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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.

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 and English throughout the country, with few exceptions.

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.

Sri Lanka is a safe destination to travel to and one of the most picturesque countries on earth. The country is at peace, and we are experiencing record numbers of visitors, as Sri Lanka is considered one of the few “unspoilt” destinations in Asia. Our tours are conducted in areas 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. Please visit our news page for the latest updates.

According to accepted norms of travel, you should deposit your valuables like money, passport, tickets, and jewelry in the hotel safe deposit locker. In accordance with international customs, the hotels in Sri Lanka are not responsible for objects lost in the room. You should also not leave your valuables unattended on the beach, balconies, or terraces.

Never leave your money or passport in your backpack or suitcase. Always keep a record of your Travelers Cheque numbers separately from the Travelers Cheques. It is wise to keep an amount of money (about USD 200) stashed away separately from your money belt or pouch.

Sri Lanka has an effective healthcare system, which is considered a model for most developing countries across the world. However, emergency medical facilities may not be found outside the 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 traveling 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, chikungunya, and malaria are common. It’s advised you take adequate protection against mosquitoes. 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 to take adequate health insurance coverage when traveling to Sri Lanka.

‘Halal’ food is quite scarce in major hotels. The Galadari and Holiday Inn in Colombo serve halal food, as well as a couple of hotels on the west coast. There are quite a few restaurants in Colombo and Kandy, but not much else. The best bet is to order seafood instead of meat to be on the safe side.

Credit cards are widely used and accepted by local establishments (even in small towns). The most widely used card types are Visa and MasterCard, with Amex to a lesser extent. It would be a convenient option to use your Credit Card (valid for international use).

Due to currency regulations in Sri Lanka, credit card charges cannot be made in foreign currency. Local tourist establishments (including Dream Vacations) will apply the daily exchange rate on the day of your payment and convert the foreign exchange rate to Sri Lankan Rupees. Please use the exchange rate indicated in the currency converter only as a guideline, as we will apply the prevailing bank exchange rate at the time of the transaction.

Climatically, the best and driest seasons are from December to March on the West & South Coasts and in the hill country, and from May to September in the East Coast. Sri Lanka is subject to two monsoons: the rainy season in the East coincides with the dry season in the South and West coasts and vice versa. This means Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, and there is always a “right” season somewhere on the island.

Out-of-season travel has its advantages. Not only do the crowds go away, but many airfares and accommodation prices go lower, with many special offers thrown in. On the coast, the average temperature is about 27°C. The temperature rapidly falls with altitude. At Kandy (altitude 450m), the average temperature is 20°C, and at Nuwara Eliya (altitude 1,890m), it drops to around 16°C.

Sri Lankan hotels have two types of plug bases: either the UK (Type G) or India (Type D).

Note: Do not confuse this with the larger 15 Amp plug, which is used for “heavy duty” appliances like air-conditioners and microwave ovens.

If you have a rectangular plug (UK – Type G) and the hotel base is round pin (India – Type D) or vice versa, just ask the reception to send you an adapter, which will solve the problem. Alternatively, adapters are freely available in supermarkets or hardware shops.
If you have a Euro plug (Type C), you can stick a pen into the Earth socket (either UK Type G or India Type D) to open the shutters and insert the plug. Do not forget to switch off the power before you do this.

The Type I plug (two slanted pins) used in countries such as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of China is not compatible with Sri Lankan plug bases and needs an adapter. It’s better to bring a “Universal Adapter” if you have this type of plug. You can also find adapters for Type I plugs in local hardware shops.

Word of caution: Do not insert a 110V ~ 120V appliance (e.g., a hairdryer) into a Sri Lankan 240V plug base; you might risk catching fire or harming yourself.

It depends on your destination and type of holiday (Wildlife / Buddhist Pilgrimage / Leisure, etc.) and the season of travel. In general, we recommend loose-fitting cotton clothes (or some form of breathable modern fabrics).

Also, make sure to bring some long sleeves since you need to cover your knees and shoulders when entering Buddhist & Hindu Temples in Sri Lanka. Make sure to pack your sunblock cream and some warm clothes if you stay 2–3 nights in central highlands, especially in Nuwara Eliya (10–15°C).

It depends on your activities and the season of travel. Ceylon Expeditions’ travel consultant will advise you on the best time considering your interests. The favorable months are usually December–March for the West Coast and South Coast, and from April–September for the ancient cities and the East Coast.
The northeast monsoon is from November–March, and the southwest monsoon is from June–October.

The places with some active nightlife are Colombo, Negombo, and Hikkaduwa:

• Colombo:
  • Has decent pubs, nightclubs, karaoke lounges, and bars.
  • There is a growing pub culture among the young crowd.
  • Friday and Saturday nights are the key days for all-night partying.
  • The casinos offer a combination of live entertainment, food, and games of chance.
• Negombo and Hikkaduwa:
  • Negombo: Known for good beach restaurants and bars, but doesn’t have much of a party scene.
  • Hikkaduwa: Hosts regular beach parties and is a vibrant spot for nightlife.

• Permission:
  • Ask permission before taking photographs of people and respect their wishes if they refuse.
  • Minority groups, in particular, may not want their photos taken.
  • Avoid paying for the right to take photos, as it encourages a begging mentality.
• Sharing Photos:
  • If you take photos of locals, send copies back (via tour leaders or directly to the village) so the people can receive them.
  • Locals enjoy seeing themselves in photos, which fosters a positive attitude toward photography.
• Video Cameras:
  • In some areas (e.g., small villages, homestays, or trekking locations), video recording is not allowed.
  • This is due to requests from local people. Travelers should practice courtesy and discretion.
• Sacred Places and Temples:
  • Always ask permission before taking photos inside temples or other sacred places.
  • Prohibited photography:
    • Inside the cave temple complex at Dambulla.
    • Using flash on murals or frescoes (e.g., at Sigiriya) as it can damage them.
• Etiquette:
  • Never pose beside or in front of a Buddha statue (e.g., with your back to the statue) as it is considered extremely disrespectful.
  • Never take photos of a monk without asking permission.
• Military and Restricted Areas:
  • Avoid photographing dams, airports, roadblocks, or anything related to the military.
  • Don’t carry a camera around Colombo Fort.

• Hoppers:
  • A must-try Sri Lankan breakfast.
  • These bowl-shaped pancakes are made from fermented rice flour, crispy on the edges, and soft in the center.
  • Variations include:
    • Egg Hoppers: Topped with an egg.
    • Plain Hoppers: Served with a variety of chutneys and curries.

Kottu Roti: The Ultimate Street Food Experience

Kottu Roti is one of the most popular and iconic dishes in Sri Lanka. This traditional dish consists of shredded roti bread, vegetables, and your choice of meat or seafood, all stir-fried together on a hot griddle. The sound of metal spatulas chopping up the ingredients is part of the charm and adds to the overall experience.

Pol Sambol: A Versatile Coconut Relish

Pol Sambol is a popular condiment in Sri Lanka, often eaten with bread, rice, or hoppers. This simple yet delicious coconut relish is made from grated coconut mixed with chili flakes, red onions, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. It adds a burst of flavor and a hint of heat to any dish it accompanies.

Watalappan: Indulge in a Traditional Dessert

Watalappan is a traditional Sri Lankan dessert that is smooth, creamy, and full of aromatic flavors. It is made from jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), coconut milk, eggs, and spices such as cardamom and nutmeg. This steamed custard-like pudding is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Rice and Curry: A Delicious Feast of Flavors

No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without trying the famous rice and curry. This staple dish features a mound of fragrant rice served with an assortment of curries. The explosion of flavors will undoubtedly delight your taste buds.

Fish Ambul Thiyal: Tangy and Spicy Fish Curry

Fish Ambul Thiyal is a famous fish curry from Sri Lanka, known for its tangy and spicy flavors. The dish features chunks of fish cooked with a blend of spices, including dried goraka (a sour fruit), which gives it its distinctive sour taste.