Essential Travel Information for Your Trip

Tourist visa / ETA: Sri Lanka operates an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and other short-stay visa procedures. As at September 2026, nationals of 40 selected countries are eligible for a free-of-charge 30-day tourist ETA under the government scheme introduced from 25 May 2026. Other nationalities should check the applicable visa/ETA requirement and fee before travel.

Before travelling: Travellers should hold a passport valid for the required period, a confirmed return or onward ticket, and sufficient funds for their stay. Entry is always subject to approval by Sri Lankan immigration authorities.

Important: Visa rules can change at short notice. Union Holidays recommends checking the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration website before ticketing and again shortly before departure.

December to February: Generally excellent for the south and west coasts, Colombo and the Cultural Triangle. This is a popular peak-travel period.

May to September: The southwest monsoon affects the west and southwest, while the east coast — including Trincomalee and Arugam Bay — can be especially attractive.

October to November: An inter-monsoon period when showers and thunderstorms can occur across much of the island.

Hill Country: Nuwara Eliya, Ella and the central highlands are cooler than the lowlands, especially in the evenings. A light jacket is useful.

Currency: The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).

Cards & ATMs: Major hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and established shops generally accept international credit and debit cards. ATMs are widely available in cities and main tourist areas.

Cash: Carrying some local currency is useful for small shops, local markets, tips, tuk-tuks and rural areas.

Exchange: Use banks, licensed money changers or authorized hotel exchange counters. Keep exchange receipts where required.

Official languages: Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages. English is widely used in hotels, tourism, business and major urban areas.

Helpful tip: A smile and a simple local greeting are warmly appreciated, but visitors can travel comfortably using English in most tourism situations.

Sri Lanka Standard Time: GMT / UTC +5:30 throughout the year. Sri Lanka does not use daylight-saving time.

Mobile service: Local SIM and data packages are readily available, including at the airport and in major towns. Coverage is generally good in populated areas, although it may be weaker in remote hill, wildlife and rural locations.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and many restaurants and cafes. Travellers who need continuous connectivity may prefer a local SIM/eSIM data package.

Private vehicle & chauffeur: For comfort and flexibility, a private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver-guide is one of the most convenient ways to tour Sri Lanka.

Trains: Rail journeys — particularly through the central highlands — can be scenic and memorable. Popular trains can become fully booked, so advance planning is strongly recommended.

Domestic flights: Selected domestic air services may be available depending on route, season and operating schedules.

Tuk-tuks & taxis: Tuk-tuks are widely used for short trips. Metered or app-based transport is preferable where available.

Travel times: Road distances can appear short on a map, but travel may take longer due to terrain, traffic and road conditions. Itineraries should be planned realistically.

Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, trip disruption, baggage and activities is strongly recommended.

Water: Bottled, filtered or properly treated water is recommended for drinking. Reputable hotels and restaurants follow established food-safety practices.

Medicines: Travellers who take prescription medication should carry an adequate supply in original packaging together with supporting documentation where appropriate.

Mosquito protection: Use repellent and suitable clothing, particularly around dawn, dusk and in tropical or rural areas.

Temples & religious sites: Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Shoes and hats should normally be removed before entering Buddhist and Hindu sacred areas.

Respecting images: Avoid posing in a disrespectful manner with religious statues or turning your back to a Buddha image solely for a photograph.

General etiquette: Sri Lankans are generally warm and hospitable. Polite, respectful behaviour is valued, particularly in villages, homes and religious places.

Tipping: Tipping is appreciated for good service but should remain discretionary. Many hotels and restaurants add a service charge; guests may still leave an additional tip when service has been exceptional.

Drivers & guides: It is customary for satisfied travellers to tip guides and drivers at the end of a tour. The amount should reflect service quality, tour duration and group size.

Popular purchases: Ceylon tea, spices, handicrafts, batik, gems and jewellery, handloom products, masks and locally made wellness products are popular souvenirs.

Gems & jewellery: Purchase from reputable, licensed outlets and request proper certification and receipts.

Wildlife & antiques: Avoid buying products made from protected wildlife, coral or restricted cultural/antique items.

Poya days: Every full moon day is a public holiday in Sri Lanka and has religious significance. Alcohol sales are normally restricted on Poya days, and some businesses may operate differently.

Planning: During major religious and national holidays, transport, attractions and public services may be busier or operate on modified schedules.

Main international gateway: Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at Katunayake is the principal international airport serving Colombo and most scheduled international arrivals.

Transfer time: Travel time between BIA and central Colombo varies with traffic. Guests heading directly to Negombo, the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, the south coast or other regions should allow realistic road-transfer times.

Meet & greet: For pre-arranged Union Holidays guests, airport representative / chauffeur details should be shared before arrival wherever applicable.

Personal effects: Tourists may bring reasonable personal effects for their own use, subject to Sri Lanka Customs regulations.

Declarations: Certain items, foreign currency above prescribed thresholds, gold, gems and restricted goods may need to be declared. Travellers should use the Red Channel or seek Customs advice when unsure.

Restricted items: Rules apply to plants, animals, certain medicines, weapons, commercial quantities and protected items. Prior permits may be required.

Essentials: Lightweight breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, a reusable water bottle, universal adaptor and any personal medicines.

For temples: Carry clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

For hill country: Pack a light sweater or jacket and rain protection.

For wildlife & nature: Neutral-coloured comfortable clothing, closed shoes, a hat and binoculars can be useful.

Personal safety: Use normal travel precautions: secure valuables, use hotel safes, keep copies of important documents and use established transport providers.

Wildlife: Never approach or feed wild animals. Follow park, ranger and guide instructions at all times.

Beach & sea: Sea conditions vary by coast and season. Swim only where conditions are considered safe and follow local warnings and lifeguard advice.

Emergency situations: Guests travelling with Union Holidays should retain their local emergency contact details and inform us promptly if assistance is required.

Police Emergency: 119

Ambulance / Suwa Seriya: 1990

Tourist Police: Visitors should reconfirm the current Tourist Police contact details at the time of travel or through their hotel / Union Holidays representative.

Union Holidays: Add the company 24-hour guest-assistance number here before publishing this page.

Our role is to make Sri Lanka easy to experience. From the moment your clients arrive until their departure, Union Holidays can coordinate airport assistance, private transport, accommodation, guides, excursions and tailor-made programmes through one local DMC partner.