Sri Lanka

The Land of Tea
and Temples

Flag of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is celebrated for its diverse landscapes, ancient heritage, and warm hospitality. Known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," it offers everything from golden beaches and lush tea plantations to historic cities and wildlife-rich jungles. Sri Lankan culture, influenced by Buddhist, Hindu, and colonial traditions, is expressed through colorful festivals, intricate art, and traditional dance.

The cuisine is known for its bold flavors, with dishes like rice and curry, hoppers, and spicy sambols. With its vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty, Sri Lanka is a captivating blend of history, adventure, and tranquility.

Travel Documents

Documents

Toll

Driving

Currency

Laws

Legal

Safety

Flights

Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Sri Lanka.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Sri Lanka.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: No countries are fully visa-exempt; all travelers require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or visa for entry. Citizens from most nations (e.g., US, Canada, EU countries, Australia) can obtain an ETA online for stays up to 30 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or transit.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from all nations must possess a valid passport and obtain an ETA or visa prior to entering Sri Lanka. For stays beyond 30 days or purposes other than tourism/business/transit, a visa must be obtained through a Sri Lankan embassy or consulate.

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; an ETA or visa is still required.
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; an ETA or visa is still required, though it may facilitate the application process.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK do not qualify for visa-free entry; an ETA or visa is required.
  • ID Card Entry: No countries are permitted to enter Sri Lanka using only a national ID card; a passport is mandatory for all travelers.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for 30 days within 180 days (tourist/business ETA). Can be single or double entry, with validity up to 6 months; extendable for up to 90 days with approval from the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days within 180 days (e.g., work, study, residence). Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit with approval from the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: ETA stays are typically limited to 30 days within a 180-day period, extendable up to 90 days with approval.
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; work visas require sponsorship from a Sri Lankan employer or entity. Travel to certain areas (e.g., Northern Province) may have advisories due to past conflict zones.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions, as Sri Lanka may reintroduce measures like mandatory health declarations or vaccination proof.
Toll

Driving in Sri Lanka

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, the main toll roads in Sri Lanka include:
    • Southern Expressway (E01): Connecting Colombo to Matara via Galle.
    • Colombo-Katunayake Expressway (E03): Connecting Colombo to Bandaranaike International Airport.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Toll rates vary based on vehicle type and distance traveled. For example, a standard car may pay approximately LKR 300-1,000 (Sri Lankan Rupees) for a full trip on the Southern Expressway. For the most current rates, visit the Road Development Authority website: http://www.rda.gov.lk/
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) are accepted at all toll booths.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Limited acceptance at some toll booths; cash is more common.
    • Electronic Toll Collection: An ETC system (e.g., Smart Card) is being implemented on major expressways; check http://www.rda.gov.lk/ for updates.

Driving in Sri Lanka

  • Drive on the left side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40-50 km/h
    • Rural roads: 60-70 km/h
    • Highways: 100 km/h (e.g., Southern Expressway)
  • Road conditions vary; expressways like E01 are well-maintained, but rural roads (e.g., in the Hill Country or Northern Province) can be narrow, winding, or damaged, especially during monsoon seasons (May-September, October-December).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license, valid for up to 6 months. A temporary Sri Lankan driving permit can be obtained from the Department of Motor Traffic for short stays; a local license is required for longer stays.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Sri Lanka does not use a vignette system; tolls are collected at specific points on expressways.
  • Road Safety: Driving can be challenging due to aggressive drivers, pedestrians, and animals (e.g., stray dogs, elephants in rural areas). Night driving is risky due to poor lighting and road conditions outside urban centers.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is reliable in urban areas (e.g., Colombo, Kandy); apps like Google Maps work well, but keep an updated physical map as a backup for rural regions like the Eastern Province.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 119 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire).

Useful Links

Sri Lanka Currency

The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 LKR
  • Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10 LKR
  • Symbol: Rs or රු (often written as LKR)

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services are available at banks, airports (e.g., Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo), and authorized money changers in major cities like Colombo, Kandy, and Galle.
  • ATMs are widely available in urban and tourist areas for direct LKR withdrawals; most accept international cards, though USD cash is recommended for exchange in rural areas.

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred, especially in rural areas, markets (e.g., Pettah Market), and small establishments.
  • Credit/debit cards are accepted in cities, hotels, and larger establishments in tourist areas (e.g., Colombo, Negombo); digital payments are less common outside urban centers.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card issues.
  • Carry some cash for small purchases and in rural areas, as digital payments are not universal in remote regions.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when using cards; the LKR fluctuates against major currencies (e.g., 1 USD ≈ 300 LKR as of early 2025).
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Central Bank of Sri Lanka website: https://www.cbsl.gov.lk/
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Sri Lanka

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Sri Lanka, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences or the death penalty for trafficking (though rarely enforced). Even small quantities can lead to criminal charges.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Alcohol consumption is permitted (legal drinking age is 21); public intoxication can lead to fines, especially near religious sites or during Poya (full moon) holidays.
    • Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces, on public transport, and in some outdoor areas (e.g., near schools, temples); enforcement is moderate.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Respect Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim traditions; dress modestly at religious sites (e.g., Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, cover shoulders and knees). Avoid discussing the civil war (1983-2009) or ethnic tensions (Sinhala-Tamil relations).
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are technically illegal under colonial-era laws, though rarely enforced; same-sex marriage is not recognized. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention, especially in rural areas.
  • Photography: Restricted near military sites, government buildings, and some religious sites (e.g., photographing Buddha statues in certain poses is prohibited). Always ask permission for portraits of locals, especially monks or at cultural events.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits.
  • Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over USD 10,000 (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, pornography, and materials deemed offensive to Sri Lankan culture or religions (e.g., anti-Buddhist propaganda).
  • Counterfeit goods may face fines or confiscation.

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport (e.g., Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo).

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority or local police.

Beach Access

  • Public beaches (e.g., Unawatuna, Mirissa) must allow free access within 5 meters of the shoreline. Wheelchair access is legally mandated at major beaches but not always implemented outside tourist hubs.

Key Resources

Sri Lanka Travel Safety

Sri Lanka is generally safe for travellers, with low crime rates and a reputation for hospitality, though natural hazards and regional differences require caution. Travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Sri Lanka.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare but possible in crowded areas like markets (e.g., Colombo Fort) or tourist sites (e.g., Sigiriya). Violent crime against tourists is extremely uncommon.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Sri Lanka is considered safe, with locals often welcoming. Female travelers should dress modestly, avoid isolated areas at night (e.g., remote beaches), and be cautious of harassment in busy areas like Colombo.
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving can be challenging due to aggressive drivers, poor rural road conditions, and monsoon-related hazards (e.g., flooding, landslides from May-September and October-December).
    • Avoid night driving in rural areas (e.g., Hill Country, Northern Province) due to poor lighting and wildlife (e.g., elephants).
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory but enforcement varies.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Avoid tap water; drink bottled or boiled water.
    • Practice safe eating habits to prevent travellers’ diarrhea; street food (e.g., kottu roti, hoppers) is usually safe if freshly prepared.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, COVID-19, and rabies (for rural travel).
    • Yellow Fever: Required if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against dengue and malaria, especially in rural areas during monsoon seasons (May-September, October-December).
  • Altitude Sickness: Risk exists in areas above 2,500 meters (e.g., Horton Plains at 2,100-2,300m, though rarely exceeding 2,500m). Ascend gradually and stay hydrated if hiking in higher elevations.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Private facilities like Nawaloka Hospital in Colombo and Asiri Hospital offer good care. Rural areas (e.g., Jaffna, Monaragala) often lack advanced care; serious cases may require evacuation to Colombo.
  • Pharmacies: Available in cities and tourist areas; carry essentials for remote regions like the Eastern Province.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation, as rural care is limited and monsoons may disrupt access.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 119 (police), 110 (ambulance/fire).
  • Ambulance: 110 | Fire: 110 | Police: 119.
  • Tourist Police (Colombo): +94 11 242 1052.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Renting a car with a driver is common and safer than self-driving due to road conditions; a 4x4 is recommended for rural areas (e.g., Ella). Check insurance coverage for rentals.
  • Hiking: Use local guides for treks in areas like Adam’s Peak or Knuckles Range; monsoons and leeches pose risks in wet seasons.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Respect Buddhist customs; remove shoes and hats at temples, and avoid turning your back to Buddha statues for photos. Dress modestly at sites like Dambulla Cave Temple.
  • Weather Risks: Monsoons (May-September in the southwest, October-December in the northeast) can cause flooding and landslides; monitor updates via the Department of Meteorology.

Key Links

Flying to Sri Lanka

© 2024-2025 Atlas Guide