Things to Know Before Travelling to Sri Lanka
Facts
Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (Administrative), Colombo (Commercial)
Population: 22,889,000 (2023 estimate)
Language: Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages of Sri Lanka, with Sinhala spoken by the majority and Tamil predominantly spoken in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. English is widely used for government and business purposes.
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Visas
Citizens of most countries require a visa to enter Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka offers an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for tourism, business, and transit purposes, making it easy for travellers to apply online before arrival. The ETA is valid for stays up to 30 days and can be extended for up to 90 days.
Visitors from countries in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region often benefit from reduced ETA fees. Nationals of Singapore, Maldives, and Seychelles are granted visa-free entry for short stays.
The ETA can also be obtained on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, but applying in advance is recommended to avoid delays. Required documents include a valid passport (with at least six months’ validity), a return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay.
For longer stays or specialised purposes such as work or study, travellers must apply for a visa at the nearest Sri Lankan embassy or consulate.
It’s always advisable to check the latest visa requirements on the official Sri Lanka Immigration and Emigration website before travelling.
Best time to visit
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year and two distinct monsoon seasons. The best time to visit depends on which part of the country you plan to explore.
Dry Season (December to March and May to September):
From December to March, the southwest (including Colombo, Galle, and the Hill Country) experiences its dry season, making it the ideal time to visit the beaches of the south and west coasts or explore the central highlands.
From May to September. the northeast, including Trincomalee, Jaffna, and Arugam Bay, enjoys dry weather, perfect for surfing, diving, and beach holidays.
Daytime temperatures average between 26°C and 30°C in the lowlands, while the central highlands, such as Nuwara Eliya, are cooler, with daytime highs of around 20°C.
Wet/Monsoon Season (April to November):
Southwest Monsoon (May to September) brings rain to the southwest and central regions, including Colombo and Galle. However, the northeast remains mostly dry.
Northeast Monsoon (October to January) sees the northeast coast, including Trincomalee and Jaffna, experiencing rain, while the southwest has drier conditions.
The monsoon seasons are ideal for exploring Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes, waterfalls, and cultural sites. Though rain can be frequent, it’s usually short-lived and followed by sunny skies. This is also the low season, offering fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices.
Top Things to Do in Sri Lanka
Prices in Sri Lanka
Accommodation
2,000–3,000 Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) (approximately US$6–$9) per night (budget hostels)
6,000–8,000 LKR (approximately US$18–$24) per night (budget guesthouse or homestay)
Food & Drink
300–500 LKR (approximately US$1–$1.50) per person (local eateries or street food)
100–300 LKR (approximately US$0.30–$1) per person (soft drink or tea)
Transportation
20–150 LKR (approximately US$0.06–$0.50) per person (short local bus journey fare)
8,000–12,000 LKR (approximately US$25–$35) per day (private care with driver)
Activities
4,500–8,500 LKR (approximately US$15–$25) per entry (national parks)
4,000–7,000 LKR (approximately US$12–$22) per person per session (cooking class)
