Sri Lanka has become an increasingly popular destination for Chinese travelers, drawn by the island's rich Buddhist heritage, stunning natural scenery, and the famous Maritime Silk Road connections that link the two nations historically. Chinese passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka, which can be obtained online through a simple application process before departure.
The ETA for Chinese citizens costs $50 USD (approximately 360 CNY) and allows a stay of up to 30 days for tourism. The application is completed online at eta.gov.lk and most approvals are issued within 24 to 72 hours. Several airlines connect China to Colombo, with direct flights available from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Kunming on airlines such as SriLankan Airlines, China Eastern, and China Southern. Flight times range from 5 to 7 hours for direct routes.
Chinese visitors will find a deep Buddhist connection in Sri Lanka, home to some of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist sites in the world, including the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and the ancient city of Anuradhapura. The country also offers opportunities to explore the famous Ceylon tea plantations, relax on tropical beaches, and embark on wildlife safaris. Sri Lanka has been working to welcome more Chinese tourists, with increasing availability of Chinese-language tour services, WeChat Pay acceptance at some hotels, and Chinese-speaking guides in popular areas.