Frequently Asked Questions before visiting Sri Lanka

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/

If you are a citizen of a SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) country, you may get amazing benefits.

• For the 30-day Double Entry Tourist Visa, you will be charged with only 20 USD Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) non-refundable processing fee.
• For the Multiple Entry 30-day Business Visa, the ETA charges will be 30 USD only.

If you are a citizen from Non-SAARC country, the 30-day Double Entry Tourist Visa ETA fee will be 35 USD and the Multiple Entry 30-day Business Visa ETA fee will be 40 USD.
To apply and gain more information visit: www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/

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.

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)

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

230, 240 volts, 50 cycles AC. It is best if you can bring a stabilizer.

Immunizations are not compulsory unless you are from an area that is identified as a red zone for yellow fever or cholera. (Cholera is not considered a serious risk since it’s reported occasionally in Sri Lanka) However, the following vaccinations are recommended, particularly if you plan a long trip or intend visiting remote areas:

• Typhoid (monovalent), Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies

• Children should, in addition, be protected against:

• diphtheria, whooping cough, mumps, measles, rubella

Remember to plan well ahead with vaccinations. Allow up to six weeks to receive the full course, for some vaccinations require more than one dose, and some should not be given together.

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.

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.

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: Wikipedia - Telephone numbers in Sri Lanka.

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.

• 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 organizations and shops are closed on Sunday’s and Full moon Poya days.

Following are the emergency contact points for your convenience.

Emergency Services	Telephone Number
Police Emergency Hotline	118 / 119
Ambulance / Fire & rescue	110
Accident Service-General Hospital-Colombo	011-2691111
Tourist Police	011-2421052
Police Emergency	011-2433333
Government Information Centre	1919
Report Crimes	011-2691500
Emergency Police Mobile Squad	011-5717171
Fire & Ambulance Service	011-2422222