20 Things to Know Before Visiting Sri Lanka

Every visitor to Sri Lanka needs an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure — it cannot be obtained on arrival. Apply only through the official government website: https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ — up to three months before your trip.

Since 25 May 2026, travellers from 40 eligible countries receive the 30-day tourist ETA free of charge, with double entry allowed within those 30 days. Travellers from all other countries pay the standard ETA fee.

Even when the ETA is free, it must be approved before you board. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. Keep a printed or digital copy of your approval, your return ticket and your first hotel name — immigration officers may ask for them.

Most international visitors land at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake — about 35 kilometres north of Colombo and close to Negombo. Flights often arrive late at night or in the early hours, so book your first hotel in advance.

After immigration, you will find money changers, ATMs and SIM card counters in the arrivals hall. Your Ceylon Unwind driver will wait outside with a name board.

Many travellers choose to spend the first night near the airport in Negombo, rest, and start the tour fresh the next morning.

The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Licensed money changers and ATMs are common in towns and cities. Larger hotels, restaurants and shops accept Visa and Mastercard, but small eateries, village shops, tuk-tuks and temple donations usually need cash — carry plenty of small notes.

Always exchange money at licensed counters — never with offers on the street. Tell your bank you are travelling so your card is not blocked, and check your daily withdrawal limit and fees. Some attractions and safaris quote prices in US dollars.

Sri Lanka runs on 230 volts, 50 Hz — the same as the UK, Europe and Australia. Sockets are mostly Type D (three round pins) and Type G (three flat pins). Many hotels also have multi-standard sockets. A small power bank is handy on long drives, hikes and safari days.

Staying connected in Sri Lanka is easy and affordable. Most hotels, cafés and guesthouses offer free Wi-Fi, though speeds can dip in the remote hill country and around national parks. Data is inexpensive — you can share photos, use maps and call home without worry.

Buy a tourist SIM card at the airport arrivals hall from providers such as Dialog or SLT Mobitel. Bring your passport — registration is required, and staff will set up your SIM within minutes. If your phone supports eSIM, you can buy a Sri Lanka data plan before you fly.

Sri Lankan food is famously flavourful and often spicy, but you decide the heat. Rice and curry arrives with several small dishes; when ordering, ask for "mild" on the side so you can add heat slowly. Hotels and restaurants used to visitors will happily adjust.

Must-try dishes include kottu roti, fried rice, string hoppers, egg hoppers, pol roti, lamprais and fresh king coconut. Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available — just tell the kitchen about any allergies.

Sri Lanka has no true off-season — two monsoons bring rain to different parts of the island at different times, meaning that in every month some part of the island is at its best. Share your travel dates with us, and we will design a route that follows the sunshine.

Temples, kovils, mosques and churches are living places of worship — please dress and behave respectfully. Cover your shoulders and knees, and carry a light scarf or sarong for quick cover. Remove shoes and hats before entering — wear easy slip-on sandals, and bring a pair of socks as stone floors become scorching by midday.

• Never pose with your back to a Buddha statue, and never sit on, climb or touch one.
• Avoid clothing or tattoos that show an image of the Buddha — this can cause offence and in some cases trouble at immigration.
• Speak softly and ask permission before photographing monks or ceremonies.
• Women should avoid physical contact with monks, including handshakes.

Distances look short on the map, but roads are winding and busy — a 100-kilometre journey can easily take three hours or more. Expressways have shortened some routes (Colombo to Galle/Matara) but most journeys involve mountain roads, villages and heavy traffic. Plan realistic days and enjoy the ride.

Major historical sites and national parks charge separate entrance fees for foreign visitors, often quoted in US dollars and higher than local prices. Wildlife parks add jeep, tracker and service charges on top of the park ticket.

At Ceylon Unwind, we explain exactly which fees are included in your package and which you pay on the day — no surprises. Carry some cash for small entrance fees, and keep your tickets, as they may be checked more than once.

The train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella is a highlight of any Sri Lanka holiday — rolling past tea estates, waterfalls and misty mountains. This is one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.

Reserved seats sell out quickly all year. Reservations open 30 days before the travel date and the best seats go on day one. Tickets can be reserved online or through your tour operator. We need a copy of the passport for each traveller.

• Trains can run late — keep the rest of your day flexible.
• Your driver will meet you at the end station.
• If you stand at an open door for photos, hold on tightly and stay alert — never lean out.

Avoid tap water — drink only sealed bottled or filtered water, and use it for brushing your teeth. Fresh king coconut is a safe and refreshing treat.

• Ask your doctor about routine vaccinations before departure — carry medicines in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription.
• Mosquitoes can be active around dusk — pack repellent and wear light long sleeves in the evenings.
• The tropical sun is strong — wear sunscreen, a hat and drink plenty of fluids.
• Pharmacies are easy to find; private hospitals in Colombo and major cities offer good care.
• Travel insurance covering medical costs is essential — it should include adventure activities (diving, rafting, hiking) if you plan to try them.

Sri Lanka is welcoming and generally safe — most people you meet will be warm and helpful. Still, a few tourist tricks exist. Be careful with strangers who say a temple or attraction is closed and then steer you to a tourist shop — politely decline and continue on your way.

• At beaches, currents can be strong — swim only where flags or lifeguards say it is safe.
• Keep valuables out of sight and an eye on bags near monkeys, which can snatch food and small items.
• Solo and women travellers usually feel comfortable, especially when dressing modestly.

Tipping is appreciated but never forced. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge — check your bill first. If not included, 10% is a kind gesture. For drivers and guides who look after you for several days, a tip at the end is customary and greatly valued.

Bargaining is normal in markets, with tuk-tuks and at roadside stalls — always do it with a friendly smile. Do not haggle in fixed-price shops or restaurants. If something is truly special, pay a fair price and support the maker directly.

English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas. The official languages are Sinhala and Tamil. A few words go a long way:

A gentle side-to-side head wobble usually means yes, okay or I understand — not no! Sri Lankans are naturally curious and may ask where you are from, whether you are married or how old you are. It is simply friendly interest.

Every full moon is a Poya day — a religious public holiday. Alcohol is not sold, many bars and shops close, and temples fill with white-clad devotees (a beautiful sight). Plan your dinners and shopping accordingly, and buy drinks a day earlier if you wish.

Trains, buses and hotels get busier around Poya weekends and major festivals. These are magical times to visit, but please book early.

Sri Lanka is a dream for photographers. A few rules help you stay respectful and legal:

• Always ask before taking close-up photos of people, monks and religious ceremonies.
• Never photograph military sites, airports or government buildings.
• Flash is not allowed in many temples and museums — check signs before you shoot.
• Drones require official permission — flying without approval can lead to fines or confiscation. Speak to us well before your trip.
• In national parks, stay inside the jeep, keep a respectful distance from animals and never feed wildlife or take selfies with elephants, turtles or other animals.

• Drugs: Sri Lanka has strict laws — penalties for possession or trafficking are severe. Never carry or buy them.
• Buddha images: Posing disrespectfully with a Buddha statue or wearing clothing printed with the Buddha can lead to trouble at immigration.
• Alcohol: Available in licensed bars, restaurants and hotels, but not sold on Poya days.
• Beach behaviour: Nude or topless sunbathing is not allowed. Cover up in towns and villages — beachwear stays on the beach.
• Smoking: Banned in many public places. Plastic bags are restricted in some parks (e.g. Horton Plains).

Sri Lanka is small, but it has a great deal to see, and winding roads mean travel days are long. Many first-time visitors try to cram too much into one week and end up tired. Build in rest days and avoid changing hotels every night.

A balanced itinerary usually combines the Cultural Triangle, hill country, a safari and a few days on the beach. Spend at least two nights in each region rather than moving every day. Finish with a beach stay to relax before your flight home.