Planning a Trip to Sri Lanka? Here’s How to Enter Visa-Free and Save on Shopping
Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean, welcomes tourists from around the world with lush landscapes, pristine beaches, ancient temples — and something many visitors don’t know: tax-free shopping through the Tourist VAT Refund Scheme (TVRS).
If you’re planning a trip, here’s everything you need to know about:
- Tourist visas on arrival
- Shopping and getting your VAT refund before departure
🛂 What is the On-Arrival Tourist Visa for Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka offers an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for most countries. It’s quick, easy, and can even be obtained on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Colombo.
✅ Who is eligible for On-Arrival Visa?
- Citizens of most countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, UAE, India, and more
- Travelers visiting for tourism, sightseeing, or holiday
📌 Visa Types:
- ETA Online Before Arrival: Highly recommended — faster processing
- Visa on Arrival: Apply directly at the airport counters
- Validity: 30 days (extendable up to 90 days)
💳 Documents Required:
- Valid passport (6 months minimum validity)
- Confirmed return ticket
- Hotel booking or travel itinerary
- Visa fee (USD 50 approx.)
✨ Tip: Visit www.eta.gov.lk to apply in advance for faster entry.
🛍️ What is the Tourist VAT Refund Scheme (TVRS)?
Sri Lanka’s Tourist VAT Refund Scheme allows non-resident foreign tourists to claim back the VAT (Value Added Tax) they paid on eligible goods purchased during their trip.
✅ Who Can Claim a VAT Refund?
To qualify, you must:
- Be a non-citizen and non-resident of Sri Lanka
- Have a visitor visa
- Be over 18 years old
- Stay less than 90 days
- Purchase goods worth at least LKR 50,000 (excluding VAT) on a single day from TVRS-authorized retailers
🛒 What Can You Buy Tax-Free?
You can claim a VAT refund on:
- Clothing & fashion items
- Jewelry & gemstones
- Tea & packaged gifts
- Electronics (from authorized stores)
- Handicrafts & home décor
❌ Not Eligible:
- Food & beverages
- Hotel stays or services
- Online purchases
- Goods already consumed
- VAT-exempt products
🏬 Where to Shop for VAT Refund?
Look for the TVRS Authorized Retailer logo at stores in:
- Colombo (Odel, Barefoot, Laksala, House of Fashion)
- Kandy (Kandy City Centre, Selyn Handlooms)
- Galle Fort (Boutiques & craft stores)
- Tea factories (Mlesna, Dilmah)
- Jewelry stores with gemstone certifications
📍 Find a list of VAT-eligible shops on our Shop Directory Page
📥 How to Claim Your VAT Refund at the Airport
📝 Step-by-Step:
- Buy from authorized retailers
- Collect commercial invoices & the Tourist VAT Refund Invoice (TVRI)
- Fill out the TVRS refund form
- Keep the goods in your hand/carry luggage
- Present goods + forms at the VAT Refund Counter (Departure Lounge, BIA)
If your application is accepted, the refund will be issued in cash, card, or via bank transfer.
💡 Bonus: Let Us Help You Claim It!
✨ Self-Service Plan (USD 5)
Get an email guide with:
- Refund checklist
- Store list
- TVRS form instructions
- Refund calculator
✨ Full Support Plan (USD 10)
Join our WhatsApp support to:
- Get real-time help
- Be guided to eligible stores
- Get reminders for the airport refund process
🎯 Final Tips
- Always ask the shop for a TVRI invoice
- Shop early in your trip — don’t wait until the last day!
- Keep goods unused and in your luggage
- Visit the refund desk at least 2 hours before departure
📞 Need Help?
We’re here for you – in English, German, French, Russian, or Japanese!
✅ Simple Process
✅ Trusted Guidance
✅ Maximum Refund
📲 Join our WhatsApp support after payment for full help from start to finish.
Enjoy your shopping in Sri Lanka — and don’t forget to get your tax refund before you leave!
Leave a Reply