Visa Regulations & Entry Requirements for Sri Lanka

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Here you’ll find all the important information about visas and entry. Simple, clear, and stress-free!

Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Yes, most travelers need a visa. But don’t worry – you can easily apply for it online.

Types of Tourist Visas

• Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA):
  • The most common option for tourists
  • Valid for 30 days and allows two entries
  • Best to apply online before your trip
• Visa on Arrival:
  • Possible for some nationalities
  • However, we recommend applying for the ETA in advance – it saves time
• Long-Term Visa:
  • For longer stays (e.g., Ayurveda treatments or extended holidays)
  • Can be extended locally

How to apply for an ETA Tourist Visa?

• Official website: www.eta.gov.lk
• Fill out the form online
• Pay the visa fee (approx. 50 USD)
• Receive confirmation via email – usually within 24 hours

Documents Required for Entry

• Valid passport (at least 6 months valid)
• Return flight ticket
• Proof of sufficient financial means
• Hotel booking or accommodation details (recommended)

Children & Infants

For children under 12 years, the ETA is often free, but it still needs to be applied for.

Extending Your Visa

• Tourist visas can be extended locally for up to 180 days
• The responsible authority is the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo

We’re happy to handle your visa application!

Don’t want to handle the visa process yourself?
No problem – we’ll gladly take care of it for you!
A small processing fee applies for our service.

Useful Tips

• Apply early to avoid stress
• Bring a copy or screenshot of the ETA confirmation
• Always use the official website to avoid scams

Vaccinations & Health Tips

No vaccinations are required for entry into Sri Lanka. You can enter the country without any mandatory immunizations.

Recommended Vaccinations (not mandatory):

• Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Typhoid
• Rabies

Mosquito Protection

• In tropical areas of Sri Lanka, there may be occasional cases of dengue fever or chikungunya.
• But no need to worry – we’ll take care of you!
• We provide mosquito repellent sprays.
• Our drivers and guides are always there to support you.
• You’ll receive a traditional Ayurveda medipack with natural remedies.
• If needed, we’ll assist you with alternative, traditional herbal medicine.

Travel First Aid Kit (optional)

• Pain and fever medication
• Disinfectants
• Plasters & personal medications

We’re here for you throughout your entire trip. Our traditional medicine will accompany you, and our team ensures that you feel safe and well cared for – naturally.

Packing Tips & What to Bring / Avoid

Sri Lanka is a tropical destination with cultural traditions – with the right items in your luggage, you can travel relaxed and respectfully. Here are our recommendations:

What You Should Bring

Clothing

• Light, breathable clothing made of cotton or linen – perfect for the warm climate
• White clothing – especially suitable and respectful for temple visits
• Modest clothing for temples – shoulders and knees must be covered
• Swimwear – for the beach or hotel pool
• Light jacket or sweater – for cooler regions in the highlands (e.g., Nuwara Eliya)

Footwear

• Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring
• Sandals or flip-flops for beach days
• Easy-to-remove shoes – shoes must be removed in temples

Useful Items

• Sunscreen with high SPF
• Insect repellent – we’ll gladly provide this for you
• Sunglasses & headwear
• Refillable water bottle
• Travel adapter – Sri Lanka uses Type G plugs (UK-style)

Health & Hygiene

• Personal medication
• Small travel first-aid kit (you’ll also receive a traditional Ayurveda medipack from us)
• Hand sanitizer & wet wipes

Local Shopping Tip

Sri Lanka is famous for handmade clothing and fabrics – such as cotton, batik, sarongs, and linen wear. You can buy beautiful, eco-friendly and temple-appropriate clothes at affordable prices locally – a great souvenir and practical at the same time!

What You Should Avoid

• Shorts, mini skirts, or sleeveless tops – not allowed in temples
• Plastic bags – banned in Sri Lanka
• Heavy or tight clothing – uncomfortable in the tropical climate
• Drones – may only be used with official permission

Our Service for You

• Insect repellent – provided by us
• Ayurveda medipack – included
• Personal support from your driver and guide throughout your trip

Travel light, respect the culture, and explore Sri Lanka in comfort and style!

Currency & Payment Methods in Sri Lanka

Currency

• The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).
• Banknotes are available in various denominations, such as 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 5000 rupees.

Where to exchange money?

• You can exchange foreign currency at banks, authorized exchange offices, and hotels.
• There are exchange counters at the airport – it’s advisable to exchange at least 100 to 200 Euros or Dollars there so you have some cash at the start of your trip.
• ATMs are available in cities and tourist areas.

Payment Methods

• Most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops accept credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard).
• Smaller shops, markets, and rural areas mostly prefer cash.
• So it’s a good idea to always carry some cash with you, e.g., for transportation or small purchases.

Helpful Tips

• Our tour guides will gladly help you find a reliable exchange option with good rates.
• Notify your bank before your trip so your cards will work abroad.
• Avoid exchanging money with unofficial vendors to prevent fraud.

Local Laws and Customs in Sri Lanka

Important Rules

• Sri Lanka has very strict drug laws. Possession of illegal drugs can result in heavy fines or imprisonment.
• Smoking is prohibited in many public places, such as hospitals, government buildings, and some beaches.
• Alcohol may only be consumed in licensed venues, and you must be at least 21 years old.
• Please do not litter or damage nature. This can lead to fines. Help keep Sri Lanka clean!
• Dress modestly. Especially when visiting temples and religious sites, shoulders and knees should be covered.

Etiquette & Customs

• Always remove your shoes before entering a house or temple.
• The traditional greeting is “Ayubowan”, with hands pressed together like in prayer. It means “may you live long.”
• If you have tattoos, especially of the Buddha, it is polite to cover them when visiting temples or religious sites, as they may be offensive to some people.

Respect for Temples

• Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Avoid shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops.
• Photography is not allowed in some temples. Always ask beforehand.
• Be quiet and respectful in religious places.

Hospitality & Safety in Sri Lanka

• The people of Sri Lanka are known for being particularly warm and hospitable – some of the best in the world.
• The country is considered very safe for travelers, including solo travelers.
• You can enjoy your trip with peace of mind and experience the genuine friendliness of the locals.

Booking & Refund Policies

Booking Information

You can easily book your trip to Sri Lanka by contacting us directly:

• Email: info@urlaub-srilanka.com
• Phone & WhatsApp – Sri Lanka (Main Office): +94 74 124 8030
• Phone & WhatsApp – Germany:
  • +49 175 9479619
  • +49 1512 8983793

We are happy to assist you with your booking, answer your questions, or support you with additional services.

Payment & Booking Terms

• To confirm your booking, we kindly ask for a 50% deposit.
• The deposit should be made at least 1 month prior to arrival.
• If possible, we recommend booking 3 months in advance.
• The remaining 50% can be paid upon arrival at the airport.
  Note: We make advance payments to hotels and transport providers.

Payment Methods

• Bank transfer
• Credit card
• PayPal

Preferred Payment Methods:

• Deposit via bank transfer
• Remaining balance in cash upon arrival

Cancellation & Refund Policy

• Up to 30 days before arrival: Full refund of the deposit (minus any bank or transaction fees).
• 15–29 days before arrival: 50% of the deposit will be refunded.
• 14 days or less before arrival: The deposit is non-refundable.

In exceptional cases (e.g. medical emergencies or travel restrictions), we aim to offer flexible solutions – such as rescheduling or a partial credit for a future trip.

Please contact us as early as possible if you need to make changes or cancellations.

Flight & Visa Service

Need help with booking flights or applying for a visa? No problem – we're happy to assist you. Just reach out to us!

Registered Guides and Safety

When traveling in Sri Lanka, safety and authentic experiences go hand in hand. That’s why choosing a registered, certified guide and driver is one of the best decisions for your trip. Our company offers officially licensed guides and drivers who speak both English and German. This ensures your journey is safe, comfortable, and full of valuable insights.

What does it mean to have a registered guide and driver?

Sri Lankan law requires all professional tour guides and drivers to be registered and licensed by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). This means our guides and drivers have undergone rigorous training and meet high standards in knowledge, professionalism, and safety.

A registered guide means you travel with someone who:

• Has in-depth knowledge of Sri Lanka’s history, culture, and local customs.
• Is trained in first aid and safety procedures.
• Has experience handling the unique road and traffic conditions in Sri Lanka.

Why is it important to travel with a registered guide and driver?

Safety first

The roads in Sri Lanka can be unpredictable. Our licensed drivers strictly follow safety guidelines and know how to navigate traffic and road conditions securely, ensuring you are protected throughout your trip.

Authentic local knowledge

Registered guides provide expert insights and take you off the beaten tourist paths by sharing stories and experiences you won’t find in any guidebook.

Peace of mind

Booking a registered guide and driver means working with professionals who are legally responsible and accountable under Sri Lankan law — this builds trust and guarantees reliable service.

Language options

Our company provides certified guides fluent in both English and German, making communication easy and your experience even more enjoyable.

Why choose our company?

We pride ourselves on offering only SLTDA-registered guides and drivers who are passionate about showing you the true beauty of Sri Lanka — with your safety and comfort as our top priorities.

Whether you want to explore cultural sites, nature, or hidden gems, our certified guides tailor your trip to your interests and ensure everything runs smoothly — from start to finish.

Ready to travel safely with a certified guide?

Contact us today to book your certified English- or German-speaking guide and driver. Let us help you discover Sri Lanka with confidence, comfort, and genuine local expertise!