We sent our in-house influencer, Zeeba Shaikh, to Sri Lanka on a travel research mission. Her firsthand experience brings you the most authentic tips and recommendations straight from the field.

As the plane touched down at Colombo, I took in the sight of Sri Lanka’s sprawling greenery and palm trees lining the coast. I had a satisfactory flight with SriLankan Airlines and after we reached our parking bay, we disembarked via a shuttle bus.

Stepping outside, the warm, humid air was the first welcome to the tropics, and I could see flights from a couple of Middle-Eastern carriers parked nearby.

Being a major connecting hub for travellers between the Middle East, India, South-East Asia, and Australia—the airport is decently-equipped to handle its annual traffic of 10 million passengers.

This guide will help you navigate each step—covering immigration, baggage claim, customs, SIM card kiosks, cash withdrawals, and grabbing your taxi / public transport to your hotel in Colombo city.

• Flight Tickets: Ensure you have your e-ticket (ideally, including return) saved on your phone and a printed copy as a backup. It’s always safer to have both.

• Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Keep it handy throughout your journey.

• Visa: Most travelers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for entry into Sri Lanka. 

Get your visa on-time with atlys!
Apply for your Sri Lankan visa in just 5 minutes.
With our on-time assurance, you'll get your visa when promised or your money back.
So you can skip the frustration and focus on exploring all that Sri Lanka has to offer.

• Travel Insurance: Consider travel insurance from providers like Allianz, Fairfirst Insurance, or Softlogic Insurance. Make sure it covers medical expenses, cancellations, and baggage loss.

• Hotel and Transport Info: Have your accommodation details and any pre-booked transport confirmations ready. Save them on your phone and keep printed copies to avoid any confusion on arrival.

Walking to Immigration: Which Way to Go and What to Expect

As you leave the plane, keep an eye out for the big blue and white signs that say “Arrivals”. These will guide you toward immigration. The walk to immigration will take about 5-10 minutes. Along the way, you’ll pass by a few small shops, snack stalls, and seating areas where some travellers might be resting.

When you arrive at immigration, you’ll notice two separate lines: one for 'Sri Lankan Passport Holders' and another for 'Foreign Passport Holders.' Have your passport, visa (or ETA), and return ticket ready in-hand as this will make things much smoother. The wait time can range from 10 to 20 minutes.

When you reach the immigration officer, they’ll likely ask a few simple questions, like:

• What’s the purpose of your visit? (For example, tourism, business, or visiting family)

• How long are you planning to stay in Sri Lanka? (Have your return ticket handy just in case they ask for proof)

• Where will you be staying? (It's helpful to have a printout or screenshot of your hotel reservation or Airbnb confirmation)

After they check your documents, they’ll stamp your passport, and you’re all set to enter Sri Lanka!

Pro Tip:

Finding the Nearest Restroom, Baby Care, and Pet Care Areas

• After you pass Immigration, the restrooms are usually about 50 steps (a short walk) on your right. They’re clean but can be busy, so sometimes you might need to wait a little.

• There are baby care rooms nearby, marked with a picture of a baby bottle. They’re cozy, with changing tables and comfortable chairs for feeding.

• If you're traveling with a pet, there's a special area for them just after baggage claim. Make sure to ask the airport staff for directions.

Collecting Your Baggage

As soon as you reach the baggage claim area, look up at the TV screens above each conveyor belt. These screens will display your flight number and tell you which belt your bags will arrive on.

Luggage trolleys are free and usually parked right next to the conveyor belts. Grab one before your bags arrive so you’re ready to load up once they appear.

The baggage claim area can be quite busy, with a lot of noise from announcements, other passengers chatting, and the sound of luggage moving around on the belts. It might feel a bit chaotic. Just keep an eye on the belt for your bags, and double-check that the bags you take are actually yours by looking at the luggage tags.

Pro Tip: Keep your baggage tag handy just in case an airport staff member asks to see it before you leave the baggage area.

In the Arrival Pre-Customs Area, there are several duty-free shops, including popular names like Abans, Asians Electronics, Classic Electronics, Dufry - Sri Lanka Duty Free, Flemingo Duty Free, and Singer. If you're departing, the Departure Transit Area has duty-free shops like Dufry - Sri Lanka Duty Free, Stone 'N' String, Spa Ceylon Luxury Ayurveda, and more​.

For more details on the specific products available and their locations, you can visit the official Sri Lanka Duty Free site. Additionally, all duty-free shops at Colombo Airport are open around the clock, making it convenient to shop no matter what time your flight arrives or departs​.

Passing Through Customs

When you reach customs at Colombo Airport, you’ll see two lanes: the Green Channel and the Red Channel.

1. Choosing Your Channel:

• Green Channel: Use this lane if you have nothing to declare. This means you're not carrying items over LKR 160,000 (equivalent to 500 USD), forbidden items like fresh fruit, meat, or large sums of cash exceeding LKR 3.2 million (around 10,000 USD). Simply walk through this channel without stopping.

• Red Channel: If you have items that need declaring, such as goods over LKR 160,000 or restricted items, head to the red channel.

2. Be Ready for Inspection:

• Even in the Green Channel, officers might randomly select you for a bag check. Keep your bags easily accessible and be prepared to open them if asked.

• Having receipts for any high-value items is helpful in case they ask for proof.

Getting a SIM Card for Your Phone in Colombo Airport

As soon as you exit the customs area at Bandaranaike International Airport, you’ll immediately notice the brightly lit kiosks for Dialog, Mobitel, and Hutch—the three main mobile service providers in Sri Lanka. 

These kiosks are easy to spot and usually have representatives ready to assist travelers with their SIM card needs. Each provider offers different packages, but all are experienced in helping tourists, so you’ll be in good hands.

Prices & Packages: What to Expect

• Cost: You can expect to pay around LKR 3000-4000 (10-13 USD) for a tourist SIM card that will provide you with a generous amount of data (up to 5-10 GB), valid for a week or more.

• Setting It Up: Once you choose your plan, hand over your passport for registration—this is mandatory for all travelers. The representative will then insert and activate the SIM card for you. Make sure to check that you have a signal and that the data connection is working before walking away.

• Coverage: Dialog generally offers the best coverage and fastest speeds across Sri Lanka, but Mobitel and Hutch are reliable options as well, especially in urban areas like Colombo.

• Top-Up Options: If you run out of data or call minutes, you can easily top up your SIM card at convenience stores, supermarkets, or even through their respective mobile apps.

• Bring Your Own Phone: Make sure your phone is unlocked to accept a foreign SIM card. If you're unsure, check with your service provider before you travel.

eSIM Option:

If you prefer a digital alternative, consider purchasing an eSIM before your trip through providers like Airalo or Nomad. This option allows you to have mobile data as soon as you land without the need to visit a kiosk. Simply scan the QR code or follow the instructions sent to you, and your eSIM will activate instantly.

Money Matters: Currency Exchange & ATMs

Currency Exchange Counters

After you pass through customs, you’ll immediately spot the currency exchange counters with bright signs saying "Currency Exchange." These are run by reputable banks like Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank, and Bank of Ceylon. 

It’s a good idea to exchange a small amount, such as LKR 5,000 to 10,000, to cover any immediate expenses like transportation or snacks. Be sure to ask for smaller denominations (LKR 100, 200, 500) so you have the right change for taxis or smaller shops. The irony is that despite the currency exchange rate being good only for dollars and euros, there aren't any dollar exchange counters to be found in the airport.

ATMs

As you head toward the exit, 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 (LKR) directly. 

Sampath Bank and Commercial Bank are known to charge fewer fees, so they’re a reliable choice. It’s best to withdraw what you need for a few days to avoid multiple transaction fees, as your home bank may also charge for each withdrawal.

Pro Tip: Always choose to be charged in LKR instead of any other currency when withdrawing money from the ATM, as this helps you avoid unnecessary conversion fees. Additionally, notify your bank of your travel plans in advance to prevent your card from being blocked for suspicious activity.

Food & Drink at Colombo Airport: What to Try Before You Leave

Before you exit the airport, you’ll see some small food shops offering quick bites and drinks. If you want a taste of something local, stop by "Tea Avenue". It’s a great spot to grab a cup of authentic Sri Lankan tea along with some snacks to tide you over. They serve a variety of teas, from classic black tea to flavored options, giving you a little taste of Sri Lanka before you head out.

If you prefer something familiar, there’s a Subway and Burger King nearby, where you can grab a sandwich, burger, wrap, or salad just like you’d find at home. It’s a quick, no-fuss option if you’re looking for a bite before starting your journey into the city.

These spots are located near the exit, so you won’t miss them as you head out.

Getting to Your Hotel in Colombo City: Transportation Guide

Taxis: The Easiest and Most Comfortable Option

• Where to Find Them: Once you exit the airport, follow the clearly marked signs directing you to the official taxi stand. You’ll find the white, metered taxis lined up and ready.

• Price & Ride Duration: The journey to Colombo city center takes around 45 minutes to an hour, and costs roughly LKR 6,000 - 7,500 (20-25 USD). Before you start, always make sure the taxi driver switches on the meter to avoid being overcharged. If they refuse, politely insist or find another taxi. If you're looking for a more cost-friendly taxi option, pre-book a ride via PickMe or Uber.

Airport Bus & Train: Cheaper and Ideal for Budget Travelers

• Airport Bus: For a more budget-friendly option, look for the airport bus stop just outside the arrivals hall. The bus fare to Colombo city is LKR 300-350 (about 1-2 USD). It’s slower than a taxi, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours, but it's a great way to save money if you’re not in a hurry.

• Train: The train station is a short walk from the airport. This is the least expensive way to reach Colombo, but train schedules can be unpredictable, and they might be crowded.

Pro Tip: Keep small change handy for the bus fare, as they may not always have change for larger bills. Whichever option you choose, make sure you have your hotel address saved on your phone, so you can easily share it with your driver or bus conductor.

Information Desks

If you ever feel lost or unsure of where to go, just look for the desks with a big “i” sign on them. These are Information Desks, and they’re there to help you! 

You can ask the staff for directions, how to get to baggage claim, where to find restrooms, or even where to catch your taxi. They’re super friendly and speak English, so don’t hesitate

Weather

As soon as you step outside the airport, be prepared for the warm, humid air that Sri Lanka is known for! It’s usually around 30°C (86°F) most of the year, which can feel pretty hot, especially if you’re coming from a cooler place. 

Make sure you keep a bottle of water with you to stay hydrated. And if you have a hat or sunglasses, this would be the perfect time to use them!

Overall Impressions: Colombo Airport Welcomes You with Ease

From start to finish, Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport offers a smooth and organized experience for travelers. With clear signs, friendly staff, and well-marked facilities, navigating this airport is straightforward even if it's your first time in Sri Lanka.

Just keep your travel documents handy, take your time exploring the SIM, ATM, and taxi options to find the one that suits your needs best, and don’t hesitate to approach an Information Desk if you need assistance.