Everything You Need to Know
Planning your holiday to Sri Lanka? This is your essential guide to arriving through Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) – the main international gateway to this island paradise. Whether it’s your first time or a return visit, this guide will help you navigate the airport experience with ease.
📍 What is Colombo Airport?
Officially known as Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), this is Sri Lanka’s largest and busiest airport. It’s located in Katunayake, around 30 km north of Colombo city. This is where most international tourists land when visiting Sri Lanka.
✅ Before You Arrive: Visa & Arrival Preparation
1. Apply for Your Tourist Visa
All travelers must obtain a visa before arriving. The only official website for Sri Lanka’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is: 👉 www.eta.gov.lk
Please be cautious: there are many unofficial and third-party visa websites that may charge extra or delay the process.
2. Submit the Digital Arrival Card
Once your visa is approved, you can fill in your Digital Arrival Card online. This saves you time at the airport and is highly recommended.
✈️ Arriving at Colombo Airport: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Disembark and Proceed to Terminal
After landing, you’ll walk through the Gate Area – currently featuring 12 gates. Walk toward the central intersection where a Buddha statue marks the pathway leading left to Immigration.
Step 2: Immigration Clearance
At immigration:
- Present your passport and ETA visa approval email (printed copy preferred).
- Be prepared to show:
- Proof of return or onward travel
- Sufficient funds to cover your stay
- The officer will stamp your passport and grant entry.
Step 3: Duty-Free & Baggage Claim
From immigration, head down the escalators to Baggage Claim.
- Check the baggage belt number on the display screens.
- Duty-free shopping is available just before the belts.
- Porter services are available at:
- Rs. 1,000 for up to 4 bags
- Rs. 250 for each additional bag
Lost baggage? First, contact your airline. For assistance:
📞 +94 11 225 2861 Ext. 3813 or ask at an information desk.
Step 4: Sri Lanka Customs
With your luggage, you’ll go through customs clearance:
Tourist allowances include:
- Personal items and essentials
- Up to 2 bottles of wine and 1.5L of spirits
- Perfume/toilet water under 250ml
- Souvenirs worth under USD 250 (not for resale)
Important: Declare foreign currency over USD 15,000.
Green and Red channels are available depending on your declarations.
Step 5: Welcome to Sri Lanka – Arrival Lobby
You’ve made it! The Arrival Lobby is where you’ll meet your chauffeur, travel guide or Estiaco Holidays’ representative holding a paging board with your name.
Before leaving:
💱 Currency Exchange
You’ll find bank counters and currency exchange booths here to convert your money to Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR).
📶 Buy a SIM Card or eSIM
Stay connected with a local SIM. Choose from Dialog, Mobitel, Hutch, or Airtel – all with tourist SIM packages.
🧳 Final Travel Tips from Estiaco Holidays
- Take a photo of your baggage before checking it in – just in case!
- Keep your visa and hotel booking printouts.
- Don’t rush – the airport process is relatively efficient if you’re well-prepared.
- Need airport pickup or local assistance? Let Estiaco Holidays arrange it all for you.
🌴 Travel Starts Here
From the moment you step out of Colombo Airport, Sri Lanka’s beauty and warmth will welcome you. At Estiaco Holidays, we’re ready to craft your dream holiday, from airport arrival to unforgettable experiences across the island.
✉️ Need help with your itinerary or airport pickup? Contact us at [info@estiacoholidays.com] or WhatsApp us directly at +9477 332 3332.