Frequently Asked Questions

For Indian Citizens no paper work is required to be filed at VisaHQ as of now , to avail a Sri Lankan visa for a stay of less than and equal to 30 days. An electronic visa is issued to the Indian citizens via email. You may directly file an application by following http://sri-lanka.visahq.in/

Please note above information is subject to change. It is recommended to consult the embassy for the latest updates/changes in visa terms.

No other documents are required for an Indian tourist to enter Sri Lanka. It is still recommended to consult the embassy beforehand.

The GMT of Sri Lanka is 5.30 hrs ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. The time is same as IST.

Sri Lankan dry season (June- September) offers some ecstatic wildlife experiences as animals congregate around the water spots. Dry season is the preferred time to see ‘The Gathering’ in Mineriya. The constant moderate tropical climate of Sri Lanka round the year makes it a year round destination for Birding, Safaris and Aquatic Exploration. Sri Lanka is famous for its endemic species of birds and mammals which can be found throughout the year in its protected parks and reserves.

‘Sri Lankan Rupee’ is Sri Lanka’s local currency. 1 SLR equals to 100cents and is not equal to 1INR. SLR note denominations – 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 rupees. SLR coin Denominations – 1, 2, 5 and 10 rupees.

Banks: The banks are usually open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM from Monday to Friday and a few banks are open on Saturday as well.

You have following options to withdraw money-

ATMs: ATM services are available 24*7. The ATM’s are available in major cities.

Master Card Maestro: You can use your Maestro card in the medium to large size shops. Smaller vendors and drivers expect change. Keep enough currency notes of various denominations to pay off the small bills.

Banks: You can withdraw money from Banks. Avoid Opening hours, After Lunch hours and Closing hours due to heavy rush at Banks. You can get your currencies exchanges and also exchange bigger notes for smaller denominations (for the purpose of tipping and petty expenses)

The bill is inclusive of Service Tax @10%. The tour guides, restaurants, drivers still expect a tip. All people can be tipped around 20Rs- 100Rs against the quality of service. Or, one may just tip away 10% of the bill amount due.

Health Safety: A yellow fever vaccination is only required if you enter Sri Lanka within six days from the Last visit in ‘yellow-fever zone’. Vaccinations for Hepatitis, Diptheria, Dengue, Malaria and Rabies are recommendable. Being a tropical country Dehydration is the common problem. Follow Water and Food safety rules below as a precaution against diarrhea and gastroenteritis.

Travel Safety: Sri Lanka is a tourist friendly country and there is no major threat of being robbed or a heavy loss. Basis precautions like no showing off in public and being attentive to the activity around you can easily save from losing money and expensive to pickpockets.

SIM Card: You can buy a cheap local SIM Card (Dialog or Mobitel) to avoid unnecessary high tariffs on calls and data streaming. The SIM will require a SIM-unblocked GSM900/1800 compatible International Cell phone. Please contact your Service Provider for the SIM and network mandates.

Cell Phone: If you will be staying for a longer time or are wary of not using your home number, a cheap Cell Phone at a throw away price is indeed a good option.

Matrix Sim: Matrix Sim cards are available at Airport

Almost all the hotels and lodges provide internet connectivity upon request.

The local electricity supply is 230 volts AC, 50HZ. Both India and Sri Lanka use Type ‘D’ electrical outlet. It is still recommended to carry universal adapter and converter kit. If you face any problems the hotel staff will assist you by providing suitable chargers and adapters. Visit http://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/sri-lanka/ for a more information and world mapping of type of sockets.

Avoid drinking directly from tap water and eating uncovered food or food that looks unhygienic. Microorganisms and bacteria have high propensity to grow and breed in tropical climate. Therefore it is recommendable to keep you hydrate and filled with fresh food. Sealed Mineral water is available at almost every nook and corner.