Essential information to prepare for your Sri Lankan adventure.
Visa Information
Most visitors to Sri Lanka require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival. The ETA is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival and can be extended for up to 6 months.
You can apply for an ETA online through the official Sri Lankan government website. The cost is approximately $35 USD for a tourist visa.
We recommend making a photocopy of your passport's identification page and keeping it separate from your passport. Also, store a digital copy in your email or secure cloud storage.
Requirements for obtaining an ETA:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your planned date of departure from Sri Lanka
- Return or onward ticket confirmation
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
- Completed online application form
Passport Requirements
Your passport must:
- Be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Sri Lanka
- Have at least two blank visa pages
- Be in good condition without significant damage
Health
Health & Vaccination
Recommended Vaccinations
While there are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry to Sri Lanka (unless you’re arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country), the following vaccinations are recommended by health professionals:
- Hepatitis A and B: Recommended for most travelers
- Typhoid: Especially if you’re staying in rural areas or planning to eat outside of major hotels and restaurants
- Tetanus-diphtheria: Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date
- Japanese Encephalitis: Consider if staying for an extended period or spending significant time in rural areas
- Rabies: Consider for long-term travelers or those planning activities with potential animal exposure
Health Precautions
Malaria and Dengue Prevention
While malaria risk is low in Sri Lanka, dengue fever is present. Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites:
- Use insect repellent containing at least 20% DEET
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during dawn and dusk
- Use air-conditioned accommodations when possible
- Use bed nets if sleeping in rooms that are not well-screened
Food and Water Safety
To avoid foodborne illnesses:
- Drink only bottled or purified water
- Avoid ice in drinks unless made from purified water
- Eat thoroughly cooked food served hot
- Avoid raw vegetables, unpeeled fruits, and unpasteurized dairy products
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
Medical Kit
Consider packing a basic medical kit with:
- Prescription medications in original containers
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Antihistamines for allergic reactions
- Motion sickness medication
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Basic first aid supplies (bandages, antiseptic wipes, etc.)
Insurance
Travel Insurance
Recommended Coverage
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance for your trip to Sri Lanka. Your policy should include:
- Medical coverage: Including emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation
- Trip cancellation/interruption: Coverage for non-refundable trip costs if you need to cancel or cut your trip short
- Baggage protection: Coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage
- 24-hour emergency assistance: Access to help wherever and whenever you need it
- Coverage for adventure activities: If you plan to participate in activities like hiking, surfing, or wildlife safaris
Before purchasing insurance, check if your existing health insurance, credit card benefits, or memberships provide any travel coverage. Make sure to review policy details and exclusions carefully
Travel
Packing Essentials
Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics)
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants for evenings and temple visits
- Modest clothing for visiting religious sites (knees and shoulders covered)
- Swimwear for beach destinations
- Light rain jacket or poncho (especially during monsoon season)
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Light sweater or jacket for higher elevations
Electronics & Documents
- Universal power adapter (Sri Lanka uses Type D, M, and G sockets)
- Power bank for charging devices on the go
- Camera and memory cards
- Mobile phone and charger
- Printed and digital copies of important documents:
- Passport and visa
- Travel insurance details
- Flight and accommodation confirmations
- Driver’s license (if planning to drive)
- Credit cards and emergency contact information
Health & Hygiene
- Personal medications with prescription information
- First aid kit as mentioned above
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Insect repellent (at least 20% DEET)
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Toiletries and personal care items
- Travel-sized laundry detergent for longer stays
Miscellaneous
- Daypack for excursions
- Reusable water bottle with filter
- Travel pillow and eye mask for long journeys
- Sunglasses
- Small umbrella
- Binoculars (for wildlife viewing)
- Travel guidebook or offline maps
- Small gifts for locals or hosts (optional)
Consider the specific nature of your trip when packing. For example, if you're trekking in hill country, you'll need sturdier footwear and warmer clothing, while beach destinations require more sun protection items.
Travel
Currency & Payments
Money Matters
Local Currency
The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Notes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 rupees. Coins are available in 1, 2, 5, and 10 rupees.
Currency Exchange
You can exchange currency at:
- Airports (convenience, but rates might not be the best)
- Money exchanges (Best Exchange rate)
- Banks (typically offer good rates)
- Official exchange bureaus in tourist areas
- Some hotels (usually less favorable rates)
Keep your exchange receipts, as you may need them to convert rupees back to your currency when leaving the country.
ATMs and Credit Cards
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Most accept international cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro), but may have daily withdrawal limits and charge fees.
Credit cards are accepted at higher-end hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas, but many smaller establishments and rural areas operate on cash only.
- Inform your bank of your travel plans to prevent card blocks
- Check what foreign transaction fees your card charges
- Have a backup payment method available
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory in Sri Lanka but is appreciated for good service:
- Hotels: 300-500 LKR for porters per bag
- Restaurants: 10% of the bill if service charge is not included
- Drivers/guides: 1000-3000 LKR per day depending on service quality
- Spa/massage services: 10% of the service cost
Always carry some cash, especially when traveling to rural areas. It's recommended to have a mix of larger bills for hotels and smaller denominations for daily expenses and tipping.
Sri Lanka's
Weather & Climate
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons that vary by region due to the dual monsoon system
Southwest Monsoon (May to September)
Affects the southwest coast and hill country:
- Areas affected: Colombo, Galle, Bentota, Kandy
- Heavy rainfall, especially June and July
- Temperatures: 26-30°C (79-86°F) in coastal areas
- Hill country remains cooler: 15-20°C (59-68°F)
Northeast Monsoon (October to January)
Affects the north and eastern coastal regions:
- Areas affected: Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Jaffna
- Heavy rainfall, especially November and December
- Temperatures: 27-30°C (81-86°F)
Inter-Monsoon Periods
The periods between monsoons (February-April and September-October) generally offer good weather across the island:
- Less predictable weather patterns
- Afternoon thunderstorms possible
- Generally lower rainfall island-wide
- Temperatures: 28-32°C (82-90°F) in coastal areas
Hill Country Climate
The central highlands (Nuwara Eliya, Ella, etc.) have their own microclimate:
- Cooler temperatures: 10-20°C (50-68°F) year-round
- Misty mornings and evenings
- January and February can be quite cold at night
- Rainfall more evenly distributed throughout the year
While monsoons bring heavier rainfall, it typically occurs in bursts rather than all day. This means you can still enjoy many activities, especially if you plan your days with flexibility. Our expert guides will help adjust your itinerary based on current weather conditions.
Important Contacts
Connectivity & Communication
SIM Cards:
Available at the airport and in mobile shops throughout the country. Major providers include Dialog, Mobitel, and Airtel. You'll need your passport to purchase.
Coverage:
Mobile coverage is generally good in cities and tourist areas but can be limited in remote regions and some national parks.
Wi-Fi:
Available in most hotels, restaurants, and cafes in tourist areas. Quality and speed vary.
Portable Wi-Fi Device:
Can be rented at the airport for seamless connectivity throughout your trip.
Emergency Services
- National Emergency: 119
- Police: 118 or 119
- Ambulance: 110
- Fire: 110
- Tourist Police: +94 11 242 1052
Best Sri Lanka Tours Emergency Contact
- 24/7 Emergency Line: +94 77 144 2626 | +94 77 144 0707
- Office: +94 112 559 960
- Email: sales@figoholidays.com
Your Country’s Embassy/Consulate
Before traveling, note the contact information for your country’s embassy or consulate in Sri Lanka. This information will be provided in your pre-departure package.
We recommend saving important contact numbers in your phone and keeping a printed copy in your luggage as a backup.