What is a Sri Lankan visa?

A Sri Lankan visa is an endorsement on a passport or a similar document to facilitate the legal entry of non-Sri Lankans into the country and to regulate the period of their stay and the conditions governing their stay.

Visit Visas

A Visit Visa is an entry permit signifying the consent of the Sri Lankan Government for the admission of a foreign national to the country. The visa contains details of the period of time and the condition/s of the stay. There are two sub-categories that come under visit visas…

1) Tourist Visit Visa

A Tourist Visa is issued to bona-fide tourists who want to enter Sri Lanka for sightseeing, excursions, relaxation, to visit relatives or for yoga training for a short period of time.

2) Business Visit Visa

A Business Visa is issued to foreign nationals who visit Sri Lanka for business purposes for short periods of time. This visa may be issued for single, double or multiple journeys.

Getting There

Most visitors to Sri Lanka travel by air; flights arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport, 35 kilometres north of Colombo, and 6 kilometres from Negombo. Various UK tour operators offer good-value package holidays throughout the year.

When to Visit

Sri Lanka is an all-year destination. If you’re coming in search of sun and sea, the best time to visit the island is from November to April. The Southwestern coastal area is where the majority of beach resorts are located. Kalpitiya, located on the north-western coast, has been declared a new tourist attraction; plenty of development projects along the East coast are also underway. The central highlands are pleasantly cool and relatively dry from January to April. Peak season is mid December–mid January and March–April. There’s also a mini peak season in July and August, when festivals and pageants occur across the country.

Time Difference

Sri Lanka Standard Time is five and a half hours ahead of GMT. (Don’t forget to take into account summer-time changes in Europe.)

Language

Sri Lanka has two official languages: Sinhala and Tamil, with English as a link language. Most people have some knowledge of English, and signs are often printed in English.

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are compulsory. That said, the following are recommended, particularly if you’re planning a long trip or intend on visiting remote areas: typhoid (monovalent), polio, tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and rabies. Children should also be protected against diphtheria, whooping cough, mumps, measles and rubella. Remember to plan well ahead with vaccinations. Allow up to six weeks to receive the full course – some vaccinations require more than one dose, and some should not be given together. The risk of malaria exists throughout the whole country apart from the districts of Colombo, Kalutara and Nuwara Eliya. Medication has to start one week prior to travel, continue during the trip, and finish four weeks after your return. Once again, planning is essential; take care to ensure the course is followed.