Things to know before traveling to Sri Lanka

What is Sri Lankan Visa?

A Sri Lankan visa is an endorsement on a passport or a similar document to facilitate the legal entry of non Sri Lankans into the country and to regulate the period of their stay and the conditions governing such stay.

 

Types of Tourist Visas

• Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is the most common and convenient way to obtain a tourist visa for Sri Lanka. It allows you to apply for a visa online, eliminating the need for a physical visit to an embassy or consulate. The ETA is linked electronically to your passport and grants you a 30-day stay in Sri Lanka, which can be extended up to 180 days.

 

• Visa on Arrival

If you’re unable to apply for an ETA or prefer the traditional method, you can opt for a visa on arrival. This type of visa allows you to obtain the necessary visa upon your arrival at one of Sri Lanka’s designated entry points. However, it’s important to note that the visa on arrival process can be time-consuming, and there may be long queues at the immigration counters.

 

Sri Lanka is incredibly friendly country 

The locals in Sri Lanka are known for their warmth, kindness, and generosity, which goes beyond just being friendly. However, it is important to be wary of approaches that may lead to sales or scams. Overall, expect genuine smiles, interest in cultural exchange, and willingness to assist unfamiliar visitors.

 

Sri lanka is way more developed than you think.

Sri Lanka's compact size and dense population create an ideal environment for testing new technologies, ranging from hybrid vehicles to advanced communication networks and infrastructure development. Despite common misconceptions, the country is significantly more advanced than many visitors initially perceive.

 

Don’t let its size mislead you. There are so many things to do in Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lanka, despite its small size, offers a remarkable range of attractions. From beautiful beaches and lush jungles to vibrant cities and hidden alcoves, the island has it all. It is also home to numerous World Heritage sites and abundant wildlife, including elephants and leopards. The locals are friendly, the cuisine is delicious, and the island boasts a rich history and diverse cultures. With all these features, Sri Lanka is like a utopia in the Indian Ocean.

 

English is widely spoken around Sri Lanka. 

It is common to encounter individuals with varying proficiency levels in English when interacting with people during travels in Sri Lanka, where English is widely spoken as a basic level and is also one of the official languages. If faced with a language barrier, locals are usually willing to assist in finding someone who can communicate in English, so there is no need to worry.

 

When you are in Sri Lanka… 

 

• Preventing Upset Stomach

Proper food preparation is crucial in avoiding stomach upsets, with under-cooked fish and meat, as well as unwashed salads and peeled fruit, posing risks. Exercise caution with ice cream from street vendors and inexpensive restaurants, and be wary of refrigerated food during power outages in Sri Lanka, particularly outside urban areas.

 

• Water

It is advisable to avoid drinking tap water due to safety concerns, as boiling and filtering methods in some establishments may not be reliable, leading to the recommendation of consuming bottled water instead.

 

Various brands of bottled water are now accessible, typically sourced from spring water in the island's highlands, with emphasis on checking for SLS certification and ensuring the seal is intact until opened by the consumer.

 

Exercise caution with ice consumption unless its source is confirmed to be safe, and refrain from using tap water for rinsing after brushing teeth, as it is deemed unsafe.It is suggested to keep a bottle of water in the bathroom specifically for this purpose.

 

• Sunburn

Ensure to use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 when lounging on the beach or by the pool, especially since you are only 600 km away from the equator. Limit your sun exposure even with sunscreen to avoid painful sunburn, peeling skin, and the risk of dermatological issues.
 

• Heatstroke

Heatstroke, a condition often caused by dehydration, can occur when the body's heat-regulating mechanism weakens and the body temperature rises to dangerous levels. Symptoms include a high temperature, lack of sweat, flushed skin, severe headache, impaired coordination, and confusion. If you suspect someone has heat stroke, remove them from the sun, cover their body with a wet sheet or towel, and seek medical help. To prevent heatstroke, bring an ample supply of bottled water to the beach or purchase a thambili (king coconut) from a mobile vendor.

 

• Prickly Heat

Prickly heat rash develops when sweat glands are blocked due to prolonged exposure to heat or excessive sweating, resulting in small red bumps or blisters on areas like elbow creases, groin, upper chest, or neck. Treatment involves taking a cold shower, cleansing the rash with mild soap, drying the skin, applying hydrocortisone cream, and using a product with salicylic acid if available. This regimen should be repeated every three hours.

 

Sri Lankan Currency

The official currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee, which is divided into 100 cents. The currency notes available are Rs.5,000, Rs1,000, Rs500, Rs100, Rs50, and Rs20. It is important to be cautious and not mistake the Rs500 note for the similar-looking Rs100 note. 

To verify the authenticity of notes received outside of banks, look for a lion watermark. If you receive coins, they will be in denominations up to Rs10. It is advisable to carry lower denomination notes (Rs50, Rs100, Rs500) when traveling, as it can be difficult to get change for larger notes, except at hotels and major stores. This is especially important when purchasing small items, fruits, or having inexpensive meals.

 

Banks

Banks are open from 0900 hrs to 1500 hours Monday to Friday. Some city banks close at 1800 hrs, while some are open on Saturday mornings. It's easy to withdraw money across the island at ATMs using international credit cards or debit cards.
 

Credit Cards

Most hotels, restaurants and shopping centers accept credit cards. Some establishments may try to add a surcharge, which is illegal.

 

When To Visit

Sri Lanka is a round-the-year destination for the visitors who seek for sun and sea. The best time to visit the island is from November to April. The Southwestern coastal area, where most of the beach resorts are located.Kalpitiya, located in the western ( North Western)coast has been declared a new tourist attraction. Many development projects have also been planned such as hotels and other infrastructure to make the East a new tourist destination in Sri Lanka.

 

The central highlands are pleasantly cool and relatively dry from January to April. The peak season is mid December to mid January and March-April during Easter with a mini peak season in July and August when festivals and pageants are held throughout the country.

 

What To Wear

Cotton clothes are useful at any time of the year but you will need light woollens for the hills and waterproof clothing or an umbrella.Modest dress for women is advisable especially off the beach and when visiting religious sites. Don't forget comfortable shoes, sandals or trainers and cotton socks. If you are planning to trek and climb go prepared with suitable gear. Water sports enthusiasts would do well to take their snorkels and diving equipment along.

 

Getting There

Usually all visitors to Sri Lanka travel by air; flights arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport, 35 km north of Colombo, and 6 km from Negombo. A number of tour operators from UK and some West European cities offer good value package holidays throughout the year

 

Public Places

You may sometimes be overwhelmed by crowds of people in public places (railway stations, markets, bus stands, temples or simply busy streets). "Touts" and hawkers may jostle and push and clamour to show you a hotel and sell you things. Taxis and three - wheelers are often there when you do not need them.
 

Safety

In general the threats to personal security for travellers in Sri Lanka are remarkably small. It is more pleasant to travel with a companion as it is advised not to travel alone especially after dark. The island including the North and East is safe to visit. If you have anything stolen, report it to the tourist Police, ( a special tourist police set up to look after the needs of the tourists. Contact tel Number + 94 11 2382209

 

Where To Stay

Sri Lank Offers visitors an excellent range of accommodation facilities to suit all budgets from luxury hotels to low budget accommodations. In the peak season (mid-January and during Easter) bookings can be heavy so it is best to reserve accommodation well in advance through Tour operators/ travel agents, booking online and through our travel planner.

 

Drink

Sri Lankan ‘Ceylon’ tea is prepared as in the West and coffee too. There are a huge variety of bottled soft drinks, including well-known international brands. Thambili ( king coconut water )is a safe and refreshing option. Local beer and spirits are widely available. Bottled mineral water is available in 5 star hotels. Please note: Alcohol is not sold on Poya (full-moon day of the month) days.