Group trips to Sri Lanka

Find out the entry requirements for Sri Lanka, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Sri Lanka – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Sri Lanka is in the Sri Lanka Standard Time zone, which is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+5:30). Sri Lanka does not observe daylight saving time. If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 5:30pm in Sri Lanka. If it is 12pm in New York, USA, it will be 10:30pm in Sri Lanka. Keep this in mind when planning calls or activities involving multiple time zones.

Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) as its currency. 
The daily exchange rates can fluctuate, but as a rough guide:

• 1 British Pound (GBP) is approximately 500 LKR
• 1 US Dollar (USD) is around 320 LKR
• 1 Euro (EUR) is about 350 LKR

You can exchange currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and sometimes hotels. It is advisable to exchange currency at official places to get a better rate and avoid counterfeit notes.

Credit cards, debit cards, and cash are widely accepted in Sri Lanka. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban areas accept cards, but it's a good idea to carry cash for smaller businesses and rural areas. ATMs are available in cities and towns, allowing you to withdraw cash using international cards. It's always best to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.

In Sri Lanka, tipping is a common practice and a nice way to show appreciation for good service. While it's not mandatory, we suggest you tip in the following situations:

• At restaurants, around 10% of the bill if a service charge isn't included.
• For hotel staff, like porters, around 100-200 Sri Lankan Rupees.
• For taxi drivers, you can round up the fare.

These small gestures are appreciated by service workers.

In Sri Lanka, buying a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan is a great idea for staying connected. Major providers like Dialog, Mobitel, and Airtel offer affordable options with good coverage across the country. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants, though the speed and reliability can vary. 

For more consistent internet access, a local SIM can be a lifesaver, especially if you plan to explore rural areas where Wi-Fi might be less available.

In Sri Lanka, the main languages spoken are Sinhala and Tamil. English is also widely used, especially in urban areas and for business purposes. Here are some useful Sinhala expressions you might hear or use:

• Hello: Ayubowan
• Thank you: Istuti
• How much is this?: Meeka keeyada?

And some Tamil expressions:

• Hello: Vanakkam
• Thank you: Nandri
• How much is this?: Idhu evvalavu?

In Sri Lanka, you'll find Type D, M, and G plugs. The voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If you're coming from the UK, USA, or other European countries, you might need to bring a universal adapter since your plugs might not fit. Always check your devices are compatible with 230V to avoid any issues.

The main religion in Sri Lanka is Buddhism. The country is predominantly Buddhist, with around 70% of the population practicing Theravada Buddhism. Significant Buddhist religious holidays include Vesak, which celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha, usually observed in May. If you're visiting during a religious holiday, you might see vibrant celebrations and beautiful lanterns. Remember to be respectful when visiting temples, by removing your shoes and covering your shoulders and knees.

For a trip to Sri Lanka, pack smart to enjoy the diverse landscapes and cultural experiences. 
Here's a handy packing list for your backpack :

• Clothing:
  - Lightweight shirts and T-shirts
  - Long pants and shorts
  - A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
  - Swimwear for the beaches
• Shoes:
  - Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
  - Flip-flops for the beach
  - Hiking boots if you plan to trek
• Accessories and Technology:
  - A sun hat and sunglasses
  - A power bank and chargers
  - An adapter (Sri Lanka uses Type G plugs, 230V, 50Hz)
  - A camera or smartphone with a good camera
• Toiletries and Medication:
  - Sunscreen and insect repellent
  - Basic toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap
  - Hand sanitizer
  - Common travel medication like pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, and antihistamines

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. This packing list will help you stay comfortable while exploring Sri Lanka's beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture.

Sri Lanka's weather is tropical and varies by region. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Southwest Coast and Hill Country (Colombo, Galle, Kandy): Best time to visit is from December to March. The monsoon runs from May to September, bringing heavy rains.
• Northeast Coast (Trincomalee, Jaffna): Best time to visit is from May to September. The monsoon hits from October to January.

Overall, Sri Lanka is warm year-round, with average temperatures between 25-30°C. Keep in mind that the hill country is cooler, so pack a light jacket if you're heading there.