Emergency Contacts:
Travel Safety Tips:
- Always keep your passport with you; avoid leaving it as collateral.
- Be cautious with personal items in crowded areas and on public transport.
- When calling emergency services, provide your name and location, and ask for the operator’s name.
Before You Travel:
- Ensure all personal information in your passport is accurate and that the passport is undamaged.
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Recommended Documents to Carry:
Make photocopies of key documents, like your passport, driver’s license, and travel vouchers, and keep them separate from originals.
Health and Safety Precautions:
- Always have medical insurance. Hospital fees in Sri Lanka can be high.
- Stick to bottled or factory-sealed water; avoid unboiled tap water and street food that may not be well-cleaned.
- For long stays, consider vaccinations for typhoid, hepatitis, and tetanus.
Local Etiquette and Dress Code:
- Dress modestly, especially in temples and public places. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Avoid appearing intoxicated in public places.
- In Buddhist temples, do not turn your back to statues of the Buddha.
Currency and Customs Rules:
- Currency: You may carry up to US$10,000 without declaration.
- Alcohol/Tobacco: Limit to 2 liters of alcohol and 200 cigarettes.
- For valuable items like jewelry, declare them upon arrival.
- For antiques or rare items (e.g., coral, shells), check export restrictions.
Safety in Public Spaces:
- Avoid accepting drinks or cigarettes from strangers.
- If threatened, hand over valuables instead of resisting.
E-Visa Application Process:
- Apply online on the official Sri Lanka e-Visa website up to 6 months before travel.
- Upload required documents, pay online, and track the application.
- Once approved, print your e-Visa for arrival.
Visa Fees:
- 30-Day Single Entry: Free on arrival for certain tourists.
- 6-Month Visa: $75 for multiple entries (60 days stay).
- 1-Year Visa: $200 (90 days stay).
Final Checklist:
- Confirm all necessary documents are prepared.
- Ensure you have a migration card filled out (usually given on the plane or fillable online three days before arrival).
For more detailed information, consult the official Sri Lanka Visa Application Centre.
