Do I really need to fill out the "Online Arrival Card" 3 days before? Or is paper still okay?
I remember filling out a small paper card on the plane last time I visited. Now my airline sent me a link to an "Online Arrival Card" portal.
Is this mandatory? The website is a bit glitchy on my phone. Can I just grab a paper form at the airport in Colombo, or have they completely banned paper?
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1 Answer from travellers
Welcome to the digital age! Colombo Airport has moved aggressively toward a paperless system in 2025/26.
Is it Mandatory? Technically, paper forms might still be found on a dusty counter if you beg, but immigration officers get very grumpy about it. They expect you to have done it online.
The 3-Day Rule: You can only fill it out within 72 hours of your flight.
The Link: Ensure you are on the official site: eservices.immigration.gov.lk. It is free.
Why do it? If you complete it online, you can use the e-Gates (Electronic Gates) at BIA Arrival. You scan your passport and walk through, skipping the massive queue for the manual counters. It is a huge time-saver!
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