Sri Lanka Temple Etiquette and the Laws Tourists Break

Sri Lankans are forgiving of honest mistakes, and most temple slip-ups end with a polite correction. A few are treated much more seriously. Disrespecting a Buddhist image can lead to arrest, and foreign visitors have been detained, deported and given suspended jail sentences over tattoos and holiday photos.

This guide covers how to behave at temples, then the laws most likely to catch out a tourist.

This is general travel information, not legal advice. Rules and how they're enforced can change, so check your government's latest travel advice before you go.

The short version

Cover your shoulders and knees at temples, and take off your shoes and hat.
Never pose with your back to a Buddha statue, or touch or climb on one.
Cover any Buddha tattoo completely, or better still, leave it out of sight the whole trip.
No alcohol is sold on Poya days (the monthly full moon), with limited exceptions.
Don't fly a drone without Civil Aviation Authority approval.
Drug penalties are severe, and that includes small amounts.

At the temple

What to wear

Shoulders and knees covered, for men and women. Shorts, sleeveless tops and revealing clothes can get you turned away.
White or light colours are traditional and respectful, particularly at major sites, though they usually aren't required.
Carry a sarong or large scarf in your day bag. It solves most problems at the gate.
The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy is known for enforcing its dress code, so dress carefully there.

Shoes and hats

Take off your shoes and hat before entering the temple grounds, not just the buildings. Look for where others leave theirs. Stone can get very hot at open-air sites such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, so go early or late. Socks are a sensible help.

How to behave

Keep your voice down and your phone on silent.
Don't point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk. When sitting, tuck your feet to one side.
Walk clockwise around a stupa, keeping it on your right.
Don't touch or climb on statues, stupas or ancient ruins, even if they seem to be just old stones.
Don't touch anyone's head, including children's.
Follow any signs about photography. Many shrine rooms don't allow it, and flash can be banned even where cameras are allowed.

Monks

Greet monks respectfully, and ask before taking a photo. Women shouldn't touch a monk or hand things directly to one. On buses, the front seats are often reserved for monks, so give up yours if needed. Don't sit higher than a monk if you can avoid it.

Buddha images and photos

This is the rule that surprises people most. The UK government's travel advice warns visitors not to pose for photos in front of a Buddha statue, and says disrespecting Buddhist images or artefacts is a serious offence that can lead to arrest.

In practice:

Don't turn your back on a statue to take a selfie. Stand to one side so you're not posing with it behind you, or just photograph the statue itself.
Don't kiss, hug or lean on statues, or mimic their poses.
Be careful with what you post. Jokes about religion that seem harmless at home can cause real offence here.

In 2012, three French tourists received six-month suspended jail sentences over photos showing them kissing a Buddha statue. The photo lab that printed the pictures reported them.

Buddha tattoos

Sri Lanka has no specific law against Buddha tattoos, but they can still cause serious problems. The UK government warns that visible Buddha tattoos can lead to refused entry or deportation.

In 2013, a British tourist was reportedly barred from entering over a Buddha tattoo on his arm.
In 2014, a British nurse was detained at Colombo airport and ordered deported over a tattoo of the Buddha on a lotus flower.
In 2017, the Supreme Court ruled that her arrest and deportation were unlawful and ordered that she be compensated.

So the courts have sided with a visitor, but that ruling came three years after she was detained. If you have a tattoo of the Buddha or other Buddhist imagery, keep it covered from before you land until you leave. Long sleeves on the plane are easier than arguing at immigration.

Poya days and alcohol

Poya days fall on every full moon and are public holidays. By law, liquor shops, bars, meat shops, cinemas and betting shops must close.

Most tourist hotels of a higher class can serve resident guests, but rules vary. Don't count on a drink at a guesthouse.
Don't drink in public on a Poya day. It's culturally insensitive and could get you into trouble.
Liquor sales also stop on some other national and religious holidays. In 2025 there were 18 of these dry days in total, and the list changes each year.
Check dates before planning a party, wedding or group dinner. Buy any drinks you want the day before, and keep them private.

Tourist requests to open bars on Poya days have been refused before, so you won't be able to talk your way round this.

Drones

You can't simply pack a drone and fly it. Under the Civil Aviation Act, drones can only be flown with a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL), and visitors can only get a temporary registration.

Apply well before you travel through CAASL's online portal (portal.caa.lk). Tour operators report that security clearance may also be needed.
Fees vary by source. Recent reports range from about US$25 to US$50, and depend on where you want to fly. Confirm with CAASL at drone@caa.lk.
Never fly near military bases, government buildings or VIP vehicles, even with a permit.
Sacred and archaeological sites are sensitive, so get specific permission for those too.
CAASL is working on a new framework for drones, mostly aimed at commercial use, so check the current rules before you book.

If you don't want the paperwork, leave the drone at home.

Other laws to know

Drugs

The UK government warns of "a long jail sentence and heavy fines" for drug offences, and this includes transit through the airport, where bags are scanned. Being offered something at a beach party doesn't make it safe. Don't buy or carry anything, and don't carry a package for someone else.

Photography

Don't photograph military bases, checkpoints, government buildings or VIP vehicles, and don't use binoculars near them. If a soldier or police officer asks you to delete a photo, do so politely.

Nudity and affection

Nude and topless sunbathing aren't allowed, including on tourist beaches. Swimwear is fine on the beach, but cover up when you walk into town. Holding hands is fine in most places. Kissing and more intimate affection in public are best avoided.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal under Sri Lankan law, although the UK government says it isn't aware of any prosecutions, and Colombo has a well-established LGBT+ scene. Discretion in public is the usual advice.

Smoking and vaping

Police can fine you for ignoring no-smoking signs in public places. Vapes are reported to be banned and could be confiscated, so leave yours at home.

Antiques, coral and wildlife souvenirs

Exporting antiques without a permit is an offence. Permits come from the Director General of Archaeology. If a seller says something is very old, ask about the paperwork or don't buy it.
Don't buy coral, shells or animal products. Exporting protected species and marine products without permission is illegal.
Keep receipts, especially for gems and anything that looks old.

Overstaying

Overstaying your visa can lead to detention, a fine, deportation at your own expense and a travel ban. If you want to stay longer, apply for an extension before your 30 days run out.

If you get into trouble

Stay calm and polite. Apologise if you've caused offence. Most situations end there.
Ask to contact your embassy or consulate.
Don't sign anything you can't read. Ask for a translator and a lawyer.
Call 1912, the tourist hotline, for help finding the right authority.
Tell your travel insurer, in case your policy covers legal help.

FAQ

Can I visit Sri Lanka with a Buddha tattoo?

Yes, but keep it covered at all times, including at the airport. Visible Buddha tattoos have led to refused entry and deportation, and the UK government still warns about this.

Do women need to cover their hair at temples?

No, you don't need a headscarf at Buddhist temples. Cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your hat and shoes. Rules can differ at mosques and Hindu temples, so ask at the entrance.

Can I take photos at temples?

Usually yes, in the grounds, but check for signs. Don't pose with your back to a Buddha, and ask before photographing monks.

Can I get a drink on a Poya day?

Bars and liquor shops are closed. Some higher-class tourist hotels can serve staying guests, but smaller places generally can't. Don't drink in public.

Can I wear shorts in Sri Lanka?

Yes, on the beach and in resort towns, but not in temples. A little more modesty also goes a long way in rural areas.

Is it illegal to take photos with a Buddha statue?

No specific law says so, but posing with your back to one has been treated as disrespectful, and disrespecting Buddhist images can lead to arrest. Stand to the side or just photograph the statue itself.

For more practical advice, read our Sri Lanka travel safety tips and solo female travel guide. The Sri Lanka Safe app includes a holiday calendar, so you can see Poya days coming.