Visa to Sri Lanka

Important Information for Travelers to Sri Lanka

Emergency Contacts:

Travel Safety Tips:

  • Always keep your passport with you; avoid leaving it as collateral.
  • Be cautious with personal items in crowded areas and on public transport.
  • When calling emergency services, provide your name and location, and ask for the operator’s name.

Before You Travel:

  • Ensure all personal information in your passport is accurate and that the passport is undamaged.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.

Recommended Documents to Carry:

Make photocopies of key documents, like your passport, driver’s license, and travel vouchers, and keep them separate from originals.

Health and Safety Precautions:

  • Always have medical insurance. Hospital fees in Sri Lanka can be high.
  • Stick to bottled or factory-sealed water; avoid unboiled tap water and street food that may not be well-cleaned.
  • For long stays, consider vaccinations for typhoid, hepatitis, and tetanus.

Local Etiquette and Dress Code:

  • Dress modestly, especially in temples and public places. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • Avoid appearing intoxicated in public places.
  • In Buddhist temples, do not turn your back to statues of the Buddha.

Currency and Customs Rules:

  • Currency: You may carry up to US$10,000 without declaration.
  • Alcohol/Tobacco: Limit to 2 liters of alcohol and 200 cigarettes.
  • For valuable items like jewelry, declare them upon arrival.
  • For antiques or rare items (e.g., coral, shells), check export restrictions.

Safety in Public Spaces:

  • Avoid accepting drinks or cigarettes from strangers.
  • If threatened, hand over valuables instead of resisting.

E-Visa Application Process:

  • Apply online on the official Sri Lanka e-Visa website up to 6 months before travel.
  • Upload required documents, pay online, and track the application.
  • Once approved, print your e-Visa for arrival.

Visa Fees:

  • 30-Day Single Entry: Free on arrival for certain tourists.
  • 6-Month Visa: $75 for multiple entries (60 days stay).
  • 1-Year Visa: $200 (90 days stay).

Final Checklist:

  • Confirm all necessary documents are prepared.
  • Ensure you have a migration card filled out (usually given on the plane or fillable online three days before arrival).

For more detailed information, consult the official Sri Lanka Visa Application Centre.