Smoking in Sri Lanka - What is allowed?

What you need to know as a smoker in Sri Lanka!

Are you planning a trip to Sri Lanka and want to know whether you are allowed to take tobacco or cigarettes with you? This article provides you with all the important information about importing tobacco, the current smoking bans and the legal regulations in the country. Find out what quantities are permitted, where you are allowed to smoke and which products, such as vapes, are strictly prohibited. We also give you practical tips for smooth customs clearance and cultural advice on how to travel respectfully and in compliance with the law. So you are optimally prepared and can enjoy your stay in Sri Lanka without any worries!

This post was updated for you on February 5, 2025

Sharing is caring

Please share this post, you'll make us so happy!

Advertising

Your shortcuts in Sri Lanka

Visa

Updated
Visa
Best time to travel
Best time to travel
Travel preparation

New!
Travel preparation
Tips during the trip
Tips during the trip
Beaches
Beaches
Safari
Safari
Surfing
Surfing
Flights
Flights
Guides & Drivers
Guides & Drivers
Hotels, Home Stays etc

soon

Categories in Sri Lanka

Dos and Donts

Frequently asked questions

Travel preparation

Regions

History

Food

Worth knowing

Basic knowledge

for on the go

Flora & Fauna

Animal world

Cultural triangle

Highlands

West coast

Places of interest

Weather

Tobacco, cigarettes and smoking in Sri Lanka

Are you planning to bring your own cigarettes or tobacco to Sri Lanka to take with you? Whether you're a tourist who wants to enjoy your favorite brand or an expat who wants to keep a piece of home - bringing tobacco products home is a topic that often raises questions. This article will guide you through the do's and don'ts, show you how to stay legal and what you need to be aware of.

Regulations on the import of tobacco & cigarettes: What is allowed?

The rules regarding the use of tobacco are explained quite simply:

The import of tobacco products to Sri Lanka is prohibited!
It is illegal to carry electronic cigarettes or vape products.

Cigarette smoking in Sri Lanka

Smoking is generally prohibited in public areas in Sri Lanka, including public transportation, educational institutions and healthcare facilities. However, many accommodations offer designated smoking areas. Smoking has a deep-rooted social and cultural significance and the perception of smoking is changing, especially under the influence of global health campaigns.

Advertising

*The article "Smoking in Sri Lanka - What is allowed?" contains advertising

In this article we use so-called affiliate links (advertising links), which are marked with an *.
These links redirect you to the offers of external websites of our partners. If you follow these links and purchase a product from the respective provider, we receive a small commission with which we can finance this website and publish articles for you free of charge. This does not result in any disadvantages or extra costs for you.
Our product tests are always carried out independently and without manufacturer specifications.
Even if we use these products ourselves and/or are 100% convinced of them, we are obliged to label them as such. With the links to the products used, we want to make it easier for you to get the respective recommended products.

Report post - Information incorrect or no longer up to date? Help us!

Is the article no longer up to date or would you like to report/complain about it for other reasons? Please help us to keep our website up to date and free of errors.