- Sri Lanka International Moving Services
- How Much Does It Cost To Move To Sri Lanka?
- Moving Insurance
- Visa Cost
- Storage
- Moving To Sri Lanka Cost & Time Examples
- Duties On Household Items During Clearance
- Regulations For Household Items During Clearance
- Paperwork For Household Items During Clearance
- Duties On Vehicles During Clearance
- Regulations For Vehicles During Clearance
- Paperwork For Vehicles During Clearance
- Tips On How To Make Your International Move Easier
- Why You Need A Professional Moving Company When Relocating Overseas
- How To Find The Best International Moving Company
- Our Sri Lanka International Moving Services Offers
- Why A-1 Auto Transport Inc?
- Get Moving!
- Sources

Sri Lanka International Moving Services
International moving is the process in which companies or individuals transfer their goods from one country to another. It is often a time consuming, emotionally draining activity that can take its toll on an individual. If you are planning to relocate to Sri Lanka, you may consider seeking international moving services. Doing so ensures you benefit from issues related to your move being handled by an experienced team, from start to finish. A reliable company will ship your car, and any other household item, in a safe and reliable manner.
How Much Does It Cost to Move to Sri Lanka?
The cost of moving internationally to Sri Lanka can range anywhere from $2,000-$12,000 depending on various factors such as the move size, total distance, route, transportation method, and current market trends.
Whether your international move is temporary or permanent, accommodation is one major thing you must put in mind. If you are moving to Colombo, you can budget about $3,800- $6,300 for a 2-bedroom apartment and $8,500- $14,000 for a 3-4 bedrooms apartment. You can also budget for additional expenses like legal fees, moving insurance, visa fee, shipping rates, and storage costs:
Moving Insurance
If the worst should happen during your overseas move, having international moving insurance will not only provide you peace of mind but will also shield you from some severe upheaval. It is of the utmost importance to establish a comprehensive overview of all objects that are being sent, and this should be done regardless of the sort of insurance policy that you select for your foreign move. In this way, you will be fully prepared if the worst-case scenario occurs and your valuables are either destroyed or lost.
Visa Cost
You will be required to pay a fee to apply for a visa to either temporarily visit or permanently reside in Sri Lanka. Once the price for the key has been paid, then and only then can the application for permission to Sri Lanka be processed.
The price of a visa to enter Sri Lanka might change depending on several aspects, such as the kind of visa you require, your age, and a few other elements. In addition to the ticket cost, there is also a fee associated with the visa application center. Depending on the difficulty of your starting position, the cost can range anywhere from $35 to $100.
Storage
The weight of your belongings will determine how much you will be charged for storage, regardless of whether your relocation is temporary or permanent. In a typical house, the weight of an entire room stuffed with furniture comes to about one thousand pounds. The cost of storing this is approximately $1.50 per day (or $45.00 per month), which is a ballpark estimate of the appropriate charges that should be applied.
Moving to Sri Lanka Cost & Time Examples
To/From | 2BR | 4BR | Estimated Time |
---|---|---|---|
Miami to Colombo | $3,800- $6,300 | $7,200- $11,800 | 4-8 weeks |
New York to Galkissa | $3,800- $6,400 | $7,200- $11,800 | 4-8 weeks |
Philadelphia to Galkissa | $3,800- $6,400 | $7,300- $12,000 | 4-8 weeks |
Los Angeles to Galkissa | $4,200- $7,100 | $8,100- $13,300 | 5-9 weeks |
Seattle to Colombo | $4,200- $7,100 | $8,100- $13,200 | 5-9 weeks |
Dallas to Colombo | $4,200- $7,200 | $8,100- $13,200 | 4-8 weeks |
Portland to Colombo | $4,500- $7,400 | $8,500- $14,000 | 5-9 weeks |
Memphis to Colombo | $4,600- $7,600 | $8,500- $14,000 | 4-8 weeks |
Phoenix to Colombo | $5,000- $8,200 | $9,400- $15,400 | 5-9 weeks |
Denver to Colombo | $6,300- $10,400 | $11,700- $19,100 | 5-9 weeks |
*Please note that these estimates do not include taxes, customs fees & duties, insurance & quarantine inspections. They assume easy access to both pick up and drop-off addresses and do not allow for special items such as pianos.

Estimated Weight (based on home size):
1BR=2600 lbs - 3900 lbs
2BR=3900 lbs - 5200 lbs
3BR=6500 lbs - 9100 lbs
4BR=9100 lbs - 14300 lbs
5BR=11700 lbs - 19500 lbs
Duties on household items during clearance
You can be granted duty relief on your household goods, at least according to two reputable sources (1). To be eligible, you must have purchased these goods at least six months ago, and been using them yourself during this term. Customs also requires that you’ve resided outside of Sri Lanka for the last 12 months at minimum. Shipments travelling over the water should enter port no later than three months after you move to Sri Lanka. The time allotted for air shipments is even less, at just one month after your entry into the country (2).

Regulations for household items during clearance
Customs enforces a number of regulations, and these must be followed if you want your shipment to be processed successfully. First, all paperwork must be in the hands of the destination agent, a minimum of 7 days before your shipment enters port. Having a valid Residence Visa before any goods arrive in Sri Lanka is also vital. Customs also requires you to be there in person during clearance. If you cannot fulfill this requirement, then an authorized agent must be there on your behalf (3).
Paperwork for household items during clearance
A full packing list and the Original Bill of Lading or Air Waybill for the shipment must be shown to customs. Your passport, Residence Visa and Insurance Certificate will also be needed. If required in your situation, an Import License and/or a Bank Guarantee should be presented (4).
This type of guarantee will be necessary, for any over-the-water shipment larger than 175 cubic feet. A valid Blue Card from Immigration is also compulsory, if you wish to have duty waived. A detailed inventory and a valid Power of Attorney are mandatory documentation as well (5).
Duties on vehicles during clearance
You will not receive duty exemption for any vehicle imports into Sri Lanka - and these fees are quite significant. The particular rate you’ll pay is based upon the type of vehicle you’re bringing into the country. Vehicles with gas engines are charged duty and tax between 80% to 90%. If your vehicle has a diesel engine instead, then customs will impose duty of 175% to 200%. These rates don’t apply to motorcycles, which have their own rate levied on them (6).

Regulations for vehicles during clearance
You’re urged to speak with the destination agent prior to shipping your vehicle to Sri Lanka, as imports are only permitted in certain circumstances. In other words, it seems that a number of prerequisites must be fulfilled, for your vehicle to be eligible for importation (7). One of these conditions is that it be right-hand drive - as left-hand drive vehicles are only allowed with an exception from the Transport Ministry (8).
Paperwork for vehicles during clearance
Customs will ask for your passport, visa, driver’s license and the purchase receipt for the vehicle. Both the title and registration are also required (9). Proof of insurance coverage must be provided as well. An Import License will be needed, if bringing in a car that was manufactured over three years ago, or a truck or SUV manufactured more than five years ago. A GST Certificate and a TIN Certificate are also required documentation (10). Relocating to another country calls for careful planning, and you now have a good idea of what to expect. However, customs does enforce additional filing requirements, fees and regulations. In order to avoid issues during processing, it’s important that you talk over your upcoming move with them directly.
Tips on how to make your international move easier
Moving overseas is a big task that involves a lot of preparation, packing and unpacking as well as document preparation and processing. There are big and small details, which need to be considered top priority.
To make your international move easier, it is good to prepare well- plan for your move even up to 6 months in advance. Since the goods will be handled frequently throughout the journey, package them in a secure manner that eases their movement and storage. Liaise with the moving company that you hire and make your order details known so that they work to meet your expectations.

Why you need a professional moving company when relocating overseas
When moving to an unfamiliar territory, having a trusted guide offers you the much needed confidence and peace of mind. While it is possible to make a move independently, this may prove to be overwhelming and you may forget some important details. Having an experienced team handle your move will offer you a stress-free relocation experience.
A-1 Auto Transport can help you move your household goods internationally. Call 888-241-3110 to get a free, no obligation to buy price quote on interstate moving services.
How to find the best international moving company
While doing your search, you may have come across many moving companies that market themselves as the best moving company. However, how can you narrow down to select the company which will offer you with the best Sri Lanka International Moving Services? Consider the following factors to guide you to reach the final selection:
- Does the company possess the required credentials, legal requirements and certifications to ship to Sri Lanka?
- What is the company’s rating?
- Are the personnel familiar with the rules governing shipping and able to advise you accordingly?
- Does the insurance cover cater for third parties?
- Is the shipping cost reasonable and will you get benefits from the package availed?
Our Sri Lanka International Moving Services offers:
- Packing/unpacking: We are that helping hand that helps you move out and settle in with ease.
- Commercial moving: No business is too big or too small for us to move to Sri Lanka.
- Office moves: Ship with us and open shop real soon in Sri Lanka.
- Apartment moves: Moving to your new apartment does not have to be hard. We will safely transport your household goods.
- Planning and preparation: We know that such a move required good planning and preparation and we assist you, from start to finish.
- Visa and immigration services: You need not get stuck yet we can assist you and clarify the visa policies of Sri Lanka to you.
- Housing assistance: We are here to offer you with the best housing assistance to make your move stress free.
- Family services: Our services will make you and your family to feel at home with us.
- Auto transport services: Shipping your automobile to Sri Lanka may be somewhat of a complex process but we are here to make it easier. We offer you with the chance to securely transport your car to Sri Lanka.

Why A-1 Auto Transport Inc?
Why should you choose A-1 Auto Transport Inc over the many moving companies available? We are an experienced and reliable company which not only delivers your goods but also delivers exemplary service and support to our clients. We also offer the most competitive prices. You can request for a quote from us after indicating the Sri Lanka International Moving Services you seek. We have a great success story and a good client base that is satisfied with our services and also refers us to more clients. We hope that you will get to experience first-hand why we are a better company.
Get Moving!
Please fill-out the form at the top of the page. We look forward to help you to get moving. In case you need further information or clarification on our Sri Lanka International Moving Services, do not hesitate to give us a call at 888-241-3110. Quotes can be provided upon request. You can also use our contact details to reach out to us.
SOURCES:
- Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into Sri Lanka” page and Moverscom “Moving to Sri Lanka” page
- Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into Sri Lanka” page.
- http://www.iamovers.org/ResourcesPublications/CountryGuides.aspx?ItemNumber=3532
- Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into Sri Lanka” page.
- http://www.iamovers.org/ResourcesPublications/CountryGuides.aspx?ItemNumber=3532
- Found on Moverscom “Moving to Sri Lanka” page.
- A-1 Auto Transport Ship Car To Sri Lanka
- Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into Sri Lanka” page.
