Why we love Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka draws you in through the senses. The air smells of jasmine, tea and wood smoke; palm trees rattle in the breeze and curry leaves crackle in roadside pans. Trains wind through the hills, waves break against empty beaches and life hums gently in between. Small in size but endlessly layered, it’s an island that gets under your skin. This guide shares everything you need to know before you go.
Entry requirements
UK citizens require a visa to enter Sri Lanka. For stays under 30 days, you can apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) via the official government website. Applications are usually processed within 24–48 hours.
If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa extension in Colombo or through your nearest Sri Lankan consulate before travel. We recommend applying at least one week before departure.
Please check your local travel advice if travelling from outside the UK, and get in touch with our Operations Team if you have any questions.
Health and medical
We are not certified to give medical advice, but we recommend you consult your doctor about your vaccination history and discuss any further vaccinations you may need for your trip. We recommend this website for travel vaccination information and advice on bringing medication into the country.
During the monsoon season, be cautious of mosquito-borne illnesses such as Chikungunya. Use strong insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and sleep under mosquito nets where provided.
Getting around
Sri Lanka is the perfect place to explore by car, with so much to see along the way. We are able to arrange all your transfers for you – just let us know your flight number, and we’ll plan the route and confirm the cost. For multi-stop trips, we can also coordinate transfers between hotels or regions for a seamless journey.
Baggage
We strongly recommend that you carry overnight essentials and any medication in your hand luggage, particularly if connecting to an onward destination, in the event of lost luggage or delays.
Climate
Pack for heat and humidity – light-weight cotton clothing is ideal. Up in the hill country nights can be chilly, so taking a light woollen top is advisable. Away from the beach the dress code is conservative, so we suggest wearing loose, long clothing.
Sri Lanka enjoys warm temperatures year-round, averaging 27–30°C along the coasts and slightly cooler inland. The island’s two monsoon seasons mean there’s always somewhere with sunshine:
South and West Coasts (Colombo, Galle): Best from November to March.
East Coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay): Best from March to September.
Hill Country (Kandy, Ella, Nuwara Eliya): Cooler and mistier year-round; pack a light jumper for evenings.
Laws and customs
Take a look at Sri Lanka’s laws and customs here.
Sri Lankans are famously warm and welcoming, but it’s important to be respectful of local customs, particularly those tied to Buddhism.
– Always remove shoes and hats before entering temples.
– Cover your shoulders and knees.
– Never pose for photographs with your back to a religious statue.
– Touching monks is considered disrespectful.
Religious festivals: Every full moon day is a religious holiday known as Poya, during which the sale of alcohol is prohibited. You may still drink alcohol purchased beforehand in private. See a list of Poya days here.
Money matters
The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). ATMs and currency exchange offices are easy to find in towns and cities, though less so in rural areas. We recommend carrying a mix of cash and card, and bringing some USD for tips or emergencies. Most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops accept credit and debit cards.
Tipping
Tipping is a common and appreciated practice in Sri Lanka. While not obligatory, it’s a great way to acknowledge good service. Here’s our recommended guide for tipping:
Chauffeur-guides: $15 per day (more for multi-day tours).
Hotel porters: Around $2 per bag.
Housekeeping: $2–3 per night.
Restaurants: 10% of the bill (often included as a service charge).
Drivers for short transfers: $5–10 depending on the distance.
Always tip in cash, preferably in USD or Sri Lankan Rupees.
Practicalities
Plug type: Sri Lanka uses both Type G (UK-style, 3 square pins) and Type D (3 round pins) plugs.
Flights and time zone: Flights from London to Colombo take around 10 to 11 hours direct. Some routes include a stopover in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Oman – which can be extended into a mini city break. Sri Lanka’s time zone is GMT +5.5, and it does not observe daylight saving time.
Language: The national languages are Sinhala and Tamil, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Here are a few helpful phrases to try:
Hello – Ayubowan
Thank you – Istuti
Please – Karunakarala
Yes / No – Ow / Naa
How much is this? – Me ka keeyada?
Excuse me / Sorry – Sama venna
Where is the bathroom? – Lavatory koheda?
Food and drink
Sri Lanka’s cuisine is vibrant, colourful and full of spice. Expect plenty of rice, coconut and fresh seafood flavoured with local herbs and aromatic curries. Sri Lanka is also one of the world’s most vegetarian and vegan-friendly countries, and alcohol is widely available in hotels and restaurants, though not sold on Poya days.
Here are a few dishes to try on your trip:
Egg Hoppers: A crisp, bowl-shaped pancake with an egg in the middle, often eaten for breakfast.
Kottu Roti: A stir-fry made with chopped flatbread, vegetables, egg, and meat or tofu.
Rice and Curry: A staple meal of spiced curries served with rice, sambals, and pickles.
Devilled Seafood: A fiery dish made with prawns or cuttlefish, perfect with a cold beer.
Always drink bottled or filtered water even for brushing your teeth.
Keep connected
Most travellers choose to use a local SIM card or e-SIM for easy internet access. The main providers are Dialog and Mobitel and have good nationwide coverage. We can help arrange a SIM card in advance or our representatives can assist you on arrival at Colombo Airport. Alternatively, we recommend Airlao for purchasing an e-SIM in advance.