Sri Lanka entry requirements for Rwanda passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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 must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before flying to Sri Lanka. The online application is quick and straightforward, and the ETA covers tourism, business, and transit.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You must get this online approval before you fly; without it you will be denied boarding. Visa required | Rwandan passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Apply online at the official Sri Lanka ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/). The ETA is valid for 30 days from arrival and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's too close, renew it before booking. At least 6 months | Your Rwanda passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp; extra pages help if you need additional stamps. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank visa page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have more than one blank page for safety. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound ticket to ensure you will leave the country. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket leaving Sri Lanka before your ETA expires (within 30 days of arrival). | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry cash or a card that shows you can support yourself; it's not always checked but can be requested. For your stay | You should be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka. The amount is not fixed but should be reasonable for your planned activities and duration. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsHaving a booking makes the entry process smoother and proves you have a place to stay. Hotel booking or invitation | It is advisable to have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Sri Lanka, as immigration may ask for your place of stay. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateCheck if your travel route includes any yellow fever countries; if so, get vaccinated and carry the certificate. If arriving from an endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Rwanda is not currently listed as a yellow fever endemic country, but if you have traveled through an endemic area, the certificate is required. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill any online form before landing; just be ready for a paper card. Not required | Sri Lanka does not require an online arrival declaration for Rwandan citizens. You will complete a simple paper form on arrival if needed. | Not required |
Apply for ETA well in advance
Even though approval is usually quick, don't leave it to the last minute. Technical glitches or payment issues can happen. Apply at least 1-2 weeks before your departure to be safe.
Use the official ETA website only
There are third-party sites that charge extra fees for ETA processing. Always use the official Sri Lanka ETA portal at https://eta.gov.lk/ to avoid overpaying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application form. You will need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email address. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Receive ETA approval
Approval is usually sent to your email within 24-72 hours. Print a copy or save it on your phone to show at check-in and upon arrival.
3
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing in Colombo, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'ETA Verification'. Present your passport and ETA (printed or digital) to the officer. They will stamp your passport with your entry permit.
4
Proceed through customs
After immigration, collect your luggage and walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare. If you are carrying restricted items, use the red channel.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Rwanda Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business Visa (ETA)
Max stay30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$35
Single entry. Requires business invitation. Can be extended up to 90 days total.
Tourist Visa Extension
Max stay90 days total
ValidityUp to 90 days from arrival
Cost$50 for extension
Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo before current visa expires.
Residence Visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
CostVaries (approx. $200)
For long-term stays, employment, or study. Requires local sponsorship and approval.
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 |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard Tourist VisaSingle entry, 30 days stay, valid 6 months from issue. Apply online before travel. | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Business VisaSingle entry, 30 days stay, valid 6 months from issue. Requires business invitation. | $35 |
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Transit VisaValid for 48 hours from arrival, for transit to a third country. | $20 |
| Visa Extension (Tourist)Extendable up to 90 days total stay. Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. | $50 |
| Visa Extension (Business)Extendable up to 90 days total stay. Requires sponsor letter and approval. | $50 |
| Late Extension PenaltyCharged for overstaying beyond authorized period. | $25 per day |
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
Transit visa required
Rwandan passport holders require a transit ETA even for airside transit. Apply online before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and staying airside for less than 48 hours may still need transit ETA.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
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 = 335.84 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 standard ETA fee for tourism is around $35 USD. There is also a transit ETA for about $20 USD. Fees are paid online during the application. Double-check the current fee on the official ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/) before applying.
Most applications are processed within 24 to 72 hours. It is best to apply at least a week before your flight to avoid any delays. You will receive an email confirmation once approved.
No, the ETA must be obtained online before you travel. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Rwandan passport holders. Without an approved ETA, you will not be allowed to board your flight.
The tourist ETA allows a stay of up to 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for an extension from the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo (though extensions are not guaranteed).
Extensions are not typically granted for the standard tourist ETA. The database indicates that the ETA is not extendable. If you think you might need more time, plan your trip accordingly or consider a different visa category.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and entry by Sri Lankan immigration. There are no exceptions. Renew your passport before applying for the ETA.
If you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic country, you will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Rwanda is not currently listed as a yellow fever endemic country, but if you have traveled through any affected areas in the 6 days before arriving in Sri Lanka, you will need the certificate. Check the latest requirements with the Sri Lankan embassy or your airline.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.