Transit visa for Colombo (CMB)
Who can connect at Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka, without a visa: an airside transfer on one ticket, staying in the international transit area.
- Indian passportNo transit visa needed
No ETA or visa needed if you do not leave the airport.
- Pakistani passportNo transit visa needed
No ETA or visa needed if you do not leave the airport.
- Bangladeshi passportNo transit visa needed
No ETA or visa needed if you do not leave the airport.
- Sri Lankan passportNo transit visa needed
Citizens do not need a visa for their own country.
- Nepali passportNo transit visa needed
No ETA or visa needed if you do not leave the airport.
Leaving the airport during the layover
Everyone else needs an ETA before arrival; a transit ETA of up to 48 hours is free. Since 25 May 2026 Indian, Pakistani and Nepali passport holders also get a free 30-day tourist ETA, while Bangladeshis pay the tourist ETA fee.
Watch out
Separate tickets, or a stay over 48 hours, need an ETA in advance.
Checked on 25 October 2026 against these sources. Transit rules change often, and the airline and the immigration authority have the final say, so confirm with your airline before you travel.