About Sri Lanka

Visa

  • An international passport is required with validity up to 6 months after return.
  • You can apply for the visa online at www.eta.gov.lk This costs about 50 USD.

Money

In Sri Lanka, payment is made with the Sri Lankan rupee. 320 roepies = ± 1 euro.

There is the ability to pay with visa and mastercard and you can also withdraw cash.   Dolars and euros are accepted almost everywhere.

Tip: If you wish to use a mastercard for cash withdrawals, please contact your bank so they can activate your card for cash withdrawals outside of Europe. They then activate your card for the period you are traveling.

Vaccinations

There are no mandatory vaccinations, but it is recommended that you be vaccinated against:   hepatitis A and B, tetanus, polio and typhoid fever.

If you have stayed in a country where yellow fever is present 7 days before arriving in Sri Lanka, it is mandatory to be vaccinated against this disease.

Malaria pills are not necessary! Ordinary mosquito repellents and mosquito bites are sufficient.

Traffic

In Sri Lanka, they drive on the left and chaotically. It is not really advisable to drive yourself here.

Time difference

With daylight saving time, Sri Lanka is 3+1/2 hours later and with winter time it is 4+1/2 hours with Europe.

Electricity

An addaptor is not necessary. The regular 2 and 3 pin plugs work here.

Climate

The dry season is from December to March in the west, south and mountains. From April to September in the north and east coast. In the mountains it is always a bit cooler.
During the rainy season there may be a serious shower but it is certainly not that it rains all day. The advantage of the rainy season is that the waterfalls and landscapes are beautifully green.

Clothing

Especially while visiting historical sites and temples, people are asked to wear clothing where the shoulders are covered. Pants/skirt to the knees for men, and just over the knees for women.

Photos

While visiting temples and historical sites, photographs may be taken. Be sure to never stand with your back to the Buddha statues while taking a picture ( called a selfie). This is forbidden and very sensitive.

Some festivals

  • Sri Lanka New Year is celebrated from the first day of the full moon in April for 3 days.
  • Vesak Day: This is the full moon in the month of May that commemorates both the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.
  • Kandy Esala Perahera: The 10-day procession in Kandy in late July, early August.