Travel Advice
Passports and visas
All foreign nationals staying in Sri Lanka must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). You do not require a passport copies or photographs as this can be done online. ETA is valid for six months from the date of issued, please therefore do not apply too early. Transit passengers and children under 12 do not require an ETA. Your ETA must match with the names on the passport you are travelling with and to apply please visit www.eta.gov.lk
When to go Sri Lanka
Generally warm all year around and the hills are cooler. The temperature is around 26-32 Celsius all year . Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons. The south west and the hills are driest from December to March while East and North can be driest from April to September. Kandy Esala Perahara 10 days of magnificent events takes place normally between July and August every year.
Languages
Sinhala, Tamil and English Widely spoken
International Airport
Bandaranayake International Airport 29 km from Colombo and nearest destination to airport is Negombo
Food and Drink
Sri Lankan spicy Rice and Curry is the main dish. You can always request food that you prefer to eat. If you have any special requirements please let us know. It is advisable to consume food in proper restaurants and avoid street food. There are a wide variety of tropical fruits pineapple, bananas and papayas available in the market that are not expensive.
It is advisable to buy bottled water and avoid tap water. There are many places that sell king coconut ( Thambili in Sinhala) which is a very thirst quenching and refreshing drink for everyone. Also not forgetting the national drink “Tea”. People will always welcome you with a nice cup of tea where ever you go in Sri Lanka.
Getting Around
All tours are accompanied by your private tour guides who are very proud of their country and want you to enjoy your vacation, a train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella will allow you to enjoy the Hill Country and its beauty. Cycling is available in some places which is great way of exploring the country side.
Accommodation
There are very good quality hotels available throughout the country as tourism is booming. There are hotels available to suit all budgets. Budget travellers can find rooms in hostels or guest houses while large resort hotels cater for package tourist and prices are slightly higher. For people who like camping, there are facilities available in some of the National Parks. In the Hill Country there are beautiful Colonial Tea Estate Bungalows available to stay in.
Money
The Sri Lankan Rupee is the currency. USD and GBP travellers cheques are accepted. ATMs are widely available in most areas now and exchange booths are available in the airport where you can change your money immediately on arrival. Although if you want a good exchange rate you can always ask your guide to exchange your money for you – he will definitely get a higher rate!
Mobile Phone and WiFi
There are 3G network available throughout the country. If you need a sim card for your mobile or mini sim card for your ipad, please ask your guide. Wifi is readily available however not stable connection as well as not always free.
Health and Safety
Visit your general practitioner at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to check vaccination requirements and further preventive measures. Ensure you are stocked up with mosquito repellent! Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover any emergencies or medical treatment abroad.
Sri Lanka is a peaceful country and you are free to travel to most places without any fear.
When swimming most of the beaches are safe but please always take locals advice as there could be dangerous surf or rip tides at certain times of the year.
Please make sure you are wearing proper footwear when you are trekking or hiking.
Sri Lanka is a very safe destination crime is very low and serious crime almost unheard of, there is no youth culture and groups of boys hanging about at night are most definitely not a threat they are just talking and having fun!! Sri Lankans are largely honest and extremely friendly. It is one of the safest destination in Asia.
Social Etiquette.
People in Sri Lanka are known as providing a high standard of hospitality. They will greet you with a big smile and “Ayubowan”, this is a Sri Lankan way of greeting people. It means “May you live long”. When you are in Sri Lanka this is the general greeting.
When entering religious places you will need to remove footwear as a sign of respect. It might be a good idea to carry a spare pair of socks. Also if you are being welcomed into a locals home removing footwear is normal practise. When visiting a religious building conservative clothing is a sign of respect and will be greatly appreciated.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact us or for current travel information please visit the British Foreign and Commonwealth office website.
Drugs are strictly prohibited in Sri Lanka and Drug smuggling does carry a Death Sentence.