- USD1,750
Duty-free shop allowance after a year away
- 90days
For baggage to land after you arrive
- 350cc
Largest motorcycle you can bring
- 365days
Between concessions
Who gets the allowance?
customs.gov.lk- Residents
Sri Lankan passport holders, or foreign passport holders with a Sri Lankan resident visa.
- Shipped baggage
Must land within 30 days before or 90 days after you arrive, or within 90 days of your first resident visa.
- No cars
Motor vehicles are not covered, except motorcycles and scooters up to 350cc.
- Once a year
You can use the concession once every 365 days.
How much can I bring duty free?
customs.gov.lkValues in US dollars. It depends on how long you were abroad.
| Time abroad | Duty-free shop | Baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Under 90 days | 187.5 | 125 |
| 90 to 365 days | 625 | 500 |
| Over a year | 1,750 | 1,000 |
| Child, under 90 days | 125 | 87.5 |
| Child, over 90 days | 187.5 | 187.5 |
Did you send money home?
customs.gov.lkCustoms Regulation No. 01 of 2023 adds to your allowance based on what you remitted through banks. Values in US dollars.
| Level | Remitted | Extra |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | 2,400 to 4,799 | 600 |
| Silver Plus | 4,800 to 7,199 | 960 |
| Gold | 7,200 to 11,999 | 1,440 |
| Gold Plus | 12,000 to 23,999 | 2,400 |
| Platinum | 24,000 or more | 4,800 |
What do I need to declare?
Customs FAQ- Foreign currency
- Gold jewellery
- Gems
- Goods on a FRIC or CARNET
Residents may bring up to 2.5 litres of spirits, 2 litres of wine and 0.25 litres of perfumed spirits. Anything above your allowance is taxed at the normal rates.
Questions on the day? The Customs information desk is on +94 11 2221333.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I bring into Sri Lanka duty free after living abroad?
If you were away for more than a year, USD 1,750 at the duty-free shop and USD 1,000 in baggage. Shorter stays get less. Money remitted through banks can add up to USD 4,800 more.
When does my shipped baggage have to arrive?
Within 30 days before or 90 days after you arrive. If you are on a resident visa for the first time, within 90 days of getting it.
Can I bring my car?
Not under the baggage concession. Only motorcycles and scooters up to 350cc are allowed.
Do I need to declare cash?
Yes, declare foreign currency to Customs, along with gold jewellery and gems.
Learn more on official sites
The pages this guide is based on.