Sri Lanka has streamlined CIQ procedures. Tourists and crew typically apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before arrival. Continuum’s visa team secures ETAs and necessary visas in advance, ensuring smooth entry. Upon landing, Continuum Aviation staff meet the flight and escort your party through immigration and customs.
Sri Lanka allows a 30-day visa on arrival for most nationalities, with extended visa-free access for citizens of India, China, Malaysia, etc. under a recent pilot scheme. (Visa extensions beyond 30 days are available for a fee.) Passengers should have passports valid for at least 6 months. As for customs, Sri Lanka follows normal duty-free allowances: e.g. up to 2 liters of alcohol or 200 cigarettes without duty. Declaring valuables or large sums of currency is done at customs counters. Continuum advises on any necessary declarations and assists with customs checks. By coordinating ahead with the Airport & Aviation Services police and providing all documentation, we minimize your queue times and handle any passenger inquiries. In short, Continuum’s Sri Lanka CIQ assistance means one point of contact for all arrival formalities – immigration, customs and health – making your entry (and exit) quick and compliant with local laws.
Most nationals get an ETA online (tourist/business) for 30 days. Indians and some others can enter visa-free under a special scheme. Continuum’s team will secure your ETA or visa on your behalf.
Electronic Travel Authorization, obtained online via eta.gov.lk. It’s virtually assured for tourists. The free visa-free pilot scheme currently includes India, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Russia, Japan, Thailand.
After deplaning, you’ll fill or present the immigration form (often filled in-flight). Continuum has cards ready for you. Officers will stamp passports quickly if documents are in order. Customs is next.
You can bring personal items and typical tourist allowances duty-free (e.g. small alcohol, tobaccos). Higher quantities must be declared. There is no agriculture quarantine for normal travelers, but you cannot import restricted items (certain medicines, pornographic material, etc.).
Sri Lanka does not have a paid fast-track lane, but our officers can guide you around queues, often getting you through immigration 2–3 times faster than average.
A green channel is for nothing to declare, so it’s free. If you use a red channel to declare goods, customs will calculate duties on site. Continuum can help estimate these in advance.
We can arrange lounge access or a short city tour (with visas checked out/in via immigration) if the layover is over 6 hours.
Currently, no special health forms are required for Sri Lanka. Standard arrival health checks may include temperature screening, but COVID restrictions have been lifted.
Tourist visas can be extended at the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo for a fee. Continuum can help file the extension. Usually, this must be done before the initial visa expires.
Pets require an import permit and health certificate from a vet (not a typical CIQ topic). Continuum can help you navigate the Department of Animal Production & Health rules if you travel with pets.
Yes, available on board or at kiosks. Declare any import items beyond allowances. Continuum will provide the forms so you can just sign or mark as needed.
Contact Continuum immediately. Our local contacts can often verify visa/ETA on the spot or secure replacements. We handle police/immigration liaison to resolve minor document issues.
Similar: we guide you through departure immigration and any final customs. Sri Lanka has an “exit duty” on certain imports (like vehicles or real estate), but not on normal tourist goods.
Sri Lanka Immigration: (+94) 112 370076 (Colombo); AASL Police: +94 112 223009. Continuum provides local support 24/7 via WhatsApp or our operations desk.
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