Sri Lanka customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Sri Lanka allows duty-free import of up to 1.5 liters of alcoholic beverages and 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco) for non-resident adults aged 18+. Cash over USD 10,000 must be declared. Strict bans apply to narcotics, pork products, e-cigarettes, and certain religious items. These rules apply in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.5 L

1.5 liters in total, any combination of spirits, wine, or beer. Traveller must be 18+.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Any amount exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the Customs Arrival Form. Failure to declare may result in seizure and penalties.

Goods duty-free

$800

Personal effects and gifts up to USD 800 in value are duty-free. Items above this threshold are subject to duty at rates up to 30%.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including cannabis in any form)
Pork and pork products (including ham, bacon, sausages) – banned for religious reasons
Counterfeit currency, coins, or goods infringing intellectual property rights
Pornographic material (including digital media)
Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and weapons (including air guns and pepper spray)
Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
E-cigarettes and vaping devices (including devices, liquids, and accessories)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic ingredients (e.g., codeine, morphine) – require a prescription and prior approval from the National Medicines Regulatory Authority
Plants, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and live animals – require an import permit from the Department of Agriculture
Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles – require a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka
Satellite phones and radio communication equipment – require a license from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission
Antiques and archaeological items – require a permit from the Department of Archaeology

Rules worth knowing

Currency Declaration for Departure

If you leave Sri Lanka with more than USD 10,000 (or equivalent) in cash or negotiable instruments, you must declare it at customs. Unused foreign currency brought in can be taken out up to the declared amount.

Duty-Free Shop Purchases

Duty-free goods bought at Sri Lankan airports are subject to the same allowances as items brought from abroad. If you exceed the limits, you must pay duty on the excess.

Temporary Import of Vehicles

Foreign-registered vehicles (e.g., cars, motorcycles) can be temporarily imported for up to 3 months with a Carnet de Passages en Douane. Without a carnet, a bank guarantee is required.

Prohibition on Single-Use Plastics

Import of single-use plastic items (e.g., bags, straws, cutlery) is banned. This includes plastic packaging for personal goods.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can bring both up to the individual limits: 1.5 liters of alcohol and 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco). They are separate allowances, not combined.

You must declare the excess on the Customs Arrival Form. Duty is charged on the value above USD 800 at rates typically between 15% and 30%, depending on the item.

Yes, if they contain narcotic or psychotropic substances (e.g., codeine, diazepam). Carry a doctor's prescription and a letter explaining the condition. For other medicines, keep them in original packaging with labels.

Pork and pork products are strictly prohibited. Other meat and dairy products require an import permit from the Department of Animal Production and Health. Without a permit, they will be confiscated.

No limit on bringing in foreign currency, but amounts over USD 10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared on arrival. You can take out unused foreign currency up to the declared amount.

No. Import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices are banned in Sri Lanka. They will be confiscated if found.

Official source

Sri Lanka Customs