Customs Regulations

Sri Lanka has the usual list of prohibited imports, including drugs, weapons, fresh fruit and anything remotely pornographic.

Items allowed:

• 0.25L of perfume
• 1.5L of alcohol.
• 2 bottle of wine
• A small number of perfumes and travel souvenirs not exceeding US$250 in value

An unusual restriction not applied in most other countries is on the importation of cigarettes, tobacco and cigars. It’s prohibited. But Sri Lanka is a no smoking country. You’ll find locally manufactured international brand-name cigarettes (Rs1,480 per pack of 20) as well as locally-made cigars in supermarkets and corner shops

No imported foreign-made cigarettes are allowed even for personal use. However, electronic cigarettes are not regulated.

Customs Regulations in Sri Lanka at the Arrival

• Declare all your currency, valuables, jewellery and gems.

• If you have nothing to declare go through the Green Channel

• Your baggage should not contain goods in commercial quantities, prohibited or restricted goods (Drugs, weapons, explosive devices, gold, sharp objects and two-way communication devices.)

• Commercial filming and photographic equipment will be allowed on valid Carnet or a Bank Guarantee or on a refundable deposit of the duty payable on the items.

Purchase of Electronic items

In case you are planning to buy duty-free electronics (washing machine, TV, fridge, etc.) at the airport as a gift for friends in Sri Lanka, that’s not possible unless you have a Sri Lankan passport.

The sale of duty-free electronics in the arrivals section of the airport is a Customs concession only for Sri Lankan passport holders (and not for Sri Lankan residence visa holders or tourists).

Customs Regulations in Sri Lanka at the Departure

• You are allowed to take whatever declared and brought into Sri Lanka

• You are also allowed to take items purchased locally (Gems, jewellery, Sri Lankan products) out of the funds brought in and declared to the customs on your arrival.

• 10KG’s of Sri Lankan duty-free tea

• Foreign currency declared and brought into the country.

• Unused Sri Lankan rupees should be converted to foreign currency at departure as export of rupees is restricted.

Not Permitted

• All currencies in excess of your declared amounts on arrival.
  • Any gems and jewellery or valuable equipment not declared on arrival or not purchased in Sri Lanka
  • Gold (Crude, Bullion, or coins)
• Sri Lankan rupees excess of Rs.250
• Firearms, explosives and other weapons
• Antiques
• Dead or alive animals, birds and reptiles and their parts
• Tea, rubber and coconut plants
• Drugs

Read more

Smoking and the Law in Sri Lanka

Last Modified: March 12, 2025