Yes, a visa of some kind is required for everyone before they may travel to or visit Sri Lanka. However, obtaining a Sri Lankan visa is generally simple for a significant number of individuals due to the availability of online applications (Electronic Travel Authorization) and applications made in person at the airport. As they are ineligible for the ETA, or visa on arrival, a smaller set of nations must apply for a Sri Lankan visa at an embassy.

If you need information on the different visa fees for Sri Lanka, you can check this out at the Department of Immigration and Emigration website.

To complete the Departure & Arrival cards online. Please visit.

The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil.

English is fairly widely spoken throughout the country, however, you shouldn't assume that everyone can speak the language.

The currency used throughout the country is the Sri Lankan rupee. Mastercard and Visa are widely used where credit cards are accepted as payment.

You can check the current exchange rates on the Central Bank of Sri Lanka website.

Internet access is good in most major areas of Sri Lanka. Wi-Fi is available at most restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and malls, although you’ll find gaps in service in remote areas and villages.

Travelers can purchase SIM cards at the airport, but we suggest you check with your home cellular provider to know what your options are, as you might be able to get an affordable roaming plan with your current provider.

Avoid drinking tap water in Sri Lanka. Although it's generally chlorinated and safe to drink, the unfamiliar microorganisms it contains (compared with what you're used to at home) can easily precipitate a stomach upset.

If you’re visiting the west and the beaches on the south coast, the best time to travel is from December to March. The east coast experiences a slightly different weather pattern, so the best time to visit is from April to September. If you plan to go to Yala National Park, make sure you avoid September, as the park is usually closed for conservation efforts.

Since Sri Lanka is a small country, driving is the best way to get to most regions. Goway passengers will travel by private vehicle or bus if taking a group tour. To travel from Colombo to Badulla or Kandy to the tea plantation area and Ella, it is common to take the train. And if you wish to book your train ride, you can login to the Sri Lanka Railways Department's Online Train Seat Reservation website.

Sri Lanka is family-friendly and considered to be very safe. There are a lot of activities for families such as elephant and leopard safaris in the national parks, visiting pristine beaches, or exploring cultural sites.

Due to the country's conservative and traditional beliefs, we advise LGBTQ travelers to be discreet.

Tamil Thai Pongal Day takes place in January, usually on January 14. The national holiday takes place on February 4. Sinhala and Tamil New Year’s Eve is in April each year, typically April 13 or April 14, while New Year’s Day is usually April 14 or April 15.

Because of Sri Lanka’s position close to the Equator, temperatures are fairly constant year-round. Naturally, temperatures decrease with altitude. At night in the hill country, it can be chilly. In the daytime, humidity is high everywhere.

The cuisine of Sri Lanka is known for being hot and spicy. In fact, many Sri Lankan dishes are considered by many to be among the hottest in the world in terms of chili content. Many traditional meals allow for the liberal use of different chilies, including amu miris (Serrano/Green Chili), kochni miris (Capsicum Hot Pepper), and maalu miris(Capsicum) and nai miris (Scotch bonnet). Recognizing that these meals may be too hot for the average tourist, most tourist regions offer low-spice versions of local favorites.