Visa

Do I require a Visa?
Yes, entry visa is required to visit Sri Lanka; visa can be obtained online http://www.immigration.gov.lk . Your passport must be valid 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Sri Lanka. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and obtain your Visa, if necessary. As with all foreign travel, it is wise to take a copy of the details page of your passport..

Health & Safety

What vaccinations do I require?
Please consult your doctor for up to date information before you travel.

What are the other medication should I take to the Sri Lanka?
It is advised for you to share your disabilities & conditions with your travel agent when making your booking and bring along any devices you could depend on. Take with you a good supply of all medications you are dependent on, with a valid prescription in case Customs requests for clarifications or if you need to refill. We strongly recommend that you consult your personal physician who will be in the best position to advice you on your travel health.

In case of emergency will there be a doctor in the Hotel?
Most hotels will have a first aid center and, there are many hospitals in and around the City Colombo and other major cities if required.

What are the other health precautions that I should take?
Avoid drinking tap water, bottled water is strongly recommended.

Do I need to take precautions against mosquitoes?
As with all tropical countries, you need to apply mosquito repellent.

Is it safe travel in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka had a conflict for over 25 years. A lot of negative publicity was given in some media and press, as to how dangerous it was to travel to Sri Lanka. What you must remember is that, throughout the conflict, not one single tourist was injured or killed. From May 2009, the conflict ended and Sri Lanka is now at peace.

Do I need travel Insurance?
To avoid or minimize the risk that can occur during your holiday, it is best to obtain travel insurance. It is a small price to pay for undesired outcomes and for a peace of mind.

What is the weather like?
Sri Lanka enjoys a tropical climate. There are no seasonal variations. There are two bi-annual monsoons South West and North East.

What clothes do I need to take?
Sri Lanka is a tropical and a warm country, so light cotton or linen clothing is best. It can be chilly in Nuwara Eliya (the hill country) at night, a sweater or a fleece is recommended.
Women are advised to dress modestly when in general public. Everyone entering a religious place such as Temples, Kovils and Mosques are required to be dressed respectfully and modestly. Socks are a good idea for walking around places such as Polonnaruwa – the ground can be extremely hot for bare feet. Modern attire is acceptable if you are going to a night club, pubs and inside the hotels as long as you avoid general public.

Where can I change money?
You can purchase Sri Lankan Rupees in any bank or authorized money exchange. Banks in towns are generally open from 9am to 3pm, Mon-Fri, few banks has its branches open till 8 pm during weekends and public holidays. ATMs accepting Visa and MasterCard are widely available in cities and towns.

Can I use credit cards to pay for meals in hotels?
Most international credit cards are accepted at major establishments including almost all major hotels.

What language do they speak?
Sinhala is the official language. Tamil is spoken by about 18% of the population. Majority of people in the Colombo speak English or at least understand the language. When you move away from Colombo you may find less people speaking and understanding English. However this will not be an issue as hotel staff and your driver/guide can speak and understand English.

Can I drive in Sri Lanka?
An international driving license is required - A local driving licence is also required which can be obtained from the AA in Colombo. Vehicles drive on the left . Driving is not for the faint-hearted as there are so many pedestrians, bikes, motorbikes, cars, lorries, tuku tuku, buses as well as cows, all doing the unexpected!

Can I bargain while shopping in Sri Lanka?
Bargaining is quite common in Sri Lanka if you shop from a bazaars/markets or small street shops. However the prices are fixed in some larger shops and shopping centers.

Where is the airport?
All international flights arrive at Colombo International Airport, known as Bandaranaike International Airport located at Katunayake on the west coast, about an hour’s drive north of Colombo and 30 minutes south of Negombo.

What if my flight is delayed when arriving in Sri Lanka?
During the booking process we obtain your flight details. We will check the flight schedules for any delays and will ensure you are collected at the Kataunayake airport upon your arrival.

What if my flight is delayed when departing Sri Lanka?
If your flight is delayed, this is looked after by the airline and also by your travel insurance. Airlines usually provide accommodation during longer delays.

Can I use my mobile phone in Sri Lanka?
Yes, you have the option of using your roaming facility or buying a local SIM, If you are staying in Sri Lanka for longer periods, it would be better to consider purchasing a Sri Lankan SIM card.

Can I get Internet Access?
Most hotels offer Internet Wi-Fi, and Internet cafes exist in Colombo and most towns and cities, connection speeds can be very slow though outside Colombo.

What opportunities are there for photography?
There are so many opportunities for photography whether it is of scenes of everyday life by the roadside, spectacular vistas or of the amazing wildlife. Do please take a memory card of sufficient size as you will find you will take so many photographs. It would also be a good idea to bring some small binoculars to view the wildlife in the National Parks as with all wild animals, you will only be able to view them from a distance.

Can I take photos at all the attractions I will be visiting?
You can take photos of most of the attractions. Your guide will advise you if you are not able to take photos at certain locations. It is always best to clarify this with your guide.

Can I bring wines and spirits into Sri Lanka?
You are allowed to bring in 1.5 leters of wines and spirits per person.