets, hotel booking, additional identification (I used international driver's licence)
Kasun Gunasekara
It'll be a lot easier if the list was sorted according to the air ticket prices ;)
Kinita
Kasun, you were saying? :D https://www.yamu.lk/cheapest-international-flights-out-of-sri-lanka/
andy
that list is not accurate hun.Im a travel agent and cannot find the fare to doha for20k something.If i do im gonna be rich :D
---------- RECOMMENDATION 1 OF 5 IN GROUP 1 (GBP 329.30 )----------
PTC CUR TAX FARE BASIS
1 ADT 1 GBP 329.30 98.30 NVE6MLK
TOTAL 1 GBP 329.30 98.30
1 WY 374 N 15JUN CMB MCT 1525 1805 E0/738
WY 661 N 15JUN MCT DOH 1940 2020 E0/739 0725
2 WY 662 N 22JUN DOH MCT 2120 2355 E0/739
WY 375 N 23JUN MCT CMB 0135 0720 E0/738 0730
Ashan Mendis
Well All the counties suck except for singapore and You do get lions in India in Gujarat
Brandon
wow man indonesia sucks too? Bali is simply awesome. Go there and enjoy and then comment. In general these countries suck but for someone who loves to learn different cultures and travel would really need a list like this. For an instance Nepal sounds like a very poor country to travel but Indees its a very nice country to travel to. Stop the dissing and start traveling to these countries:)
Nibinoz
Auckland is not Australia
Kinita
Fixed, sorry!
Sifaan
"Auckland, Australia"?
Kinita
Just being creative with our geography! Sorry, fixed now :)
Louiqa Raschid
You may still need transit visas to get to these countries?
andy
Yes if you are going via USA and CANADA
ZH
I think madagascar you need to get a visa via the embassy by showing your bank statement and so on like obtaining a visa for Thailand or Malaysia.
Abdul Razack
All undeveloped countries only. Why not Europe countries. And Middle East countries.
dopamine
Just because they're under-developed, it doesn't mean they're not worth a visit. One could say the same about Sri Lanka! :)
Palitha
Not to be disrespectful, are you trying to go for 'work' and 'jump'?
Nabeel
Iran is not correct… There is an application process
Dhanushan_CK
Refreshing style of writing… useful article too. Keep at it :-)
Lalith
I would not trust this shoddy google search job for visa advise - India definitely needs a visa as all travel agents advise unless you want to pay bribes or get turned around!
whoever is lining up to pay for advertising should get a refund for that horrid yamuTV video and this poorly constructed article - leave this stuff to travel agents, so easy to mislead!
Katnip - stick to sorbet video reviews your quirky facial expressions work for that and your accent is more coherent as well once numbed with ice
Gill bates
Dear lalith machang.
Wholeheartedly agree. This shody Google job is all in terrible taste. It is like going to a bajaj dealer for advice on new Mercedes purchasing. I for one only trust bing for my searching matters. Used to go for ask jeevaka, but he lost all credibility when he told me that syria was a hip place to travel.
I must disagree on the kriticism for this katnis lady. Her quirky facial expressions are new resurrection of an old diplmatic technique. After all. Columbus convinced the queen of Spain to give him a ship by suggesrivley wiggling his eyebrows.
PS: still stuck in Syria, please help me get out of here
Kinita
Dear Lolita,
Thanks for faithfully following all my work! I understand my pol katuwa accent is difficult for you to comprehend even via written word, so I'm just going to re-post these here in the hope that you understand it a second time:
1. "India- e-Tourist Visa for 30 days, only through specific airports. Not a very reliable system though, from our experience VFS is still the most reliable route. ".
2. "The Indian visa will take you some time and patience so despite the e-Tourist visa claims, you should apply in advance."
They tell me not to feed the trolls, but I'm happy to share my sorbet with you. :)
Ceylonese
Why on earth one would visit India
Ana
Maybe to experience some of these
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293860-Activities-India.html
or
https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog/25-best-places-for-winter-holidays-in-north-india/
samalie
i went to India in March 2016 and nothing on the e-visa information said anything about on arrival 30days free. would be helpful if the links are there with this article. Also, Nepal gave me only 15 days on arrival that is applicable to all SAARC member countries. hmmm…
Rucky
Insightful and good to know article. Of course governments will change these even in the instance that we write these comments. Best to write a disclaimer or have links for sites that have the real time updated information. But all in all it gives an fair idea - thank you.
Kinita
Thanks Rucky, valid point! Added a disclaimer. Unfortunately there are no sites with constantly updated visa info that we know of :(
Kevin
To get to most of the 'visa free' places, Sri Lankans need to transit somewhere. That's when the problem arises. They dont even let you transit
Shazmin
Not only was this an enjoyable read but very useful in terms of getting an overall idea as well! Clearly you aren't a visa office as some seemed to have misinterpreted with going into all the nitty gritty details and what not:) Indonesia here i come!
danushka
Lovely IRAN, I definitely go there ^_^
Sithara
What a nice and useful article. And the best part is ha ha
“If you're a misguided nationalist, visiting Kenya may be the only way you'll ever actually be in proximity of සිංහ ලේ. “
Ashoka Perera
ha ha ha, well said this will at least stop sinha lee mania
Palitha
Sinha-le :) has much more meaning to it… England, Scotland, and some other flags as the LION in their flags, ranging from 1 to 4 - this has a political significance than literally meaning 'lion's blood'…. ;)
asoka
I traveled to Singapore in last year… airport immigration officers are checking more , they are count my money…I don't know how about that…? I am a chairman of multi propose society company limited i sri lanka…and the government officer…that tired for me…please explan to me……
Sepala Hattotuwwa
Hi Asoka. Singapore was one of best immigration officers I met.Never had any issues from the day one. It like entering to Sri Lanka .Have visited more than 20 times.
Mahinda Rajapaksha
I guess if you improve your English you would not have this issue next time.
Maithreepala Sirisena
Damn Mahinda, he is a poor fellow.
Kinita
Yeah MR, so much for being a populist
Pradeep
This is a well known fact about entering Singapore. Singaporean immigration officers often ask to show money, specially from the first timers from countries like Sri Lanka.
Palitha
It is fair to ask. I remember the 1st time I went to Sing (1980s), they asked me how long I was staying, I said maximum 10 days (I was visiting to checkout some machinery), they asked me where I was staying, I said I have not decided yet will ask a taxi to take me to one inexpensive… truthful - (I did have trouble cashing my travelers cheques and when I said 'Hey I am Sri Lankan Sinhalese' the guy apologized and gave me my Sing$) - they gave me 14 days, after that I got 1 month, thereafter I got 3 months. People who complain about other countries should know that even SL border services do not allow foreigners in just like that - and yes there are MANY 'foreigners' are live and work ILLEGALLY in Sri Lanka too!
sumith
i have a work permit for cayman island, can i go via moscow and havana without transit visa?
CHATHURA PATHIRANA
"Mauritiana" PLEASE CHECK SPELLING
abetterlkpassport
Hi everyone, It pointless complaining in the forum. Try to do something about it by writing directly to Maithri at the link below. it only takes 3 minutes to lodge a grievance. At least they are obliged to look into it!
http://tell.president.gov.lk/grievance/showAddGrievance.mvc
sihasri
Hi everyone….
Its great to share our experiences…each-other…coz we can plan our next journey without fear……just drop your comments on visits on above free visa countries….
Regards
Ravi
HI, so do we need to do any paper work before for Seychelles or you get an visitors permit on arrival??
Rajeeth
HI, Yamu Team, im working in malaysia with work permit, can i travel above countries or some others from here (with visa)?
Sandy Galabadaarachchi
sometimes they ask for money.
when you are entering Indonesia
Crazy corrupted fellows
Mitthu
Do they ask for accommodation details for the entire duration of your trip? I have just booked a hotel for the first two nights and prefer to book as I go, depending on where I want to travel within the country.
Can someone please let me know as I am due to be travelling to Bali next week and am worried sick!
Kinita
They haven't asked for those details in my experience. Sometimes they will casually ask which hotel you're staying at, but they're quite flexible and used to backpackers etc.
Chinthaka Perera
Normal, when visas are on arrival or visa not required below documents and details should be with you at the port of entry.
1. Valid return air ticket (If you traveling for tourist purpose)
2. sufficient funds
3. Valid hotel voucher.
Some African countries might ask for your yellow fever certificate and other medical certificates.
Lahiru
What is the use when you have to get Transit visa almost every country you go through!!!!
ajith janaka karunarathne
i like for search detail about country
sajith
sadsasSa
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Ana
Man u clearly havent travelled beyond that…have you??? Or you do not know wot it means to go vacationing…! Bolivia Seychelles Nepal Myanmar Maldives those Carribean Islands are a travellers dream…!!! And yes…even India has sooo much to see! Yea… go travel and then you'll answer yourself :) :) :)
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nihal samantha dissanayake
need to travel berhams
Sylvester
I have Cayman Islands two years work permit. My US transit visa was refused. Can you tell me another route to travel Cayman Islands without transit visa.
lalith
London
Palitha
You need a transit visa ONLY IF YOU ARE LEAVING THE AIRPORT. If not you don't need one! (as far as I know).
sowmya
Does Sri Lankan passport holder require to get Ukraine visa?
Chinthaka Perera
Ukrain visa required. For visa consultation please contact.
0768356565
krishan
I WHOT GO TOTHE bahamas…bro
vicky
can srilankan passport holder use any other visa to go to india like uk visa or canada visa
Palitha
No, you need at least a transit visa. It is easy to get a transit visa if your destination has been approved…. but border services officers know to identify people with 'self respect' and others…
tuan
how many usd we should pay at the ugandan immigration desk for sri lankan passport holders , please give the feedback
Dominic.Pereira
I was in Uganda, Gambia, Kenya some time back and you get a visa on arrival for 30 days with no issues. To exit Sri Lanka immigration you should have the 10 years vaccination before you travel to any African country from the Ministry of Health at Boralla. This is for prevention of Malaria.
Rizwan
North Cyprus also give visa on Arrival
Dilki Sepalika
Hi! Can someone tell me please how can we get the visit visa for Kazakhstan and Argentina???
watsan
Please advise me urgently how to get the visa to Saint Lucia for Sri Lankan National ???
Rizni @ healthconscious.club
So, with a passport and a ticket you can simply travel to these countries without an issue? Awesome…!
slcdfs3@yahoo.com
do not forget to take sufficient money. Beware of rogues!
Suranga
I like to travel Vanuatu .
shamil
hi frends, i am struggling to apply for an evisa to zambia…they are just rejecting for no reason stated….we travel to africa every year but its a very sad state as we have paid up for tickets & tours etc……our zimbabwe evisa was so easy….as we areheading to zambia after zimbabwe….any advise if we sri lankans can get a visa on arrival by taking a chance? have any of u traveled to zambia recently with a sri lankan passport? thanks so much
Palitha
Why 'struggle', if a country does not want to give you a visa ask them to 'stuff-it'. Have some self respect as a PROUD SRI LANKAN!
Rasika Sandaruwan
thanks so much for your information.
Minidu
how to get air ticket to those countries?
Chandana YAMU STAFF
Just try any ticketing service or website like findmyfare.com
hilme
ITS GREAT TO KNOW THAT WHOSE DOORS ARE STILL OPENED FOR LANKANS…hehehehe
Palitha
Sri Lankans (passport) are respected…. I have traveled since 1986, just apply for a visa and if you are telling the truth you get a visa. Also, I never overstay my visa and have NO INTENTION of being a slave in a foreign land - I would prefer to 'wash toilets' in my own country…. I mean why would you spend $10,000 on a holiday when you don't even own a 'tuk' and are from a beautiful country where a 3+ hour bus ride can give you the best climate change, etc.
Rasika Wijewardena
Is There Some one who has Traveled to Ecuador ??
Nava
Did any one go to Mahamas or Samoa with Sri Lankan Passport without a visa ? I need to travel those 2 countries please assist me
Thanks
sudarshana pererra
Singapore,Nepal,Indonesia,Myanmar I need to travel those 4 countries please assist me
thanks
vajira
is there some one visit to guinea
vajira
is guinea safe for sri lankan
W A D D Wijesooriya
Can on-arrival visa obtained for Vietnam by resident of Sri Lanka.
Palitha
As a traveler since 1986 and a person who also holds a 'western' passport I can say that the Sri Lankan passport is more respected by 'border services' than other passports. The reason is simple, a person who can get a Visa is a person who has passed all checks (respectable/safe). I have always had MORE RESPECT with the Sri Lankan passport. Simply put, any tom-dick-and-harry cannot travel with a Sri Lankan passport. It is a shame that our county is brought to disrepute in such a manner. If you have the means the US, EU etc will happily grant you a 10 or 5 year re-entry Visa after a couple of visits. Also, I NEVER over stay my Visa and I never leave the exit to the last minute, I exit way before the (at least 3 days) expiry of my visa. I have NO INTENTION of being a slave in a foreign land - you should not also do it! Have some self respect - and yes, I have heard the 'convenience thing' - but that is all 'hog-wash'…. trust this helps.
Palitha
The Sri Lanka passport carries MORE RESPECT that other 'open' passports (I also have a 'western' passport - but I prefer to apply for a visa and use the SL passport). Why you ask? Because a Sri Lankan who can travel has means and has been pre-cleared. So border-services have very little problems and have respect, especially if they see you are what you say. They do worry if you look shabby or are non-Sinhalese…. If you identify yourself a PROUD SRI LANKAN any border-services officer will respect you because he knows you are not going to 'jump ship'! I have met border servces officers who are BAFFLED as to why a Sri Lankan would want to tour Europe/North America when SL has everything MINUS adverse winters, storms, etc… BE A PROUD SRI LANKAN!
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Pradeep
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krishan
i whont appy romania visa…how to apply romania visa…for the traval