The excitement of visiting a new country begins long before the flight takes off.

For us, Sri Lanka wasn’t just another international trip. It was a destination we’d been planning for months. Beautiful beaches, scenic train rides, lush tea plantations, wildlife, friendly people and delicious food—it had everything we were looking for.

But before enjoying all of that, there’s one question every traveller has.

“What should I do after landing in Sri Lanka?”

When we were planning our trip, we watched dozens of YouTube videos and read many blogs. Surprisingly, most of them only talked about places to visit, while very few explained what actually happens after your flight lands at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo Airport).

Questions like these kept running through our minds.

Do I need a visa before travelling?
Is immigration difficult?
Should I exchange money at the airport?
Which SIM card should I buy?
Is Uber available?
Can I drive in Sri Lanka with my Indian driving licence?

If you’re travelling to Sri Lanka for the first time, don’t worry.

In this guide, we’re sharing our exact experience, from the moment we booked our visa until we stepped out of Colombo Airport. We’ll also include practical tips, mistakes to avoid, and useful information we wish we’d known before our trip.

If you’re reading this before your flight, you’ll know exactly what to expect after landing.

Before You Fly – Apply for Your Sri Lanka Tourist Visa

One of the first things we did after booking our flights was apply for the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Thankfully, the process was much easier than we expected.

The most important thing to know is this:

Always apply through the official Sri Lankan Government website.

There are many websites that look almost identical to the official portal. Some even appear at the top of search results and charge service fees that can be several times higher than the actual visa cost.

We’ve seen many travellers accidentally pay these unnecessary charges simply because they clicked the wrong website.

To avoid that mistake, always use the official ETA website:

Sri Lanka ETA Official Website

The ETA is issued by Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration & Emigration.

Is the Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Free?

This depends on your nationality.

At the time of writing, Indian passport holders and citizens of several other eligible countries can obtain a 30-day tourist ETA free of charge, but you still need to apply online before travelling. Immigration rules and eligible countries can change, so always verify the latest information on the official ETA website before booking your trip.

If your nationality isn’t included in the free visa program, the official website will display the applicable fee during the application process.

Applying for the ETA Was Surprisingly Easy

Honestly, we expected the visa application to take quite some time.

Instead, it was a straightforward online process.

We filled in our passport details, travel information, and a few basic personal details before submitting the application.

The website was simple to navigate, and the whole process took only a few minutes.

Once approved, we downloaded a copy of the ETA confirmation and also saved it on our phones.

Even though immigration officers often have access to your ETA electronically, carrying a printed or digital copy is always a good idea.

Technology doesn’t always cooperate when you’re standing at an airport.

Documents We Carried

Even though Sri Lanka is considered a relatively easy country to enter for tourists, we didn’t want to take any chances.

We carried both printed and digital copies of:

Passport
Sri Lanka ETA approval
Return flight ticket
Hotel booking confirmations
Travel insurance
A rough itinerary

Did the immigration officer ask us for all of these?

No.

But travelling with these documents gave us peace of mind.

It’s always better to have them and not need them than the other way around.

Finally… We Landed in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

After a comfortable flight, our aircraft touched down at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) near Colombo.

The moment the wheels touched the runway, that familiar excitement kicked in.

“We’re finally in Sri Lanka.”

As the aircraft taxied towards the terminal, we could already see other international airlines parked nearby.

A few minutes later, the cabin crew opened the aircraft doors.

Like everyone else, we grabbed our cabin bags and walked out with huge smiles on our faces.

Our Sri Lankan adventure had officially begun.

Walking Through the Terminal

After leaving the aircraft, we entered the Terminal Concourse, sometimes called the Boarding Concourse or Gate Area.

This is the long corridor that connects arriving passengers to immigration.

The airport felt clean, bright and easy to navigate.

There were clear English signboards directing everyone towards Immigration and Baggage Claim, so even first-time international travellers shouldn’t have any trouble finding their way.

As we walked through the terminal, we could hear a mix of different languages.

Families returning home.

Backpackers beginning their holiday.

Couples excitedly planning their itinerary.

It was a reminder that Sri Lanka attracts travellers from all over the world.

Within a few minutes, we reached one of the places many first-time international travellers worry about the most.

Immigration.

Immigration at Colombo Airport – Easier Than We Expected

If you’re nervous about immigration, let us reassure you.

Our experience was smooth, organised and surprisingly fast.

When we entered the immigration hall, there were already several queues.

For a brief moment we thought,

“This might take a while.”

But the queue kept moving continuously because there were many immigration officers processing passengers simultaneously.

Compared to some airports where a single officer handles a long line of passengers one by one, Colombo Airport felt much more efficient.

One thing we really appreciated was how they handled families.

Instead of asking us to go separately, the immigration officer invited both of us to the counter together.

It made the process much quicker and more comfortable.

The officer checked:

Our passports
Our ETA
A few basic details on the computer

He then smiled, stamped our passports, and welcomed us to Sri Lanka.

The entire interaction took less than a couple of minutes.

We weren’t asked for our return ticket, hotel bookings or proof of funds.

However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t carry them.

Immigration officers have the right to request additional documents if required, so it’s always best to keep everything easily accessible in your cabin bag rather than inside your checked luggage.

A few extra sheets of paper can save you a lot of stress if you’re ever asked to show them.

Our First Impression of Colombo Airport

Before arriving, we weren’t sure what to expect.

But our first impression was genuinely positive.

The airport wasn’t overly complicated.

The staff were helpful.

The signboards were clear.

Immigration was efficient.

Most importantly, everything felt relaxed rather than chaotic.

That immediately gave us confidence that the rest of our Sri Lanka trip was off to a great start.

Collecting Our Luggage – The First Real Step Into Sri Lanka

After completing immigration, we followed the “Baggage Claim” signs towards the luggage collection area.

The airport is well signposted, so there’s very little chance of getting lost. Within a few minutes, we reached the baggage hall where several conveyor belts were already running.

Like every international airport, electronic display boards showed which baggage belt corresponded to each arriving flight.

Fortunately, our luggage arrived safely, although we had to wait around 15–20 minutes before the bags started appearing on the conveyor belt.

Instead of feeling impatient, we simply took the opportunity to look around and soak in the excitement.

After months of planning, we were finally standing in Sri Lanka.

If your bags take a little longer than expected, don’t panic. Since multiple international flights often arrive around the same time, waiting 15–30 minutes is completely normal.

Don’t Miss the Duty-Free Shops

One thing that immediately caught our attention near the baggage claim area was the number of duty-free shops.

Unlike many airports where duty-free stores are mainly before departure, Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo Airport) also has duty-free shopping available for arriving passengers.

You’ll find stores selling:

Premium chocolates
Perfumes and cosmetics
Watches
Electronics
Liquor (within the duty-free allowance)
Cigarettes and tobacco products
Souvenirs
Small travel accessories

If you forgot to buy something before your trip or you’re planning to purchase gifts, it’s worth taking a quick look.

We didn’t spend much time shopping because we wanted to reach our hotel before evening, but the prices looked competitive for certain items.

If you’re planning to buy alcohol, this is usually one of the most convenient places to do so before starting your journey across Sri Lanka.

Our Tip: If shopping isn’t your priority, don’t spend too much time here. You still have a few important things to complete before leaving the airport.

Customs Check – Easier Than We Expected

Once we collected our luggage, we walked towards the Customs area.

For many first-time international travellers, the word “Customs” sounds intimidating.

In reality, our experience was very straightforward.

We placed our luggage on the scanner, walked through the designated exit, and were on our way within a couple of minutes.

The customs officers were professional and polite.

Since we were only carrying personal belongings, there were no additional questions or inspections.

If you’re carrying expensive electronics, large quantities of cash, commercial goods or restricted items, customs procedures may be different. For most tourists carrying normal travel luggage, the process is usually quick.

Before travelling, it’s always a good idea to check Sri Lanka’s latest customs regulations so you know what items are restricted or require declaration.

Welcome to the Arrival Hall!

The moment we stepped through the final doors, we officially entered the Arrival Hall.

This is where your Sri Lanka trip truly begins.

You’ll immediately notice several counters and service desks offering:

Currency exchange
ATM machines
Mobile SIM cards
Taxi bookings
Car rental services
Tourist information

It might feel slightly overwhelming at first because there are many options in one place.

Don’t rush.

Take a few minutes to decide what you need first.

For us, there were three priorities:

Get Sri Lankan Rupees.
Buy a local SIM card.
Book transport to our hotel.

Everything else could wait.

Should You Exchange Money or Use an ATM?

This was one of the biggest questions we had before travelling.

Should we carry cash from India?

Should we exchange currency at the airport?

Or should we simply withdraw money from an ATM?

After doing our research, we discovered there isn’t a single correct answer.

It depends on what currency you’re carrying.

Option 1 – Currency Exchange

If you’re carrying major international currencies like US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), or British Pounds (GBP), the airport exchange counters generally offer competitive rates.

Many travellers avoid airport exchange counters because they’re expensive in some countries.

Sri Lanka is a little different.

The exchange rates at Colombo Airport are often quite reasonable, making it perfectly acceptable to exchange at least some money immediately after arrival.

That gives you enough local currency for transport, food and other small expenses.

Option 2 – Withdraw Cash From an ATM

This is the option we chose.

There are several ATM machines inside the arrival area that accept international debit and credit cards.

Within a few minutes, we had Sri Lankan Rupees in our hands.

The only downside?

When several international flights arrive together, the ATM queues can become quite long.

We had to wait for a while before our turn.

If you arrive during peak hours, don’t be surprised if there are 10–20 people waiting.

Our advice is simple.

Be patient.

You’ll save time later because you’ll already have local cash before leaving the airport.

How Much Cash Should You Withdraw?

Sri Lanka has become increasingly digital, and you’ll find that many hotels, supermarkets and larger restaurants accept international cards.

However, cash is still extremely useful for:

Tuk-tuks
Small cafés
Local restaurants
Street food
Small shops
Entrance tickets in certain places
Public transport

For the first couple of days, withdrawing a reasonable amount is usually enough.

You can always use ATMs again later in cities like Colombo, Kandy, Ella, Mirissa and Galle.

Buying a Local SIM Card – One of the Best Decisions We Made

The next thing on our list was getting internet access.

Could we have used an international eSIM before travelling?

Absolutely.

But after comparing prices, we realised that buying a local Sri Lankan SIM card would give us much better value.

The counters are located immediately after customs, so they’re impossible to miss.

Several mobile operators are available, but one name stood out everywhere.

Dialog.

Why We Chose Dialog

Before travelling, we had already read dozens of reviews from travellers.

Almost everyone recommended Dialog because of its strong network coverage across Sri Lanka.

Since our itinerary included:

Colombo
Mirissa
Galle
Ella
Nuwara Eliya
Kandy

…we wanted a provider that would continue working reliably even in the hill country.

After using it throughout our trip, we’re happy to say it performed really well.

Whether we were navigating with Google Maps, uploading Instagram stories, booking hotels or checking train timings, we rarely experienced any connectivity issues.

If you’re visiting Sri Lanka for the first time, Dialog is the SIM card we’d personally recommend. Community experiences also consistently rank Dialog among the best choices for nationwide coverage.

How Much Does a Dialog Tourist SIM Cost?

Dialog offers dedicated Tourist SIM plans that are activated using your passport.

At the time of writing, some of the popular plans are:

LKR 1,399 – 20 GB data + local call credit
LKR 1,799 – 30 GB data + local call credit
LKR 2,450 – 50 GB data + unlimited WhatsApp + local call credit

These plans can change over time, so it’s always worth checking the latest offers before you travel.

We found the prices to be much cheaper than using international roaming or many third-party travel eSIM providers.

Expect a Queue at the Dialog Counter

There was only one small downside.

Because Dialog is so popular, the queue was noticeably longer than the other telecom counters.

When multiple international flights land around the same time, dozens of travellers head straight to the Dialog desk.

Luckily, the staff work efficiently.

Once it was our turn, the process took only a few minutes.

They checked our passport, activated the SIM immediately, inserted it into the phone, tested mobile data and made sure everything was working before handing it back.

We walked out of the airport with Google Maps, WhatsApp and internet already working.

It made travelling to our hotel completely stress-free.

Renting a Car or Scooter? Read This Before Leaving the Airport

One of the reasons we love travelling is the freedom to explore at our own pace.

No waiting for buses.

No rushing to catch trains.

Just stopping whenever you find a beautiful beach, a hidden café or an incredible viewpoint.

If you’re planning to rent a car or scooter in Sri Lanka, there’s one important thing you need to know before leaving Colombo Airport.

Your home country’s driving licence alone is not enough.

Many travellers only discover this when they reach the rental company, and it can completely disrupt their plans.

Thankfully, Sri Lanka has made the process much easier for tourists.

Getting a Temporary Sri Lankan Driving Licence at Colombo Airport

Foreign tourists can now obtain a temporary Sri Lankan driving licence directly at Bandaranaike International Airport after landing. The Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has a counter in the arrival walkway, next to the SPAR supermarket, making it convenient to complete the process before leaving the airport.

If you’re planning to rent a car, motorcycle or scooter, we highly recommend completing this step immediately after arrival instead of searching for the office later in Colombo.

It saves both time and unnecessary travel.

What Documents Do You Need?

When we looked into the requirements before travelling, the process turned out to be quite simple.

You’ll need:

Your original passport
A valid Sri Lanka visa/ETA
Your original full driving licence from your home country
If your licence isn’t in English, an official English translation is required.

One important requirement that many travellers miss is that your home driving licence should generally be valid for at least one year from the date of conversion.

How Much Does It Cost?

At the time of writing, the official fee is:

LKR 15,000 for a 1-month temporary driving licence.

Longer validity periods are available if you’re staying longer.

The permit is issued for motorcycles and light vehicles and can be used during your stay, subject to the licence validity and visa period.

How Long Does It Take?

Most travellers report that the process is surprisingly quick.

If there isn’t a long queue, it usually takes around 15–20 minutes. Even recent traveller experiences suggest the process is fairly smooth.

If you’re planning to self-drive throughout Sri Lanka, spending those extra few minutes at the airport is absolutely worth it.

Planning to Rent a Tuk-Tuk?

This is where many travellers get confused.

Driving a tuk-tuk (three-wheeler) follows different rules.

The airport-issued temporary driving licence does not automatically allow you to drive a tuk-tuk. It covers motorcycles and light vehicles, but not three-wheelers.

If your dream is to explore Sri Lanka in a tuk-tuk (which has become increasingly popular among backpackers), you’ll usually need to arrange the required permit through an authorised rental company or follow the latest guidance from the Sri Lankan tourism authorities, as the process has changed over time and has occasionally been suspended or revised.

Our advice?

Before booking a tuk-tuk online, ask the rental company these two questions:

Will you arrange the required permit?
Is there anything I need to complete before arriving?

That simple email can save you a lot of confusion later.

We Chose App-Based Taxis Instead

Although we enjoy driving during many of our trips, for this Sri Lanka itinerary we decided not to rent a vehicle immediately.

After a long flight, we simply wanted to reach our hotel comfortably.

And honestly…

It turned out to be a great decision.

Avoid Booking a Taxi Inside the Airport

As soon as you walk into the arrival hall, you’ll notice several taxi drivers offering rides.

Some are official airport taxis.

Others are independent drivers approaching tourists.

They’ll often ask questions like:

“Taxi?”

“Where are you going?”

“Best price!”

This happens at airports all over the world, and Colombo is no exception.

While some drivers are genuine, we found that the prices they quoted were noticeably higher than app-based taxis.

Instead of negotiating after a tiring flight, we simply opened our phone and booked through an app.

It was easier, transparent and much cheaper.

Uber or PickMe? Which One Should You Use?

Sri Lanka has two popular ride-hailing apps:

Uber
PickMe

We installed both before travelling.

Sometimes Uber was cheaper.

Sometimes PickMe offered a better fare.

It only takes a few seconds to compare prices between the two.

If one app has surge pricing, simply check the other.

That small habit can save quite a bit of money over the course of your trip.

Both apps allow you to see the fare before confirming your ride, so there’s no need to bargain or worry about unexpected charges.

For us, that peace of mind was worth a lot after a long international flight.

A Small Tip That Saved Us Money

Before booking your ride, make sure your Dialog SIM is already working.

Having mobile data immediately after leaving the airport made everything easier.

We could:

Book a cab.
Contact our hotel.
Navigate using Google Maps.
Check exchange rates.
Inform our family that we had landed safely.

It’s one of those small things you don’t appreciate until you actually need it.

Our First Ride Through Sri Lanka

Once our driver accepted the booking, we walked to the pickup point outside the terminal.

The weather immediately felt different.

Warm.

Humid.

And unmistakably tropical.

Palm trees lined the roads, colourful buses passed by, and within minutes we were experiencing Sri Lanka for the very first time—not through YouTube videos or Instagram reels, but through the car window.

That first drive from the airport felt special.

After months of planning, visa applications and itinerary research, we could finally relax.

Our holiday had officially begun.

Things We Recommend Doing Before Leaving Colombo Airport

Before stepping outside the airport, here’s a quick checklist we’d suggest:

✅ Withdraw or exchange enough Sri Lankan Rupees for your first couple of days.
✅ Buy a local Dialog SIM card and make sure mobile data is working.
✅ Apply for a temporary driving licence if you’re planning to rent a car or scooter.
✅ Download both Uber and PickMe and compare fares before booking.
✅ Keep your passport, immigration stamp and baggage tags handy until you’re completely out of the airport.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to begin exploring one of the most beautiful countries in South Asia.

Things to Be Careful About at Colombo Airport

Our arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo Airport) was smooth from start to finish, but there are still a few things we’d recommend keeping in mind to avoid unnecessary stress.

These aren’t meant to scare you—just a few practical tips that made our journey easier.

1. Beware of Fake ETA Websites

This is probably the biggest mistake travellers make before they even reach Sri Lanka.

If you search “Sri Lanka Visa” on Google, you’ll find several websites that look official.

Some even use the Sri Lankan flag and government-style logos.

Many of these websites charge two or three times more than the official visa fee simply for submitting the same application on your behalf.

Always double-check the website address before making any payment.

The official Sri Lanka ETA website is:

https://www.eta.gov.lk

If you’re unsure, don’t rush.

Take a minute to verify that you’re on the official government website.

2. Keep Your Important Documents Easily Accessible

Don’t pack your passport, visa confirmation or hotel bookings inside your checked luggage.

Although our immigration process was quick and straightforward, officers have the right to ask for supporting documents if required.

We kept everything inside a small travel folder in our cabin bag.

It only takes a few seconds to show your documents when they’re organised.

3. Don’t Rush Through the Airport

Many travellers leave the airport as quickly as possible.

We almost did the same.

But taking an extra 20–30 minutes inside the airport actually saves time later.

Before leaving, make sure you’ve:

Withdrawn local currency.
Purchased your SIM card.
Activated mobile data.
Booked your transport.
Collected all your luggage.

Completing these tasks inside the airport means you won’t have to search for ATMs or SIM shops after reaching your hotel.

4. Compare Taxi Prices Before Booking

Airport taxi drivers are available immediately outside the terminal.

Some quotes may be reasonable.

Others can be significantly higher than app-based services.

Before accepting any offer, simply open Uber and PickMe and compare the prices.

It takes less than a minute and could save you a good amount of money, especially if you’re travelling longer distances.

5. Don’t Exchange All Your Money at Once

Although Colombo Airport offers competitive exchange rates, we still wouldn’t recommend converting all your travel money immediately.

Exchange enough for your first few days.

If needed, you can always withdraw more cash later using ATMs in major cities like Colombo, Kandy, Ella, Galle or Mirissa.

This gives you flexibility if exchange rates improve or your spending changes during the trip.

Airport Facilities You’ll Find

One thing we appreciated about Colombo Airport was that almost everything a traveller needs is available in one place.

You’ll find:

✔ Currency exchange counters

✔ International ATM machines

✔ Dialog and other SIM card providers

✔ Duty-free shopping

✔ Food and beverage outlets

✔ Restrooms

✔ Tourist information counters

✔ Car rental services

✔ Taxi booking counters

✔ Temporary driving licence counter

The airport isn’t overwhelmingly large, so moving between these facilities is quite easy.

Even if it’s your first international trip, you shouldn’t find the airport confusing.

Mistakes First-Time Travellers Should Avoid

Looking back, here are a few mistakes we’d tell our friends to avoid.

❌ Booking a visa through an unofficial website

Always use the government portal.

❌ Skipping the local SIM card

Having internet immediately after landing made everything easier—from booking taxis to finding restaurants.

❌ Accepting the first taxi offer

Compare Uber and PickMe first.

❌ Forgetting cash

Cards are accepted in many places, but cash is still useful for tuk-tuks, local eateries and small shops.

❌ Waiting until later to get a driving permit

If you’re planning to rent a car or scooter, complete the permit process at the airport itself. It’ll save you time later.