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 mobile technology is supported in Sri Lanka?
All mobile operators support the GSM technology on GSM 900 / 1800 bands. WAP & GPRS is extensively supported. 3G and wireless broadband is available in Colombo. Wi-Fi zones are found in selected spots in major towns.
Which Language(s) will people understand / communicate?
While Sinhala and Tamil are the official & most widely spoken languages in the country, English is a link language which is generally understood by most people. English is spoken at all hotels, major restaurants and shops. Road signs are mostly written both in Sinhalese & English.
How is the state of telephone facilities?
Telephone facilities are widely available all over the country. There’re telephone kiosks which accept coins. But the clarity could be low & talk time could be brief. Apart from them, there’re communication centers found throughout the country that provide IDD facilities as well as Internet facilities.
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.
Is it true that liquor is not served on Full Moon days?
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.True. Full Moon days (known as Poya days), are of religious significance to Buddhists and devoted to prayer and meditation. Out of respect for Buddhist religious rites, abstinence is practiced. The government has decreed that all liquor shops and meat shops & entertainment centres remain closed on Poya days .
How about beer & liquor?
Sri Lanka has its own variety of local beer. Also, two variations of local liquor exist, ie.Toddy & Arrack. Toddy is a natural intoxicating drink, tapped from the palm trees. Fermented and refined toddy becomes Arrack. Imported beer and foreign liquors cost almost the same as in most western countries.
Can I get ‘Halal’ food?
‘Halal’ food isn’t much common in major hotels. The Galadari and Holiday Inn in Colombo serve halal food as does the Confifi group of hotels (Eden, Riverina & Club Palm Garden). Apart from the Halal restaurants in Colombo and Kandy, they’re hardly elsewhere. The best alternative seems to be seafood.
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.
Can you recommend a rough pack-list?
Try getting a sarong. It’s very light, comfortable and packs down to almost nothing; also it suits all purposes and occasions, including the temple etiquette.
How should I be dressed if I visit a Buddhist or Hindu Temple?
You should take off your shoes and hat when entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple. If you’re carrying an umbrella, unfurl it. Your legs & shoulders should be covered; never enter a temple in beach wear (i.e. shorts or singlet).
Is there any particular dress code that I’m supposed to follow?
It’s advisable to bring one set of Evening wear as larger hotels insist on ‘long attire’ for men during dinner (no shorts and no sandals). Ladies could come in dresses, skirts or long shorts, but not in any beach / swimwear.
What type of clothes should I pack?
Lightweight, light coloured cotton clothes are ideal for the warm climes of a tropical country like Sri Lanka. We’d like to recommend that you pack some warm clothes if you are planning to visit the hilly regions, where the evenings tend to get chilly.
Are there any other special concerns?
Strictly avoid inserting a 110V – 120V appliance (E.g. hairdryer) into a Sri Lankan 240V plug base; you might find it catching fire in your hands!
What type of plug/s can I use?
Sri Lankan hotels have two types of plug bases; either the UK (Type G) or India (Type D). *Do not confuse with the larger 15 Amp plug which is used for ‘heavy duty’ appliances like air-conditioners, and microwave ovens.
What’s the voltage type in Sri Lanka?
The voltage is Sri Lanka is 220 / 240 volts.
Where can I discover more information about the country in general?
Visit the official Sri Lanka Tourism website for more information.