Owais Crawford
Sri Lanka has one international airport in Colombo, which is a major connecting hub for travellers between the Middle East, India, South-East Asia, and Australia. The airport is equipped with modern technology, including advanced baggage scanners and full-body scanners. Upon arrival, passengers must undergo security screening and present valid documentation, such as a visa in the form of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and a passport valid for at least six months from the arrival date. Before exiting the airport, travellers can obtain a local SIM card, exchange currency, and enjoy a variety of dining options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of International Airports | 5 |
| Main Airport | Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) or Colombo Airport |
| Colombo Airport Location | 35 km from Colombo city centre |
| Colombo Airport Terminals | 3 terminals and 1 cargo terminal |
| Colombo Airport Facilities | ATMs, childcare area, parking, free medical facilities |
| Other Airports | Mattala Rajapaksha International Airport, Jaffna International Airport |
| Visa Requirements | Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) required for most travellers |
| Currency Exchange | Available at Colombo Airport |
| Food Options | Tea Avenue, Subway, Burger King |
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What You'll Learn
- Required documents: passport, visa, and return ticket
- Transport options: taxi, private transfer, or train
- Currency exchange: withdraw Sri Lankan rupees from an ATM
- Food options: local food, such as Sri Lankan tea, or Western fast food
- Airport security: all arrival and departure vehicles enter after security inspection
Required documents: passport, visa, and return ticket
To enter Sri Lanka, you must have a valid passport, visa, and return ticket. Your passport must have an 'expiry date' that is at least six months after the day you arrive in Sri Lanka. It is important to check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet the necessary requirements. Renew your passport if you need to, as you will be denied entry if your passport is invalid or has been reported lost or stolen.
You need a visa to visit Sri Lanka, and tourist visas are typically valid for 30 days. You can apply for a Sri Lanka 'Electronic Travel Authorisation' (ETA) online, and you should receive your approval notice within 24 hours. This approval notice, along with a valid passport and return ticket, will allow you to enter Sri Lanka. It is important to note that you may be denied entry if you overstay your visa. If you wish to extend your visa, you can contact the Sri Lankan Immigration and Emigration department.
Additionally, certain vaccination requirements must be met before travelling to Sri Lanka. If you are travelling from a country listed as a transmission risk, you must have a certificate proving that you have received a yellow fever vaccination. For other recommended vaccinations, refer to TravelHealthPro's Sri Lanka guide.
It is always important to carry your relevant travel and identification documents with you at all times when in Sri Lanka.
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Transport options: taxi, private transfer, or train
Sri Lanka's main international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), located about 35 km north of Colombo. There are several transport options available to get from the airport to your destination.
Taxi
The most straightforward option is to take an airport taxi, which offers convenience, safety, and direct transport to your destination. Official taxi counters can be found inside the arrivals hall, where you can book your ride and avoid negotiating prices. Taxis are available 24/7 and offer fixed rates to major destinations. The cost of a taxi ride can vary depending on your destination. For example, a taxi to Colombo typically costs around 3000-4000 LKR (approximately $10-13), while trips to other cities like Kandy or Galle can be more expensive.
Private Transfer
You can also pre-book a private airport transfer with companies like Sri Lanka Airport Transfers or local tour operators. This option offers a door-to-door service with knowledgeable drivers who are familiar with major tourist destinations. Private transfers can provide a comfortable and hassle-free experience, but the quality of vehicles and drivers may vary. It is recommended to research and read reviews of different companies before booking.
Train
While there is no direct train service from the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Colombo Fort, the city's main transit hub, and then board a train to your destination. Trains offer scenic rides, especially on routes like Colombo to Kandy and Colombo to Galle, and they are very affordable. However, they can be crowded and prone to delays, and they have limited luggage space. If your accommodation is outside Colombo, you may need to use additional transport to reach your final destination.
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Currency exchange: withdraw Sri Lankan rupees from an ATM
Currency Exchange: Withdrawing Sri Lankan Rupees from an ATM
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR or Rs) is a floating currency, meaning the exchange rate is determined by market forces. The Sri Lankan authorities sometimes intervene to keep the exchange rate stable. It's best to avoid buying Sri Lankan Rupees ahead of time, as the currency is not considered major, and you're unlikely to get a good rate outside of Sri Lanka.
ATMs often offer much better rates than exchange bureaus, as long as you choose to be charged in the local currency. Withdrawals in Sri Lankan Rupees are calculated using the mid-market rate. If you choose to be charged in your home currency, the ATM will use Dynamic Currency Conversion, resulting in an unfavourable deal.
ATMs are the easiest way to get a good exchange rate, but you should watch out for fees. ATM operators in Sri Lanka charge a fee per transaction, usually between Rs200 and Rs300. Your home bank may also charge an ATM access fee and a foreign exchange transaction fee. Sri Lankan ATMs have transaction limits, typically between Rs40,000 and Rs60,000.
When you exit Sri Lanka, you can only legally take up to Rs5000 out of the country. You'll need to change your money back before you leave. Airport currency exchange kiosks offer this service, but the rates are often unfavourable, and they may charge high fees.
If you have a bank account in Sri Lanka, you can transfer money into that account at the mid-market rate and make withdrawals with your Sri Lankan bank card.
As you exit Colombo Airport, you'll find several ATMs from trusted banks like Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank (HNB), and People's Bank. These ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard, and you can withdraw Sri Lankan Rupees directly. Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank are known for charging lower fees. It's best to withdraw enough money to cover a few days to avoid multiple transaction fees, as your home bank may charge for each withdrawal.
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Food options: local food, such as Sri Lankan tea, or Western fast food
Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), also known as Colombo International Airport, offers a variety of food options for travellers. While there are limited dining choices in the arrivals terminal, the departure and transit areas feature several restaurants and fast food outlets.
If you're looking for local cuisine, you can savour the famous Sri Lankan tea, also known as Ceylon tea, at various establishments within the airport. Ex Tea and Segafredo Colombo are two cafes known to serve tea and other beverages. Additionally, Burger King, Barista Coffee, Cafe Nescafe, and Coffee Bean are among the coffee shops and fast-food chains available at the airport.
For a sit-down dining experience, Palm Strip Bar & Restaurant and Relax Inn are options to consider. A reviewer noted that Relax Inn offered cheaper food compared to other outlets. If you're seeking a quick bite, there's also Pizza Hut, Deli France, and S.V.H. Snacks.
If you have access to the airport lounges, you can take advantage of the complimentary food and drink services provided there. The airport features six lounges, including four paid lounges and two "Privilege Lounges." The paid lounges are the Executive Lounge, Silk Route Arrival and Departure Lounges, and Gold Route Arrival and Departure Lounges. The Privilege Lounges are the Lotus Lounge and Araliya Lounge. Additionally, SriLankan Airlines operates the Serendib Lounge, which is complimentary for business-class passengers.
In addition to dining options within the airport, you can also purchase local food products, such as Ceylon Tea, handicrafts, and other Sri Lankan specialties, from the Duty-Free Shops located in the Transit Lobby of the Departure Terminal. These shops are open 24 hours a day, providing convenient access to local food items.
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Airport security: all arrival and departure vehicles enter after security inspection
To enter Sri Lanka by air, you'll need to obtain a visa in the form of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you travel. Airlines may also require proof of certain vaccinations, so it's important to check requirements with individual airlines ahead of time.
When arriving at or departing from Sri Lankan airports, all vehicles must undergo a security inspection at the main entrance before entering the terminal. This is part of a new traffic plan implemented by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited to reduce congestion in and around Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). Road signboards and security personnel are in place to guide drivers to the correct terminals.
It's important to note that airports in Sri Lanka employ technology to detect illegal items and scan the baggage of transiting passengers. The country has severe penalties for drug offences, terrorism, and other serious crimes, including lengthy prison sentences and indefinite detention without charge.
If you plan to drive in Sri Lanka, be aware that driving standards are poor and road accidents are frequent. Roads in remote areas may be in poor condition, and erratic driving, as well as pedestrians and animals on busy roads, pose additional hazards. To drive a hire vehicle, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a Sri Lankan 'recognition permit'. These requirements also apply to riding motorbikes, which can be especially dangerous. Always carry your passport or another official form of identification with you.
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Frequently asked questions
Sri Lanka has one international airport, located in Colombo. It is a long flight of several hours for visitors coming from Europe, the UK, or the USA.
You will need a visa in the form of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). It is recommended that you obtain your ETA before travelling, as there are limited facilities to do so upon arrival. You will also need a valid passport, with at least six months remaining from your arrival date.
If you are a Sri Lankan national, you are required to fill out a departure card and embarkation card. You must also undergo a security check at the entrance to the boarding gate.
Bandaranaike International Airport has kiosks for the three main mobile service providers in Sri Lanka: Dialog, Mobitel, and Hutch. There are also several ATMs from trusted banks, including Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank, Hatton National Bank, and People's Bank. These ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard, and you can withdraw Sri Lankan rupees directly. There are also small food shops, including Tea Avenue, Subway, and Burger King.
