Can I bring my Vape/E-Cigarette? Is it true they are illegal now?

You need to take this seriously because the enforcement has tightened significantly in 2025/2026.

The Law: Technically, the importation, sale, and use of e-cigarettes are illegal in Sri Lanka.

The Airport Reality: Customs officers at BIA (Arrivals) specifically look for vapes in x-rays. If they find a stash of 10 disposable vapes in your bag, they will confiscate them. You usually won't go to jail, but you will lose your supply.

Availability: You cannot buy vapes in 7-Eleven or supermarkets here. There is a shady "underground" market in Colombo (via Instagram sellers), but it is unreliable and expensive.

Public Use: Do not vape openly in public or near police. Unlike cigarettes, vapes attract attention because they are "contraband."

Advice: Use this trip to quit, or switch to traditional cigarettes (which are legal but expensive) while you are here.