Flights from the Philippines to Sri Lanka

Is there a direct flight from the Philippines to Sri Lanka?

Quick answer: No. There is no nonstop flight from Manila to Colombo, so you change planes once, most simply in Singapore. Singapore Airlines connects daily in about 8 to 10 hours, and on 20 October 2026 Etihad sold round trips via Abu Dhabi from USD 761. Filipino passport holders are not on Sri Lanka's free ETA list, so the online tourist ETA costs USD 50.

Flights land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) near Colombo. Our direct flights guide lists the cities that do have nonstop flights to Colombo.

Which airlines fly from Manila to Colombo?

Sources: Singapore Airlines, Etihad, SriLankan route map.

Why Singapore is the short way: Sri Lanka lies west of the Philippines, and Singapore sits roughly on the way. A Gulf connection flies past Sri Lanka and back, so it adds hours even when the fare is lower.

You can also fly to Singapore, Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur on one ticket and on to Colombo on another. That can save money, but your bags will not be checked through and a delay on the first flight is your problem. Leave a long gap if you do it.

How much do flights from Manila cost?

Etihad was the only airline whose Manila page showed monthly fares on 20 October 2026:

At the Central Bank of Sri Lanka's buying rate on 19 October 2026 (LKR 326.90 to the US dollar), USD 761 is about LKR 248,770 (CBSL exchange rates). The Central Bank does not publish a peso rate, so convert pesos to dollars first.

How much baggage can you take?

Singapore Airlines' route page listed these allowances for Manila to Colombo:

No single checked bag may be over 32 kg. Singapore Airlines says bags are normally checked through to Colombo when both flights are on one booking and the Singapore connection is under 24 hours. A longer stop counts as a stopover, and you may need to collect your bags and check them in again.

Do Filipinos need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Yes. Every foreign national needs an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival, and the Philippines is not on the list of 40 countries that get it free. The official ETA site gave these fees on 20 October 2026:

The tourist ETA allows a 30-day stay with double entry. Apply online before you fly: it is cheaper, and you board with the approval in hand. Use eta.gov.lk only, because lookalike sites add their own fees. Our Sri Lanka visa guide lists the fake sites that official sources warn about.

What do you pay and show when leaving the Philippines?

Travel tax. TIEZA's travel tax page lists these rates:

TIEZA sets out who qualifies for the reduced rate or an exemption. Check before you fly, because many tickets do not include the tax.

Departure documents. The Bureau of Immigration says regular tourists need a passport, a visa where required, a return or round-trip ticket, a boarding pass and an eTravel registration (BI advisory). For Sri Lanka, keep your approved ETA with your passport. Officers can ask more questions, so carry your hotel booking too.

What is the time difference with the Philippines?

Colombo is 2 hours 30 minutes behind Manila all year, as Singapore Airlines' page also states. Noon in Manila is 9.30 am in Colombo. Jet lag is mild.

When should you go from the Philippines?

Sri Lanka has two monsoons that hit opposite coasts. These are average monthly rainfall figures from the WMO 1991 to 2020 normals.

The east coast vs south coast guide explains the pattern. For a mid-year trip, see Sri Lanka in July and August.

How should you plan the trip?

After you land, the Colombo airport arrival guide covers immigration, money and transport, and the Colombo airport to Kandy guide covers the drive inland.