Can tourists legally take gems out of Sri Lanka?

Tourists can legally export cut and polished gemstones, and also finished jewellery from Sri Lanka without trouble, if they keep the official purchase receipts and the relevant gemmological certificates with them. Customs officers usually do not bother much with typical personal jewellery buys, especially when it is clearly meant for private use.

In fact, the Sri Lankan government openly supports the export of finished gem products to strengthen the local economy. When you depart through Bandaranaike International Airport, make sure your invoices are easy to reach, like keeping them in your hand luggage. You only run into legal hassle if you try to export commercial amounts that seem like a wholesaler’s setup, because that can look close to smuggling even if it is not.