Sri Lanka
Phone Code
+94
Capital
Colombo
Population
22 Million
Native Name
śrī laṃkāva
Region
Asia
Southern Asia
Timezone
Indian Standard Time
UTC+05:30
On This Page
Sri Lanka — the teardrop-shaped island off India's southeastern coast — packs an astonishing density of experiences into a country smaller than Scotland. Eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the rock fortress of Sigiriya rising 200 metres from the jungle, and the colonial ramparts of Galle Fort. Leopards in Yala, elephants in Udawalawe, blue whales off Mirissa, sea turtles nesting on the south coast. Endless beaches from Unawatuna to Arugam Bay. Tea plantations rolling across the misty highlands around Ella and Nuwara Eliya, connected by one of the world's most scenic train rides. And a cuisine — rice and curry with 10 different sambols, hoppers, kottu roti, crab at the Ministry of Crab — that rivals its neighbours. Entry is straightforward: the free Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is obtained online at eta.gov.lk before travel for stays up to 30 days. Visa on arrival has been discontinued — apply online in advance. Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond arrival. Onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds required.
Sri Lanka Visa & ETA System
Sri Lanka uses an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for short-term visitors. The tourist ETA is free, applied for online at eta.gov.lk, and processed within a few days. It grants 30 days with two entries, or 180 days with one entry. Visa on arrival has been discontinued — all visitors must obtain the ETA online before travelling. Use only the official government website to avoid third-party intermediary fees. Ensure all information including passport numbers is accurate — minor errors require a new application. Extensions are available online via the Immigration portal for stays exceeding 30 days, though the process is time-consuming. Business visas are required for meetings, conferences and commercial activities and must be obtained from a Sri Lankan embassy before arrival — not available through the ETA system. Employment and volunteer visas must also be arranged in advance through diplomatic channels. Passport must be valid at least 6 months with one blank page. Onward/return ticket and proof of funds required. Yellow fever certificate mandatory if arriving from an endemic country. Overstaying triggers detention, fines, deportation at the traveller's expense and possible future entry bans.
Common Visa Types
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) - Tourist
For tourism, beach holidays, cultural visits, wildlife safaris, family visits and short-term recreation. Apply online at eta.gov.lk — free of charge, processed within a few days. Valid at all entry points. Requires passport with 6 months validity, onward ticket and proof of funds. Yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic countries.
Business Visa
For business meetings, conferences, negotiations and commercial activities. Must be obtained from a Sri Lankan embassy or consulate before arrival — not available through the online ETA system or at the airport. Requires invitation from a Sri Lankan company, employer letter, and standard documentation.
Employment & Volunteer Visa
For employment, volunteer work, NGO positions, teaching and religious work. Must be secured from a Sri Lankan embassy in advance — not available at entry or online. Requires employment contract or placement letter, qualifications, police clearance and medical examination.
Transit (under 24 hours)
Air transit passengers with connecting flights within 24 hours who remain airside in the international transit area do not require an ETA. If exiting immigration or staying longer, ETA is mandatory.
Essential Information for Sri Lanka Travellers
Travel Guide
Sri Lanka delivers an extraordinary concentration of experiences for its size. The Cultural Triangle in the central-north holds three UNESCO sites: Anuradhapura's 2,000-year-old Buddhist stupas, Polonnaruwa's medieval ruins, and Sigiriya — a 200-metre rock fortress with frescoes and a lion-paw gateway, often called the eighth wonder of the world. Kandy's Temple of the Tooth Relic is the spiritual heart of Sri Lankan Buddhism. The train from Kandy to Ella — 7 hours through tea plantations, mountain tunnels and the Nine Arch Bridge — is consistently rated among the world's most beautiful rail journeys. Ella itself has become a backpacker haven with hiking trails to Little Adam's Peak and Ella Rock. The southern coast delivers beaches: Unawatuna for swimming, Mirissa for whale watching (blue whales December-April), Tangalle for solitude, and Weligama for learning to surf. The east coast offers Arugam Bay — one of Asia's best surf breaks — and Trincomalee's pristine bays. Wildlife is world-class: Yala National Park has the highest density of leopards on earth, Udawalawe guarantees elephant sightings, and Sinharaja rainforest is a UNESCO biodiversity hotspot. Galle Fort, the colonial walled city built by the Dutch and Portuguese, is now a boutique-hotel and gallery district. And through it all, Sri Lankan hospitality — warm, genuine, and insistent that you try more food — makes the country unforgettable.
Ways to Experience This Destination
Sigiriya rock fortress (200 m, frescoes, lion gateway), Anuradhapura's 2,000-year-old Buddhist stupas, Polonnaruwa's medieval ruins, Kandy's Temple of the Tooth Relic, Dambulla cave temples, and Galle Fort's colonial ramparts. Eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites on an island the size of Scotland.
Unawatuna and Mirissa on the south coast (swimming, whale watching Dec-Apr), Tangalle for quiet luxury, Weligama for beginner surfing, Arugam Bay on the east coast (one of Asia's best surf breaks, May-Oct season), and Trincomalee's pristine bays. Two coastlines mean a beach season year-round.
Yala National Park (highest leopard density on earth), Udawalawe (guaranteed elephant sightings), Minneriya (the Gathering — hundreds of elephants Aug-Oct), Sinharaja rainforest (UNESCO biodiversity hotspot), and blue whale watching off Mirissa (December-April, the largest animals on earth).
The Kandy-to-Ella train — 7 hours through tea plantations, mountain tunnels and the Nine Arch Bridge — is one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys. Nuwara Eliya ('Little England'), Ella's hiking trails (Little Adam's Peak, Ella Rock), and tea factory visits where you see the process from leaf to cup.
Rice and curry with 10+ sambols and condiments, hoppers (crispy bowl-shaped pancakes with egg), string hoppers, kottu roti (chopped roti stir-fried with vegetables and meat), fresh seafood, and Sri Lankan crab at the legendary Ministry of Crab. Cinnamon, cardamom, clove — Sri Lanka was the Spice Island long before it was Ceylon.
Galle Fort (Dutch-Portuguese walled city, now a boutique-hotel and gallery district), Colombo's colonial-era buildings, Nuwara Eliya's British hill-station architecture, and the plantation estates that shaped the island's tea, rubber and cinnamon economy. Four centuries of Portuguese, Dutch and British influence visible in architecture, cuisine and place names.
Money & Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Currency code: LKR
Practical Money Tips
The Rupee Fluctuates — Check Before You Go
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) has experienced significant fluctuations in recent years. Exchange rates can shift meaningfully between booking and arriving. Check xe.com or your bank for the current rate before travel. Exchange money at official banks or licensed money changers in Colombo, Kandy or Galle — rates at Bandaranaike Airport are reasonable but city-centre banks are slightly better. Avoid unofficial street changers.
Cards Work in Tourist Areas — Cash Needed Everywhere Else
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, larger shops and supermarkets in Colombo, Kandy, Galle and tourist zones. Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) work at modern terminals in Colombo's malls and international hotel chains. Outside tourist areas — tuk-tuks, local restaurants, markets, rural guesthouses, temple entry fees and smaller businesses — cash is the only option. Always carry enough Rupees for the day.
ATMs Are Widespread but Watch the Fees
ATMs from Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank (HNB), Sampath Bank and Nations Trust Bank are found in cities, towns and tourist areas. Most accept Visa and Mastercard. Withdrawal limits vary (typically LKR 40,000-100,000 per transaction). Local ATM fees are usually modest, but your home bank may charge 1-3% plus a fixed fee. Always decline the ATM's dynamic currency conversion and withdraw in LKR. Notify your bank before travel to avoid fraud blocks.
Tipping Is Appreciated but Not Obligatory
Tipping is not a strong tradition in Sri Lanka but is increasingly expected from foreign visitors in tourist areas. Hotels often add a 10% service charge. Restaurants: round up or leave 10% if no service charge. Tuk-tuk drivers: not expected but appreciated for longer journeys. Safari guides and drivers: LKR 500-1,000 per person per day. Temple offerings: a small donation (LKR 100-500) is customary when visiting. Tips in cash and in Rupees.
Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.
Explore different regions and their cities.
Embassies in Sri Lanka
These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.
Key origin countries
All countries by continent
Accredited missions for Sri Lanka
Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Whether you need a free tourist ETA, a business visa, or help navigating the application process — get step-by-step guidance for your visa application.
Apply for Sri Lanka Visa