Airport, Visa and Customs Regulations

Changing Money at the Airport

Banks have dedicated counters at the airport, open 24-hours a day, for arriving passengers to change foreign currency and traveller’s cheques into rupees. It’s a good idea to get your rupees there as it’s more convenient than having to look for a place to change currency where you are staying, and the airport bank rates […] Read more

Airport entry, taxes, departure and transit lounge

Airport Entry Entry to Colombo’s International Airport, known as the Bandaranayake International Airport, Katunayake is restricted to embarking passengers with tickets to fly. However, someone wishing to meet an arriving passenger may do so in the arrivals hall by purchasing an entrance ticket. That’s where arriving passengers should look for drivers and friends who’ve come […] Read more

Importing brand new Mobile Phones/ Devices for Personal use

Only up to three (3) mobile phone units can be imported/ brought for personal use. If more than 3 mobile phones the application should be forwarded to the TRCSL. Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka aka TRCSL is the Regulator of Telecommunication Industry of Sri Lanka located at No., 276 Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 8. Contact numbers […] Read more

Currency Import regulations

Currency Import regulations – How much cash can you bring into Sri Lanka? Local currency (Sri Lanka Rupee-LKR) up to LKR 20,000. Foreign currencies no restrictions; however, amounts over US$15,000 – (or equivalent) must be declared on arrival. (Indian and Pakistan currencies are prohibited). All unspent monies, which were converted from foreign currencies declared on […] Read more

Should I carry my passport all the time?

Not necessary to carry your passport all the time in Sri Lanka, a photocopy of the photo page/name will be ok, so you can keep the original in a safe place.   Will I be asked to show the passport anywhere? Usually, as a tourist, you would not be asked to present your passport unless […] Read more

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 […] Read more

Visa Extensions in Sri Lanka

You can renew a 30-day tourist visa twice, for 30 days each time. Contact the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Extensions are not hard to get but require jumping through some bureaucratic hoops and downloading some forms. To complete the process in one day, arrive at the Department of Immigration and Emigration (4th Floor, Suhurupaya, […] Read more

Sri Lanka Visa costs and transit

Sri Lanka Visa costs – Transit Transit visas for 48 hours are free.   Can I enter Sri Lanka with a transit visa? Sri Lanka transit visa requirements. As you may already know, transiting Sri Lanka requires a transit visa unless you are from a visa-exempt country.  All applicants must have a valid passport that […] Read more

How do I get a Visa to Sri Lanka?

To get a Visa to Sri Lanka, you’ll need a visa (called an ETA – Electronic Travel Authorisation) before coming to Sri Lanka.   How long is the Sri Lanka Visa valid? It’s valid for a holiday of 30 days and renewable. All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond […] Read more