Bandaranayake International Airport is the only international airport tourist arrive to Sri Lanka (Colombo International Airport), is approximately 30 kms north of Colombo commercial capital, a 45 minutes’ drive approximately to Colombo downtown.
Sinhala is the mother tongue and the official language; Tamil is the other official language. English is the third most common language, and the majority of people can speak and comprehend it. All hotels, significant restaurants, and retail shops speak English. If a foreign visitor needs assistance, escorted Tours may give guides in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese and special as request. With very few exceptions, all road signs throughout the nation are written in both English & Sinhalese
There are two categories of visas for Sri Lanka. Tourist Visa and Business Visa. An individual who wishes to visit tourist attractions will be given a tourist visa for a specific period of time, sightseeing, relaxation, visiting friends and relatives, and doing wellness programs. A business visa is issued to an international visitor coming to Sri Lanka for business purposes. Every visitor to Sri Lanka, whether traveling there for leisure or on business, needs to have an "Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Travel authorization is initially granted for 30 days for tourist purposes, but the Department of Immigration and Emigration might extend it for a maximum of two months when in Sri Lanka. The official government website makes obtaining a visa remarkably simple. It is possible to apply for a visa in advance,
It is recommended and encouraged that you obtain a comprehensive travel insurance before depart your country.
“Sri Lankan Rupee” (use codes such as “LKR” or “Rs.”) is the official currency of Sri Lanka. Any major currency, including USD, GBP, AUD, and Euros, can be easily exchanged at a banking counter in the arrivals zone of Colombo International Airport. Or you can exchange foreign currency from any bank in any city in Sri Lanka. The banks require your passport in order to exchange money. Visa and Master Credit cards are accepted by the most of hotels, restaurants, and tourist shops. Make sure your card is approved for usage in Sri Lanka by contacting your local bank before leaving. You will typically pay entrance fees to attractions and activity costs in local currencies. While on the journey, we advise you to carry some local currency with you.
There are several private and government banks in Sri Lanka. The bank’s opening hours are from 09.00am to 14.00 noon. International credit and debit cards are accepted at most of ATMs across the country, which are open 24/7.
Since Sri Lanka is a tropical island, you should often pack comfortable cotton and linen clothing. You must bring rain jackets, wool clothing, high-quality boots, socks, and hats if you visit Sri Lanka's central highlands, which is the coolest place in the country. You will feel comfortable in cotton and linen clothing, as well as top-notch flip flops and sandals, in the remaining locations. Additionally, remember to bring high SPF lotions or oils to protect your skin from the sun and sunglasses.
Be modestly dressed. In Sri Lanka, you have to dress up that mostly covers your shoulders and knees when visiting Buddhist and Hindu temples. Additionally, you are not permitted to wear a hat, cap, or hoodie when you enter a place of worship. and are required to take off their shoes as per Sri Lankan tradition. In front of most religious sites, they facilitate getting a shawl or sarong to cover your body. If you are wearing revealing clothes.
In Sri Lanka, there are any of sites and locations that require picture permits, mostly religious places. You must be aware of their photo restrictions before taking a picture. Making a photo of a Buddhist icon with a person is prohibited. Selfies go under this guideline also. This behavior is considered as disrespectful. Do not pose in front of or next to a Buddha statue; it is considered extremely disrespectful, or take pictures of a Buddhist monk without the monk's consent. Avoid climbing on stupas and statues if they do not have access.
You can purchase a pre-paid SIM card with data and voice at the arrival area of Colombo International Airport, from a major mobile network operators in Sri Lanka.