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Rules of concern to citizens

  • Visa rules & regulations: Sri Lankan Government has introduced a new visa online system, namely Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) since 01 January 2012, through which a foreign national can obtain pre-approval for the visa instead of obtaining the visa on arrival.
  • In the event of any visitor brings an amount exceeding US $ 10,000, he has to declare the amount at the customs in the Airport. Whatever the amount converted to the Sri Lankan rupee on arrival, can be re-converted to another currency once the foreigner leaves the country.
  • It is allowed to bring personal equipments such as cameras and laptop computers. But they must be declared on arrival. However, the personal equipment should be taken out of the country when the visitor leaves the country. Also, bringing medicines without prescription and pornography in any form considered as crime.
  • It is allowed to carry 10 kilograms of tea free from any duties for each visitor, when he leaves the country. It is prevented to take ancient artifacts, rare books and Palm-leaf manuscripts and anthropological material without getting permission from the Director - National Archives (www.archives.gov.lk) and Director General - Department of Archaeology (www.archaeology.gov.lk).
  • The law of the country protects some species of plants and endangered animals threatened being extinct. Export and even the possession of these kinds of wild animals, birds, and reptiles are considered illegal. Production and sale of items made from wild animals and reptiles, such as skins of leopard, crocodiles, and elephant tusks etc. are also considered illegal.
  • Like anywhere else, there are rules and regulations pertaining to smoking in public places, where smoking is strictly forbidden in temples and buses and other public places. Therefore, it is advised to use designated areas for smoking.
  • Erroneous practices such as holding and using drugs and sex, rape, sexual assault and other prohibited activities considered as crime. In case of any person attempts to do such bad activities, it is advised to contact the tourism police via Tel: 011 242 1451).