The non-refundable ETA processing charge for a Tourist visa with Double Entry for 30 days for citizens of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries amounts to US $15. For those from all other countries, it will cost US $30.
It’s necessary for citizens of all countries except for those of The Republic of Singapore and of The Republic of Maldives to get an ETA to visit Sri Lanka.
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an official authorization for a Short Visit to Sri Lanka issued via an online system. You need ETA if you wish to visit Sri Lanka as a Tourist, on Business or on Transit. No passport copies, documents or photographs are required to obtain ETA.
Yes, you need a visa to arrive in Sri Lanka. Apart from that, if you’re planning a short visit to Sri Lanka, you’re required to obtain Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before your arrival.
02. Language & Communication
Most hotels provide internet facilities. Internet cafes with ADSL connection are found in most towns. Connections in remote towns will be slow. The average cost of surfing in a Cyber Cafe is about Euro 0.50 per hour. Many 5 star and some boutique hotels provide free WiFi facilities to guests.
Dialing out, you need to dial ’00’and the relevant country code before the number. Dialing within the country, inside a particular district, say, Colombo, you don’t have to dial its area code (for example, just dial 2XXXXXX) But, for an outstation call, you can’t do without the area codes.
Yes. If you have a ‘dual band’ & unlocked phone, you can choose a local SIM and top up cards (recharge cards) from several mobile operators, namely, Dialog, Mobitel, Etisalat, Hutch and Airtel. Every communication Networks have counters at Katunayake Airport arrival lobby where you can buy a connection for Rs. 1500/=
Dialing in, Sri Lanka’s country code is 94. To ring a number in Colombo, for instance, dial ++94112XXXXXX. If it’s a mobile number that you want to call, dial it after the country code. If it’s a Mobitel number, for example it should go like ++9471XXXXXXX.
mobile operators support the GSM technology on GSM 900 / 1800 bands. WAP & GPRS is extensively supported. 4G and wireless broadband is available in Colombo. Wi-Fi zones are found in selected spots in major towns.
While Sinhala language is the official & most widely spoken language in the country, English is a link language which is generally understood by most people. English is spoken at all hotels, major restaurants and shops. Road signs are mostly written both in Sinhalese & English.
03. Health & Safety
Most hotels will provide you with a plug-in mosquito repellent which may usually be switched on during turn down. You can purchase the mats (small repellent tablet inserted to the plug-in unit), the burning coils or citronella candles from most local supermarkets. Apply some repellent lotion when dining outdoors, etc.
Sri Lanka boasts one of the most reliable healthcare systems in the developing world. But emergency medical facilities may not be widely available outside of the main cities. Those travelling from Africa or Latin America must have a valid certificate of vaccination for Yellow fever and Meningitis before the arrival.
The non-refundable ETA processing charge for a Tourist visa with Double Entry for 30 days for citizens of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries amounts to US $15. For those from all other countries, it will cost US $30.
Yes. The country is at peace. Tourists visit Sri Lanka in record numbers and feel the pervading sense of peace, safety and stability as they relish the pristine glory of the small island nation. Where we conduct our tours, we also ensure the safety and security of our tourists.
according to accepted norms in traveling, you should put all your valuables like money, passport, tickets, jewels etc in the hotel safe deposit locker. As the international custom goes, hotels aren’t responsible for objects lost in the room. Keep a note of your Travelers’ Cheque numbers separately from Travelers’ Cheques.
04. Food & Lodging
We offer a wide range of accommodation from private boutique hotels, villas, eco lodge and tents. But, some of our nature & adventure trips involve travelling to remote or undeveloped outstation destinations where hotel accommodation of International tourist standard may not exist & facilities are relatively poor.
No. Smoking and having liquor in public areas is banned in Sri Lanka. The smoking ban is also in effect at enclosed public places such as restaurants and social clubs.
True. Full Moon days (known as Poya days) are of religious significance to Buddhists and devoted to prayer and meditation. Out of respect for Buddhist religious rites, abstinence is practiced. The government has decreed that all liquor shops and meat shops & entertainment centers remain closed on Poya days.
We advise against drinking tap water unless it is purified. We recommend you to use Bottled water in containers with serrated seal, but not tops or corks. Most hotel rooms have boiled water in thermos flasks, which is safe to drink.
Sri Lanka has its own variety of local beer. Also, two variations of local liquor exist, Ie. Toddy & Arrack. Toddy is a natural intoxicating drink, tapped from the palm trees. Fermented and refined toddy becomes Arrack. Imported beer and foreign liquors cost almost the same as in most western countries.
There’s plenty of fresh fruit juice available both in major restaurants and smaller ones. It’s as much delectable as healthy. Popular international soft drinks are found even in the small village boutiques. Thambili or King Coconut is a refreshing sweet, clean and cheap natural drink you’ll find by the wayside.
First, you can have Ceylon Tea which hailed as the world’s best type of tea. If you’re a coffee fan, local coffee may be up to your taste, if a little strong. If you long for a good espresso, you may get it while in Colombo but not elsewhere.
The non-refundable ETA processing charge for a Tourist visa with Double Entry for 30 days for citizens of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries amounts to US $15. For those from all other countries, it will cost US $30.
The food is exclusively based on Sri Lankan rice and curry menu. The curries are mostly Sri Lankan vegetables; chicken and fish may be included.
‘Halal’ food isn’t much common in major hotels. The Galadari and Holiday Inn in Colombo serve halal food as does the Confifi group of hotels (Eden, Riverina & Club Palm Garden). Apart from the Halal restaurants in Colombo and Kandy, they’re hardly elsewhere. The best alternative seems to be seafood.
Star hotels and major restaurants sport a ‘vegetarian section’ in the menu. The smaller local ‘rice and curry’ restaurants may claim the food is vegetarian, but it often includes a serving of fried fish or sprats (anchovies). However, the ‘South Indian’ vegetarian restaurants are purely vegetarian.
05. Money & Banking
Instead of International Bank Account Numbers (IBAN), Sri Lanka like most other Asian countries, USA and Australia use the current Bank Identifier Code system (BIC or SWIFT code) along with the BBAN (Basic Bank Account Number).
ATMs are located in most of the cities. You’re allowed to take cash against Visa / Mastercard in most ATMs. However, as different banks accept different cards, we recommend you to ensure that your card is valid for use in Sri Lanka by contacting your bank. Watch out for the Maestro or Cirrus logo!
No, they aren’t. Due to exchange regulations in the country, local establishments will determine your payments by applying the exchange rate prevailing at the date of payment.
Credit Cards are extensively used and accepted by local establishments (even in small towns). The most popular card types are Visa and MasterCard, with Amex being used to a lesser extent. It’d be a convenient option to use your Credit Card (valid for international use) whenever possible.
The Re-Exchange (purchase of foreign currency) can only take place on your departure at the Bank counters at the airport. Remember that they will only accept bank receipts (not Money Changer receipts).
Please keep with you whatever receipts of exchange (including ATM receipts) for monies declared. This will be useful when re-exchanging to foreign currency and taking your money back out of the country.
If you intend to take out from Sri Lanka a sum exceeding US $5000(or its equivalent in Euro or some other currency) in currency notes (out of the money brought in), you must declare the total amount brought in, even if it’s less than US$ 15,000.
You can bring any amount of money in foreign currencies into Sri Lanka. It could be in TCs, Bank drafts or currency notes. But, if the total is more than US $15,000 (or its equivalent in Euro or some other currency) that sum must be declared to Sri Lanka Customs.
Banks take 0.5% handling fee and generally a commission, which differs from bank to bank. We recommend you to convert only that amount of money you need for spending.
06. Clothes & Accessories
Try getting a sarong. It’s very light, comfortable and packs down to almost nothing; also it suits all purposes and occasions, including the temple etiquette.
You should take off your shoes and hat when entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple. If you’re carrying an umbrella, unfurl it. Your legs & shoulders should be covered; never enter a temple in beach wear (i.e. shorts or singlet) and its better if you can dress white color or lighter color, when you visit Buddhist temple.
It’s advisable to bring one set of Evening wear as larger hotels insist on ‘long attire’ for men during dinner (no shorts and no sandals). Ladies could come in dresses, skirts or long shorts, but not in any beach / swimwear.
Lightweight, light colored cotton clothes are ideal for the warm climes of a tropical country like Sri Lanka. We’d like to recommend that you pack some warm clothes if you are planning to visit the hilly regions, where the evenings tend to get chilly.
07. Travelling & Photography
The best & driest seasons are from December to April on the West & South Coasts and in the hill country, and from May to September in the East Coast.
It’s always advisable to bring a USB cord (camera to PC) so you transfer the pictures to a PC. Internet cafés are ideal for this. Simply copy the pictures to the PC and then burn them into a CD. This is much cheaper and can keep your memory cards empty.
There are many franchised photo shops such as Kodak & Fuji with advanced digital imaging services in major towns. Almost all types of digital data storage devices are accepted. It’s always advisable to keep a backup of your pictures before handing it over for processing.
Never take photos of dams, airports, roadblocks or anything to do with the military. Don’t shoot with cameras around Colombo Fort
Tourists are sometimes asked for money for taking photos. Always ask before you photograph whether payment is expected. Our accompanying representatives will be able to guide you on this.
The Re-Exchange (purchase of foreign currency) can only take place on your departure at the Bank counters at the airport. Remember that they will only accept bank receipts (not Money Changer receipts).
You aren’t allowed to use camera at the frescoes at Sigiriya, but where there is no ban, please behave responsibly. Never pose beside or in front of a Buddha statue (i.e. with your back to the statue). Such conduct is considered extremely disrespectful also don't try to take a photo in front of lord buddha's statue with people. Don’t photograph a monk without asking permission.
Ask permission before taking photographs of people and respect their decision if they refuse. Minority groups in particular are often unhappy to be photographed. If photos are taken, kindly send back copies (through our tour leaders or direct to the village) so that the people receive copies.
Out of season travel has its own benefits; while the big crowds go away, most airfares & accommodation prices too go down, with many special offers thrown in. On the coast the average temperature remains around 27°C. The temperature rapidly falls as the altitude gets higher & higher.
Sri Lanka experiences two monsoons; the rainy season in the East coast is the dry season in the south west coast & vice versa. This makes Sri Lanka a year around destination, and there is always a ‘right’ season somewhere in the island
Temperature in Colombo and suburbs varies from Centigrade
Temperature in CCentral hills and other higher elevations are Centigrade 14 - 16
As 100 meters rise-up the altituge, one Centigrade of temperature goes down
average yearly temperature for the country from Centigrade 26 - 28
December and January are the coolest months and March to May, the hottest months.
Normally day and night temperature vary from Centigrade 4 - 7
08. Shopping & Entertainment
Your housekeeping staff, doorman, bellboy all expect a little tip. A tip between 100 – 200 rupees ( 1-2 USD) for each service is considered adequate. You guide or driver on tour will expect something between US$ 5 to 15 a day (depending on your level of satisfaction)
Tipping is accepted. Although a 10% service charge is included in bills for food and accommodation, tipping is a customary way of showing your appreciation for services rendered.
The places with some active night life are Colombo, Negombo and Hikkaduwa. Colombo has some decent pubs, night clubs, karaoke lounges and bars. There is a growing pub-culture among the young crowd in Colombo. Friday and Saturday nights are the days for all night partying.
Sri Lanka has a wide variety of splendid handicraft on sale. Sri Lankan masks are a very popular collector’s item. Other recommendations are batiks, wood carvings, gemstones, semi- precious stones, lacquer-ware, handmade Silver- and Brass objects and don’t forget the famous ‘Ceylon Tea’.
09. Local Customs and Etiquette
Always give and receive and eat with your right hand. It is extremely bad mannered to use your left hand for eating. Respect cultural differences, the local laws & import regulations and make sure your behavior doesn’t violate environmental responsibility.
Visit the official Sri Lanka Tourism website for more information.
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