Frequently Asked Questions

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How long will it take to get an ETA?

It will take 24  – 48 hours to get an ETA. Please refer to our visa page for more information.

What should I Pack?

It all depends on your destination and season of travel. In Sri Lanka, we recommend loose-fitting cotton clothes. Long sleeves and hats will keep you protected from the sun. Some warm clothes are recommended if you are traveling to the hilly regions, where the evenings tend to get chilly. Layering is best to accommodate the varying temperatures. Dress modestly at religious sites and remember to remove your shoes and hat when entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple.

When is the best time to Travel?

January - April (Entire Country)

Mid-July - September (Entire Country)

February - September (North and East)

Where to start my tour?

What do you hope to see and experience during your trip? Most travelers incorporate Colombo, Kandy, Habarana, Dambulla, and/or Polonnaruwa. However, many also include visits to the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya and beaches of Hikkaduwa/Galle. If you want a tour specialist to support you with the tour, please visit our Tour section where you find many tour operators.

Does Sri Lankans speak English?

English is fluently spoken by approximately 10% of the population and widely used for official and commercial purposes. Sri Lanka accords official language status to Sinhala and Tamil. The Sinhala language is spoken by the Sinhalese people, who constitute approximately 70% of the national population. The Tamil language is spoken by Sri Lankan Tamils, who are about 3 million people.

What type of accommodation available in Sri Lanka?

Whatever accommodation-type you seek is available in Sri Lanka. Five-star hotels, resort hotels, boutique properties, villas, guest houses, and homestays can be found, especially along the western and southern coasts, Kandy and the hill country.  For more information please refer to our Accommodation page.

What do you advise about money?

Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) is the local currency, which can only be exchanged in Sri Lanka. It would be best to bring Euros, US Dollars or British Pounds and change them at the exchange counters at the airport arrivals hall. Credit cards are accepted in most shopping outlets, and ATM machines are widely available in major cities.

For updated exchange rates please visit https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/