Entry
Visa Rules:
Nationals of over 24 countries are exempt from visa requirements. However, the visa they obtain at the point of entry is formally valid for only 30 days. Extension of tourist visas is handled by the Department of Immigration and Immigration, Galle Buck Road, Colombo 1, Tel: 436353. Visitors overstaying their visas are liable for action taken against them by the Government of Sri Lanka.
Most photographic studios in Colombo can deliver instant passport size photos for visas.
Customs Regulations (Inbound)
1. Declare all your currency, valuable equipment, jewelry and gems.
2. If you have nothing to declare you can go through the Green
Channel.
3. Your Baggage should NOT contain goods for others, goods in commercial quantities and Prohibited or Restricted goods. Some of these are: dangerous drugs, weapons & explosive devices, and gold.
4.You are required to take back all your personal effects when departing from the country.
5.You are entitled to bring in:
a) 1 1/2 liters of spirits, 2 bottles of wine, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
b) A small quantity of perfume and travel souvenirs not exceeding US$ 250/- in value.
6.Professional Teams
Filming and Photographic equipment will be allowed on valid Carnet or a bank guarantee or on a refundable deposit of the duty payable on items.
Money changing: Special Exchange counters of banks are available at the Airport. See relevant list under ‘Business and Finance’.
Onward transportation: See under transportation.
Departure
Arrival at Airport:
Entry to the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, is restricted to passengers and permit holders. Each passenger is entitled to two visitors. The permit costs Rs. 100. The same rule applies to those waiting to meet incoming passengers. There is also a vehicle parking fee of Rs. 50 per car, van or wagon.
Embarkation Tax:
Rs. 500 at Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake. Embarkation Tax for Domestic Flights is Rs. 50.
Departure and Transit Lounge:
There are several shops in the Transit & Departure Lounge of the Bandaranaike International Airport, katunayake which sell gems, ceramics, handicrafts, batiks, cut-flowers, books and picture postcards of Sri Lanka. Payment is accepted only in foreign currency.
Customs Regulations (Outbound)
A.Permitted
1. You are entitled to take out what you have declared and brought into the country and whatever you have purchased locally like gems, jewelry and Sri Lanka products out of the funds brought in and declared to Customs on your arrival.
2. 3 kilos of Sri Lanka Tea duty free.
3. Foreign Currency declared and brought into the country. Unused Sri Lanka currency should be reconverted to foreign currency at departure.
B. Not Permitted
1. All currencies in excess of your declared amounts on arrival.
2. (a) Any gems and jewelry or valuable equipment not declared on arrival or not purchased in Sri Lanka out of funds declared and brought into the country.
b) Gold (crude, bullion or coins)3. Sri Lanka Currency in excess of Rs. 250.4. Firearms, explosives and dangerous weapons.
5. Antiques, statues, treasures, old books, etc.
6. Animals, birds and reptiles and their parts (dead or alive).
7. Tea, rubber and coconut plants.
8. Dangerous drugs.
This page: http://www.cockatoo.com/english/srilanka/srilanka_entry.htm
