Frequently Asked Questions

Most nationalities require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival. Citizens of the Maldives and Singapore are exempt and may enter visa-free. It is always best to check the latest requirements with the official Sri Lanka ETA portal or your country's embassy before you travel.

Apply online through the official Sri Lanka ETA website (eta.gov.lk) at least a few days before your trip. You will need a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond your travel dates), a return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodation details, and a credit/debit card for the fee. Approval is usually granted within 24 hours.

A standard tourist ETA permits a 30-day stay per entry, with the option to extend for up to 90 days total at the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo. Extensions are granted in 30-day increments.

Bring your passport (6+ months validity), your ETA approval letter (printed or on your phone), a return or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and accommodation details for your first night. Customs may ask for these at the port of entry.

Sri Lanka does not currently offer a general visa on arrival for most nationalities. A few countries participate in specific bilateral agreements, but the standard process is to obtain an ETA online before travel. Check with the Sri Lanka High Commission in your country for the latest information.

Sri Lanka has two distinct monsoon seasons that affect different coasts. December to March is peak season for the south and west coasts (Galle, Mirissa, Colombo) and the Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Kandy, Dambulla) — dry, sunny, and ideal. May to September is best for the east coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay) when that side is calm while the west receives rain. The hill country (Ella, Nuwara Eliya) is pleasant year-round, though April–August brings lighter crowds.

The South-West Monsoon (May to September) brings heavy rain to the west and south coasts, making beach holidays there less enjoyable. The North-East Monsoon (October to January) affects the east coast and northern regions. Neither is a hard barrier to travel — Sigiriya, Kandy, and the hill country are accessible year-round — but adjust your itinerary to match the dry side of the island.

We recommend a minimum of 7 days to cover the key highlights — Colombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, and the south coast. For a comprehensive experience that includes the hill country, wildlife, and east coast, allow 12–14 days. Our most popular package, the Classic Sri Lanka Circuit, is 10 days and covers all the must-sees at a comfortable pace.

Vesak (May, full moon) — the most important Buddhist festival, with lanterns and illuminations across the island. Kandy Esala Perahera (July/August) — a spectacular 10-day procession of elephants, dancers, and fire, considered one of Asia's great festivals. Sinhala & Tamil New Year (April 13–14) — the national new year, celebrated with family gatherings and traditional games. Deepavali (October/November) — the Hindu Festival of Lights, widely celebrated in the north and east.

Light, breathable clothing is essential — cotton and linen work best in the tropical heat and humidity. Pack loose-fitting shirts, shorts or lightweight trousers, and a couple of light layers for air-conditioned hotels and cooler hill-country evenings (Ella and Nuwara Eliya can drop to 10–15 °C at night). Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is required at temples, mosques, and sacred sites — a lightweight sarong or scarf is ideal for this.

Comfortable walking sandals or flip-flops for beaches and casual sightseeing; sturdy trainers or hiking shoes for Sigiriya Rock, Adam's Peak, or Knuckles trails. You will remove your shoes frequently at temples, so slip-ons save time and effort.

High-SPF sunscreen (50+), insect repellent with DEET, a personal first-aid kit with antihistamines, anti-diarrhoea tablets, and any prescription medication. Rehydration sachets are useful for hotter days. A reusable water bottle with a filter is handy — always drink bottled or filtered water. Pack hand sanitiser and wet wipes for outdoor excursions.

For a Yala or Minneriya safari, neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, green, beige) helps you blend in; avoid bright colours and white. For water activities (surfing, snorkelling, diving), a rash guard protects against sunburn. For Adam's Peak or Knuckles hiking, a headlamp and lightweight waterproof jacket are recommended. All specialist gear can be rented locally.

Sri Lanka uses Type D and G plugs (230V/50Hz). If your devices use different plug types, bring a universal travel adapter. A power bank is useful for long sightseeing days away from power outlets. Download Google Maps offline for the regions you are visiting — mobile data is inexpensive on a local SIM card.

The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the official currency. As a rough guide, 1 USD ≈ 300–320 LKR (rates fluctuate — check a live source before travel). Our tour prices are quoted in USD for convenience, and you can view them in your local currency using the currency selector on our website.

We accept bank transfer (international wire), online payment via invoice link (Visa, Mastercard), and cash payment in LKR or USD on arrival in Sri Lanka. A deposit is typically required to secure your booking; the balance is settled before or at the start of your tour. Full details are provided during the enquiry process.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and supermarkets in Colombo, Galle, and major tourist areas. In rural areas, small restaurants, local markets, and tuk-tuks almost exclusively accept cash. Always carry some LKR for day-to-day expenses.

ATMs (accepting Visa/Mastercard/Maestro) are widely available in Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Negombo, and most major towns — less so in rural areas. Bank-run ATMs (Commercial Bank, HNB, Sampath) typically offer the best rates. Currency exchange is available at the airport (convenient but not always the best rate), licensed money changers in Colombo Fort and tourist areas, and banks.

Tipping is not mandatory but is warmly appreciated. For drivers and guides, USD 5–10 per day per person is a thoughtful gesture. At restaurants, 10% is customary if service charge is not already included in the bill. Hotel porters and spa staff typically receive LKR 100–200 per service.

Sri Lanka is considered safe for tourists. The country has a very low violent crime rate towards foreigners. Standard travel precautions apply — keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, use registered taxis or apps like PickMe/Uber, and avoid displaying expensive jewellery or electronics in busy markets. The Foreign Office travel advisories for most Western nations rate Sri Lanka as safe to visit with normal precautions.

No vaccinations are mandatory for Sri Lanka (unless you are arriving from a yellow-fever endemic country). However, the following are commonly recommended by travel health clinics: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus/Diphtheria, and Rabies (if planning extended rural or wildlife travel). Malaria prophylaxis may be advised for certain northern and eastern regions. Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure.

Tap water in Sri Lanka is not recommended for drinking. Always drink bottled water (widely available and inexpensive) or use a water purification bottle/straw. Avoid ice in drinks at roadside stalls; ice at established hotels and restaurants is generally made from purified water.

Emergency number: 1990 (Suwa Sariya ambulance service). Government hospitals are free but can be busy; private hospitals in Colombo (Nawaloka, Lanka, Hemas) offer faster, higher-standard care and accept international patients. Always travel with comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Our drivers are briefed to assist with hospital transfers if needed.

Browse our packages, use the "Build Your Trip" planner to add destinations and activities, then submit an enquiry. You can also contact us directly via the contact page or WhatsApp. We will respond within a few hours to discuss your requirements, customise the itinerary, and provide a final quote.

Absolutely — customisation is our speciality. Every trip we arrange is tailored to your dates, budget, pace, and interests. Tell us what you love (wildlife, culture, beaches, adventure) and what you want to avoid, and we will build an itinerary around you. There is no extra fee for custom planning.

Inclusions vary by package. Typically included: private air-conditioned vehicle and driver, accommodation (hotel or boutique guesthouse), specified meals, entrance fees, and guided excursions. Typically excluded: international flights, travel insurance, personal shopping, and gratuities. Each package page lists inclusions and exclusions clearly.

Cancellations made more than 30 days before departure receive a full refund of the deposit. 15–30 days before: 50% of the deposit is retained. Less than 15 days before: the deposit is non-refundable. If Lanka Travels cancels due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. natural disaster, government travel advisory), a full refund or free reschedule is offered. We strongly recommend travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations.

Yes — airport transfers from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Negombo to any destination in Sri Lanka are one of our core services. Our driver will meet you at arrivals with a name board. Private, air-conditioned vehicles; no waiting for other passengers. Book this separately or as part of any package.