Sri Lanka Travel FAQs

  Do I need a visa to enter Sri Lanka?

Yes, you will need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. In addition, if you intend visiting Sri Lanka on a short visit,you will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to arrival.

  What is an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) ?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an official authorization for a Short Visit to Sri Lanka and is issued through an on-line system. You need to obtain an ETA if you intend visiting Sri Lanka as a Tourist, on Business or on Transit. No passport copies, documents or photographs are required to obtain the ETA. ETA holders will be issued a 30 day Short Visit visa at the port of entry in Sri Lanka.

  Am I required to obtain an ETA?

Nationals of all countries with the exception of citizens of countries mentioned below are required to obtain an ETA to visit Sri Lanka.

Nationals of following countries who visit Sri Lanka for a Short visit up to 30 days are exempt from obtaining an ETA;

• The Republic of Singapore
• The Republic of Maldives
• The Republic of Seychelles

  How much does the ETA cost?

The non-refundable ETA processing fee for a Tourist visa with Double Entry for 30 days for citizens of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries will cost US$ 15, all other countries will cost US$ 30. Children below 12 years of age are exempt from the ETA fee.

A complete list of ETA processing fees could be obtained from the ETA website.

  How do I apply for the ETA?

You can submit the ETA application online through the ETA website. Select the language, click ‘Apply’ and follow the instructions.
Other options for you to apply are;

• By Third party
• By Registered agents
• At Sri Lanka Overseas Missions
• At the head office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DI&E), Colombo
• On arrival at the port of entry in Sri Lanka

  My holiday is over 30 days, how can I obtain an extension to my visa?

You can either apply and obtain an extended visa from a Sri Lankan Embassy/ Consulate from your country of residence prior to arrival in Sri Lanka or get an extension from the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo 10. This procedure will take about 2-3 hours, and you will have to give a bona fide reason for staying over 30 days. If you are staying in a resort for a long period, the staff will be able to help you with the application.

  What Language will people understand?

Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages in Sri Lanka. English is a ‘link’ language and generally understood by most people and is easy to get by. Off the beaten track knowledge of it thins. English is spoken at all hotels, major restaurants and shops. Tourslanka provides guides in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian and Japanese languages to foreign visitors requiring assistance. Road signs are written both in Sinhalese & English throughout the country, with few exceptions.

  How are telephone facilities in the country

Telephone facilities are available extensively throughout the country. Telephone bureaus are quite common with most offering IDD and internet facilities. You could get assistance from our guide to purchase a data SIM for internet access. IDD facilities are available in most tourist hotels.

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

Dialling in – Sri Lanka’s country code is 94, (E.g. If you need to call a number in Colombo, dial +94 11 2XXXXXX). If you are calling a mobile number, you dial the number after the country code (E.g. dialling a Dialog number, dial +94 77X XXXXXX).
Dialling within/ out – If you need to take an overseas call, you’ll have to dial ’00’. You do not have to dial the area code if you are within the area. However, the area code must be dialled if you want to take an outstation call (e.g. calling within Colombo, dial 2XXXXXX, Calling Kandy from Colombo, dial 081 22XXXXX).

  What mobile technology is supported in Sri Lanka?

All mobile operators support the GSM technology on GSM 900/ 1800 bands. WAP & GPRS is widely supported. 4G and wireless broadband is available in Colombo. Wifi zones are available in selected spots in major towns.

  Can I purchase a local mobile connection while on holiday?

It’s a good option to purchase a local SIM card and top up cards while you are on holiday. The mobile call rates are relatively cheap for both local and IDD calls. There are many mobile operators in the country (E.g. Dialog, Mobitel, Etisalat, Hutch etc.,). Dialog has a counter at the Colombo Airport and you can obtain a connection on arrival. A Dialog connection will cost about Rupees 1500. Top up cards are freely available island-wide. You can buy top-up cards for denominations of Rupees 100, 400 & 1000. Be sure that your phone is `dual band’ and unlocked.

  Can I access the internet freely?

Most hotels provide internet facilities. There are internet cafes in most towns with WIFI connection. Connections in smaller towns will be slow. The average cost of surfing in a Cyber Café is about US$ .50 per hour. Many large 5 star and some boutique hotels provide Wifi facilities.

  Is it Safe to Travel to Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is quite a safe destination to travel and one of the most picturesque countries on earth. The country is at peace and we are experiencing record a record number of visitors; as Sri Lanka is considered one of the few ‘un-spoilt’ destinations in Asia . Our tours are conducted in areas which are considered safe for tourists to visit. Many of our clients have become friends and cannot wait to return to their ‘second home’, feeling safe and secure in our care.

  What health issues must I be concerned with?

Sri Lanka has an effective health care system which is considered a model for most developing countries across the world. However, emergency medical facilities may not be found outside main cities. You may have to be brought to Colombo for treatment. We recommend you use the private sector hospitals, which are likely to offer better care.

It is mandatory for those travelling to Sri Lanka from Africa or Latin America to have a valid certificate of vaccination for Yellow fever and Meningitis prior to arrival in Sri Lanka. You need up-to-date Hepatitis A, Polio and Tetanus shots.

Mosquito borne diseases like dengue, chckengunya and malaria are common. It’s advised you take adequate protection against mosquitos. Take some Imodium tablets (just in case you get an upset stomach).

Almost every town has a pharmacy selling common medicines. However, we advise you to carry any special medication as the availability of medical supplies may vary. You are strongly advised you take an adequate health insurance cover when travelling to Sri Lanka.