Sri Lanka entry requirements for Rwanda passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Rwandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. Show up at Bandaranaike International Airport with your passport, required documents, and cash. Pay the fee at the counter, and you'll be processed on the spot. This policy started in 2024 and continues in 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Colombo airport | Rwandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. Have USD 40–60 cash ready for the visa fee — the ATM is after immigration so you cannot withdraw once you land. The visa is valid for 30 days and is not extendable.Check visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines at Kigali check this before boarding — they will deny you if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Colombo ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Budget airlines like IndiGo and AirAsia enforce this at check-in too — have a printed copy or a screenshot ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry at least USD 50 per day in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely checks this for short stays, but it helps if they ask. | Recommended |
Cash Only at Visa Counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD, EUR, or GBP. Cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to speed things up.
Visa on Arrival Not Extendable
You cannot extend this visa. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you'll need to leave and re-enter or apply for a different visa type before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before immigration. There are usually two queues: one for ETA holders, one for visa on arrival. Join the correct one.
2
Fill Out the Arrival Card
You'll get a small card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address. Keep it with your passport.
3
Submit Documents and Pay Fee
Hand over your passport, arrival card, and return ticket (if asked). Pay the visa fee in cash (USD/EUR/GBP). The officer will process and stamp your passport.
4
Proceed to Immigration
Once you have the visa sticker/stamp, go to the immigration counter. They'll check your passport, take a photo, and let you through. Collect your luggage after.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Rwanda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. 35 USD)
Standard visa on arrival; can be extended once for 30 days.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$75 USD (approx. 75 USD)
Allows multiple entries; extension possible for each stay.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 40 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay but no local employment.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of income (approx. $2,000/month). Allows stay without local tax liability. Currently in pilot phase.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee + investment of $50,000+
For individuals investing in Sri Lankan businesses or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD per year (employer-sponsored)
For those with a job offer from a Sri Lankan company. Requires employer to obtain approval from the Department of Immigration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or Sri Lankan Rupees at the airport upon arrival. | $35 USD (approx. 35 USD) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – if obtained onlineOptional pre-approval; same cost as VoA but may speed up processing. | $35 USD (approx. 35 USD) |
| Tourist visa extension (30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo before current visa expires. | $50 USD (approx. 50 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office or airport departure counter. | $5 USD per day (approx. 5 USD/day), max $100 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Sri Lanka
No transit visa needed
Rwanda passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo · Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), Hambantota
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa). Rwanda is endemic, so certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid from contaminated food/water.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure; rare in tourists.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas (Colombo, Kandy, coastal regions). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel in dry zone.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Colombo
Department of Immigration and Emigration
41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 10
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 15, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for travellers in the central region.
Practical information for RW travellers
Country basics
CapitalColombo
LanguageSinhala, Tamil
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 325.59 LKR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,G,MType D, G, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is treated but travellers should avoid it.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The fee is typically around $50–$60 USD, but it can vary. Pay in cash at the counter — USD, EUR, or GBP are accepted. Cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
The standard stay is 30 days. The database doesn't specify a max stay, but in practice, it's 30 days for most nationalities. Confirm at the counter.
No, you don't need an ETA or online form. Just show up with your documents and cash. The visa on arrival is processed at the airport.
Immigration may deny entry. It's a mandatory requirement. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Yes, but most international flights arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. The visa on arrival counter is there. Other airports like Mattala (HRI) also have it, but they're less common.
No, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Sri Lanka can be high for foreigners, and insurance covers unexpected hospital stays.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.