FAQs for Visiting Sri Lanka

• What are the visa requirements needed, when visiting sri lanka?
  When visiting Sri Lanka, all travellers who are on business travel or on holiday must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). For Business Purpose Visa you may apply at the Head Office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration and the Sri Lankan Overseas Missions.
• What is electronic travel authorization (eta)?

  The ETA is an authorised body for Short Visits to Sri Lanka and is issued through its on-line system.

  An ETA is needed if your intention is to visit Sri Lanka as a Tourist, for Business or on Transit. No documentation, photographs or passport copies needed to apply and obtain for the same. The applicants will be given a “30 day short visit visa” at the port of entry in Sri Lanka.

  To apply and gain more information visit: www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/

• How much does the eta cost?

  For a citizen from SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries, the non-refundable processing fee for a visa with double entry for 30days will cost USD 15. Every other nation that does not belong to SAARC will be charged USD 30. Children (below 12yrs) are exempt from ETA fee.

  To apply and gain more information visit: www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/

• Once the 30 days are over, how can i get an extension on my visa?

  You can apply for an extended visa from Sri Lankan Embassy or consulate from your country prior to arrival. You may also apply from the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo 10.

• What is the best time to visit sri lanka?

  Sri Lanka is a beautiful tropical island with a sunny climate all year long, except for monsoon seasons that results in continuous showers. Following are best times to visit Sri Lanka;

  IDEAL TIME

  • January to April (Entire Country)
  • Mid-July to September (Entire Country) 
  • February to September (North and East)

  MONSOON SEASON

  • May to July (South West Monsoon)
  • October to January (North East Monsoon)

  BEACH SEASON

  • January to April (South)
  • May to July (East)

  WILDLIFE

  • December to April (Bundala National Park - Birds) (South coast - whales)
  • November to April (Kalpitiya - Dolphins)
  • July to September (The cultural Triangle) 
    (The gathering of the elephants) 
    (Yala/Wilpattu - Leopards)

• What is the time difference in sri lanka?

  Sri Lanka Standard Time is five and a half hours ahead of GMT.

• What are the payment modes in sri lanka?

  The local currency is Sri Lankan Rupee (Rs. and LKR). The currency denominations are as follows; 

  Coins : 5 cent, 10 cent, 25 cent, 50 cent, 1 Rupee, 2 Rupee, 5 Rupee and 10 Rupee 

  Notes : 10 Rupee, 20 Rupee, 50 Rupee, 100 Rupee, 200 Rupee, 500 Rupee, 1000 Rupee, 2000 Rupee and 5000 Rupee 

  Apart from that most hotels, restaurants and shopping centres accept credit cards. The most widely used card types are Visa and MasterCard, with Amex to a lesser extent. Some establishments may try to add a surcharge, be warned it is illegal. 

  Wherever you go, be sure to carry money in small denominations to make life easy for you during travelling.

• What language will people understand?

  While Sinhala and Tamil become the official languages in Sri Lanka, English is widely spoken in all parts of the country with few exceptions. Travelling around the country is very convenient since most of the signboards and shop names are both written in native languages and in English. Apart from that if a need arise we can assign guides for the entire tour who are fluent in English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Italian languages, ensuring a smooth holiday in Sri Lanka.

• What is the country code and how do i dial area codes?

  Sri Lanka's country code is 94. If you need to take an overseas call, you'll have to dial '00'.

  For more information visit: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephone_numbers_in_Sri_Lanka.

• Will i be able to use my debit and credit card, in case of cash shortage?

  Yes you are able to. ATM’s are available in main cities and you are able to withdraw cash against VISA/Mastercard. But it’s advisable to ensure the usage validity of your credit/debit card by contacting your bank.

• What are the general working hours and days?

  Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 0900hrs to 1500hrs. But selected main branches are open on Saturday until 1300hrs. ATM’s can be accessed 24/7.

   

  Government offices are open from Monday to Friday from 0930hrs to 1700hrs

   

  Many of the shops are generally open by 1000hrs and closes by 2000hrs, but some open at 9000hrs and stay opened till 2100hrs.

   

  All organisations and shops are closed on Sunday’s and Full moon Poya days.

• What are the emergency contact points?

  Police Emergency Hotline	118 / 119
  Ambulance / Fire & rescue	110
  Accident Service-General Hospital-Colombo	011-2691111
  Police Emergency	011-2433333
  Government Information Centre	1919
  Report Crimes	011-2691500
  Emergency Police Mobile Squad	011-5717171
  Fire & Ambulance Service	011-2422222