Sri Lanka travel info
Electricity
The electrical supply is 230 volts at 50 Hz, using round, three-pin plugs.
Language
Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages, though the former has far more speakers. English is spoken at most tourist establishments.
Money
The unit of currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), divided into 100 cents. ATMs are increasingly common, especially in urban areas, though international cards may be less frequently accepted outside major cities or tourist hotspots. Credit cards are widely accepted in larger centres, making it easy to pay for goods and services, but as with any destination, it's wise to keep an eye on card transactions to ensure security.
For those who prefer cashless options, Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming more accepted in Sri Lanka, particularly in urban areas and at larger establishments. While these options are growing in availability, their use may still be somewhat limited outside major cities, so it's a good idea to carry some physical cash as a backup.
Foreign currency can be exchanged conveniently at bureaux de change, banks, or hotels, with banks often offering the most favourable rates. Banks are closed on Sundays, so it's best to plan ahead for any exchange needs.
Tipping
A 10 percent service charge is added to most restaurant and hotel bills. Tipping is appreciated for almost all services, and small amounts are sufficient; a 10 percent tip will be fine if there's any doubt as to a suitable amount.
Health
Food and waterborne illnesses are the most common health concerns for travellers to Sri Lanka. It's best to stick to bottled or boiled water, avoid ice in drinks, and eat food that's freshly cooked and served hot. Visitors are usually advised to get vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, typhoid (especially if visiting rural areas), and Japanese encephalitis for longer stays in the countryside. Routine vaccinations should be up to date. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is only required if arriving from a country where the disease is present. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis are present, so bring insect repellent and wear protective clothing. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Medical care outside Colombo and other major cities may be limited, and some medications can be hard to find so bring any essential prescriptions.
Safety
Most visits to Sri Lanka are safe and enjoyable. As with travel anywhere, visitors should stay aware of their surroundings and keep an eye on local news. Problems involving tourists are rare, but it's still wise to take basic precautions. Women travelling alone should avoid isolated places after dark. Credit card fraud can happen, so stick to ATMs in trusted locations and check transactions regularly. Since the civil war ended in 2009, the north and east have opened up and are now popular with visitors.
Local customs
Sri Lanka is a culturally rich and welcoming destination, and a little local awareness goes a long way. Visitors should avoid photographing military or government buildings, and shouldn't pose with their backs to Buddha statues, as this is seen as disrespectful. They should also dress modestly when visiting temples by covering their shoulders and knees, and removing shoes and hats before entering. Topless sunbathing is not permitted.
Same-sex relationships are still criminalised under Sri Lankan law, though enforcement is rare and there's growing support for reform. LGBTQ+ travellers should exercise discretion in public.
Drinking and smoking are fine in licensed venues but often restricted in public areas such as transport hubs and religious sites. Travellers should look for signage or ask locally if they're unsure.
Respect and politeness are highly valued. Public criticism or raised voices can cause embarrassment, so a calm and courteous approach is appreciated. Understanding these customs will help ensure a smooth and respectful visit.
Doing business
In Sri Lanka's warm climate, business attire tends to be conservative. In formal sectors, men are typically expected to wear lightweight suits, while women often opt for conservative dresses or business suits. In more casual sectors, attire may be less formal, but it's advisable to dress neatly and professionally. Appointments should be scheduled in advance, and it's customary to exchange business cards upon first meeting. Punctuality is highly valued; arriving late for meetings is generally considered impolite. Standard business hours are from 8.30am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, with a lunch break around midday.
Duty free
Visitors over 18 may bring in, duty-free, up to two litres of wine, 1.5 litres of spirits, 250ml of eau de toilette, a small amount of perfume, and souvenirs worth up to USD 250. Tobacco allowances include 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200g of tobacco, or 200 beedi. These items must be declared on arrival.
A certificate of registration for tobacco products is required only for Sri Lankan residents, not tourists carrying permitted amounts. Personal items of value should also be declared to ensure duty-free re-export.
Restricted items include firearms, ammunition, explosives, plants, fruits, birds, prescription medication (only for personal use), and goods for commercial purposes. Prohibited items include narcotics, pornography, and material offensive to religious beliefs.
Communications
The international country dialling code for Sri Lanka is +94. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; WiFi is standard in hotels and guesthouses.
Passport & Visa
Visitors to Sri Lanka must have a passport with at least six months of validity from the date of arrival. While a return or onward ticket isn't mandatory for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), it's strongly recommended. Immigration officials may request proof of onward travel to ensure visa compliance.
Travellers must also show proof of sufficient funds for their stay, though there's no set amount. Bank statements or credit card statements are commonly accepted as proof.
An ETA can be applied for online before travel or obtained on arrival, but it's recommended to apply in advance to avoid delays.
It's essential that travellers' passports remains valid for at least six months beyond their intended departure date from Sri Lanka. Immigration officials may apply different rules than those provided by travel agents or official sources.
Entry requirements
US nationals require passports that's valid for at least six months from their expected date of departurre. Travellers must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the short-term visa required to visit Sri Lanka. An ETA allows for a short visit of up to 30 days.
UK nationals require passports that's valid for at least six months from their expected date of departurre. Travellers must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the short-term visa required to visit Sri Lanka. An ETA allows for a short visit of up to 30 days.
Canadian nationals require passports that's valid for at least six months from their expected date of departurre. Travellers must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the short-term visa required to visit Sri Lanka. An ETA allows for a short visit of up to 30 days.
Australian nationals require passports that's valid for at least six months from their expected date of departurre. Travellers must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the short-term visa required to visit Sri Lanka. An ETA allows for a short visit of up to 30 days.
South African nationals require passports that's valid for at least six months from their expected date of departurre. Travellers must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the short-term visa required to visit Sri Lanka. An ETA allows for a short visit of up to 30 days.
Irish nationals require passports that's valid for at least six months from their expected date of departurre. Travellers must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the short-term visa required to visit Sri Lanka. An ETA allows for a short visit of up to 30 days.
New Zealand nationals require passports that's valid for at least six months from their expected date of departurre. Travellers must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the short-term visa required to visit Sri Lanka. An ETA allows for a short visit of up to 30 days.
Useful contacts
Sri Lanka Tourism: +94 11 242 6900 or www.srilanka.travel
110 (Ambulance), 118 (Police)