Landing in a new country after a long flight can feel stressful. A little preparation makes your first hour in Sri Lanka calm and easy. Here is a simple checklist.
Before you fly
- Entry rules: most visitors need an electronic travel authorisation or a visa before arriving. Rules and fees change, so check the official Sri Lankan government website for your nationality.
- Passport: make sure it is valid for the period the rules require.
- Hotel details: save your first hotel’s name, address and phone number on your phone, and take a screenshot in case you have no signal.
- Flight details: send your flight number and arrival time to your driver or hotel, so they can follow any delay.
Where the airport is
Bandaranaike International Airport is in Katunayake, north of Colombo. It is close to Negombo, but it takes roughly 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to reach central Colombo, depending on traffic. The southern beaches, such as Bentota, are about 2 to 2.5 hours away.
At the airport
After you land, you pass through immigration, collect your bags and go through customs. Queues can be long at busy times, so be patient. The arrivals area normally has SIM card counters and currency exchange, but check current opening hours.
Meeting your driver
If you have booked a private transfer, your driver should wait in the arrivals hall with a sign showing your name. Ask your driver to message you his name and phone number before you land. If you cannot find him, call or message him rather than going with a stranger who offers a ride.
Money and SIM cards
Exchange only a small amount of cash at the airport to cover your first day, then use ATMs in town. A local SIM or eSIM gives you maps and messaging, which is useful for contacting drivers and hotels.
Your first night
After a long flight, many travellers choose to rest near the airport, for example in Negombo, and start their trip fresh the next morning. Others head straight to their first destination, if the flight lands early. Either way, agree your plan in advance.
Make it easy
A pre-booked private airport transfer takes away the stress of choosing a taxi and agreeing a price on arrival. If you are starting a longer trip, ask us to combine the transfer with a tour such as our 5-day Cultural Triangle and Kandy tour.