Sri Lanka Quick Guide

What vaccinations do I need?

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Sri Lanka are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel?

Best time to visit?

The best time to visit the west and south coasts and hill country is from December to March, while the best weather on the east coast is from April/May to September.

Do I need a Visa?

British citizens must have a valid passport for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry in Sri Lanka, and are also required to have a visa. You can apply for a tourist visa online at www.eta.gov.lk

See which forms you may need for entry into Sri Lanka.

What currency do i need?

The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Sri Lanka you can grab amazing Sri Lankan Rupee deals via Wise.com (GBP to LKR).

What about the wildlife?

The Sri Lankan elephant is one of the three types of Asian elephants. Sri Lankan leopards. Peacocks. Sri Lankan junglefowl. Grey hornbill. Sambar deer. Spotted deer. Water buffalo.

What is the traditional food?

Tamil food? Sri Lanka's national dish is definitely rice and curry. Every meal that includes rice and curry is a hit to the senses and it can be different each time.

What Languages are spoken?

Several languages are spoken in Sri Lanka within the Indo-European, Dravidian and Austronesian families. Sri Lanka accords official status to Sinhala and Tamil. The languages spoken on the island nation are deeply influenced by the languages of neighbouring India, the Maldives and Malaysia. You can learn some basic Tamil before you travel to Sri Lanka and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip?

The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (Tipping is generally expected in Sri Lanka in all of the circumstances one might usually tip. In temples, you should leave money in donation boxes, particularly if you have been taken on a tour by a resident monk.).

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Useful Numbers

  • Police: 119
  • Ambulance: 110
  • Fire: 110
  • UK Embassy: +94 115 390 639

Time Difference

The GMT time difference is 5.5 hours

Travel Apps

Grab a travel app or two


Learn Tamil

Learn some Tamil before your trip to Sri Lanka


Sri Lanka Guidebook

Stay informed before, during and after your trip to Sri Lanka by buying a guidebook.