Before you go
Visas, vaccinations, packing, money, weather, and the cultural things worth knowing before you land.
This page covers the practical things worth knowing before you board your flight. If you are travelling with BSL Tours, your guide will brief you on anything specific to your itinerary. If you are planning independently, this is a solid starting point.
Visa and passport
Most nationalities need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival. It costs around $35 USD and is valid for 30 days. Apply online through the official Sri Lankan government portal.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date and have at least two blank pages.
Keep a photocopy of your passport separately from the original, and store a digital copy in cloud storage.
Vaccinations and health
No mandatory vaccinations are required unless you are arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country. Consult your GP or travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus-Diphtheria. Japanese Encephalitis is worth considering if you plan extended rural stays or wildlife safaris.
Dengue fever is present in Sri Lanka. Use DEET-based repellent, wear long sleeves at dawn and dusk, and choose accommodation with air conditioning or mosquito nets.
Bring any prescription medication you need for the full trip plus a few extra days. Pharmacies are available in all major towns for over-the-counter essentials.
Travel insurance is essential. Make sure it covers medical treatment, evacuation, cancellation, and any activities you plan to do (hiking, diving, surfing).
What to pack
Light, breathable fabrics. Cotton or moisture-wicking clothing for the tropical lowlands. A light sweater or fleece for the hill country (Ella, Nuwara Eliya) where evenings drop to 10-15 degrees.
Modest clothing for temple visits. Knees and shoulders must be covered. A sarong works well and doubles as a beach towel.
Comfortable walking shoes. You will climb steps at Sigiriya, walk uneven paths at ancient ruins, and hike trails in the hill country.
Universal power adapter. Sri Lanka uses Type D, M, and G sockets. A universal adapter covers all three.
Sunscreen SPF 30+ and a hat. The equatorial sun is intense even on overcast days.
Insect repellent with at least 20% DEET, especially for coastal and rural areas.
Currency and money
The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants.
Smaller shops, tuk-tuks, and market stalls are cash-only. Carry rupees for day-to-day spending.
Exchange money at banks or official bureaux for the best rates. Keep your exchange receipts if you want to convert back.
Notify your bank before you travel to avoid your card being blocked for suspicious overseas transactions.
Tipping is appreciated: 100-200 LKR per bag at hotels, 10% at restaurants if no service charge is added, and 500-1,000 LKR per day for drivers and guides.
Weather and when to go
Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons. The southwest monsoon (May to September) brings rain to the west, south, and hill country. The northeast monsoon (October to January) affects the north and east coast.
The best all-round months are February to April and September to October, when neither monsoon is dominant.
Hill country (Kandy, Ella, Nuwara Eliya) is cooler year-round, typically 10-20 degrees Celsius. Coastal areas stay between 26-32 degrees throughout the year.
Even during monsoon season, rain usually falls in short, heavy bursts rather than all day. Flexible planning makes most of the country accessible year-round.
Cultural etiquette
Remove shoes and hats before entering any Buddhist temple. Dress modestly with knees and shoulders covered.
Do not pose with your back to a Buddha statue or point your feet towards one. Both are considered disrespectful.
Use your right hand for giving and receiving. The left hand is considered unclean.
Ask before photographing people, especially monks and worshippers at temples.
Sri Lankans are generally warm and hospitable. A smile and a simple 'Ayubowan' (hello) goes a long way.
Staying connected
Buy a local SIM card at the airport on arrival. Dialog, Mobitel, and Airtel all offer tourist data packages for around $5-10 with several GB of data.
Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and many cafes. Coverage is reliable in cities and tourist areas, weaker in remote regions.
WhatsApp works well for staying in touch with your guide and with home.
Have a question?
Our team can help with anything specific to your trip.
Ready to book?
