f.a.q

How much will I be charged for the ETA?

The non-refundable ETA processing charge for a Tourist visa with Double Entry for 30 days for citizens of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries amounts to US $15. For those from all other countries, it will cost US $30.


Am I required to get an ETA?

It’s necessary for citizens of all countries except for those of The Republic of Singapore and of The Republic of Maldives to get an ETA to visit Sri Lanka.


What is an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an official authorization for a Short Visit to Sri Lanka issued via an online system. You need ETA if you wish to visit Sri Lanka as a Tourist, on Business or on Transit. No passport copies, documents or photographs are required to obtain ETA.

Do I need a visa to arrive in Sri Lanka?

Yes, you need a visa to arrive in Sri Lanka. Apart from that, if you’re planning a short visit to Sri Lanka, you’re required to obtain Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before your arrival.

What are the business hours and days?

Institution                               Hours                        Open Days                                                          Closed
Are ATM machines available throughout the country and do they issue cash for my debit/ credit card?
ATMs are located in most of the cities. You’re allowed to take cash against Visa / Mastercard in most ATMs. However, as different banks accept different cards, we recommend you to ensure that your card is valid for use in Sri Lanka by contacting your bank. Watch out for the Maestro or Cirrus logo!

Are credit card charges made in foreign currency?
No, they aren’t. Due to exchange regulations in the country, local establishments will determine your payments by applying the exchange rate prevailing at the date of payment.

Are credit cards accepted everywhere?
Credit Cards are extensively used and accepted by local establishments (even in small towns). The most popular card types are Visa and MasterCard, with Amex being used to a lesser extent. It’d be a convenient option to use your Credit Card (valid for international use) whenever possible.

Where can I re-exchange?
The Re-Exchange (purchase of foreign currency) can only take place on your departure at the Bank counters at the airport. Remember that they will only accept bank receipts (not Money Changer receipts).

What’re requirements for re-exchanging?
Please keep with you whatever receipts of exchange (including ATM receipts) for monies declared. This will be useful when re-exchanging to foreign currency and taking your money back out of the country.

How much of money can I take out of the country?
If you intend to take out from Sri Lanka a sum exceeding US $5000(or its equivalent in Euro or some other currency) in currency notes (out of the money brought in), you must declare the total amount brought in, even if it’s less than US$ 15,000.

How much of money can I bring into the country?
You can bring any amount of money in foreign currencies into Sri Lanka. It could be in TCs, Bank drafts or currency notes. But, if the total is more than US $15,000 (or its equivalent in Euro or some other currency) that sum must be declared to Sri Lanka Customs.

How about the bank fees for foreign currency exchange?
Banks take 0.5% handling fee and generally a commission, which differs from bank to bank. We recommend you to convert only that amount of money you need for spending.

Where else can I convert my money to local currency?
The exchange of foreign currency is only allowed at banks, money changes and Hotels. You can easily encash Travelers Cheques at any major bank. Thomas Cook and Visa are the most widely accepted.

What health issues must I be concerned with?
Sri Lanka boasts one of the most reliable healthcare systems in the developing world. But emergency medical facilities may not be widely available outside of the main cities. Those travelling from Africa or Latin America must have a valid certificate of vaccination for Yellow fever and Meningitis before the arrival.

Is it safe to travel to Sri Lanka?
Yes. The country is at peace. Tourists visit Sri Lanka in record numbers and feel the pervading sense of peace, safety and stability as they relish the pristine glory of the small island nation. Where we conduct our tours, we also ensure the safety and security of our tourists.

What safety precautions I should necessarily take when travelling?
according to accepted norms in traveling, you should put all your valuables like money, passport, tickets, jewels etc in the hotel safe deposit locker. As the international custom goes, hotels aren’t responsible for objects lost in the room. Keep a note of your Travelers’ Cheque numbers separately from Travelers’ Cheques.

What type of accommodation can I expect?
We offer a wide range of accommodation from private boutique hotels, villas, eco lodge and tents. But, some of our nature & adventure trips involve travelling to remote or undeveloped outstation destinations where hotel accommodation of International tourist standard may not exist & facilities are relatively poor.

Can I smoke in public places?
No. Smoking and having liquor in public areas is banned in Sri Lanka. The smoking ban is also in effect at enclosed public places such as restaurants and social clubs.

What about soft drinks & fruit juice?
There’s plenty of fresh fruit juice available both in major restaurants and smaller ones. It’s as much delectable as healthy. Popular international soft drinks are found even in the small village boutiques. Thambili or King Coconut is a refreshing sweet, clean and cheap natural drink you’ll find by the wayside.

What sorts of drinks / beverages can I have?
First, you can have Ceylon Tea which hailed as the world’s best type of tea. If you’re a coffee fan, local coffee may be up to your taste, if a little strong. If you long for a good espresso, you may get it while in Colombo but not elsewhere.

What sort of food can I hope to have in an ‘Ayurveda Resort’?
The food is exclusively based on Sri Lankan rice and curry menu. The curries are mostly Sri Lankan vegetables; chicken and fish may be included.

Can I get vegetarian food?
Star hotels and major restaurants sport a ‘vegetarian section’ in the menu. The smaller local ‘rice and curry’ restaurants may claim the food is vegetarian, but it often includes a serving of fried fish or sprats (anchovies). However, the ‘South Indian’ vegetarian restaurants are purely vegetarian.