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Weather & climate
Weather in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
30°
Slight rain showers
Thu
28°
30°
Fri
29°
30°
Sat
28°
30°
Sun
29°
30°
Mon
28°
30°
Tue
28°
30°
Wed
29°
30°
SPF level in Sri Lanka
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Sri Lanka
What British travellers need to know
You need to apply for an 'Electronic Travel Authorization' (ETA) visa to enter Sri Lanka.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you arrive.
The ETA is valid for a 30-day stay, and you can apply for an extension online if you plan to stay longer.
You must apply for the ETA online before travel, though you may also apply for an on-arrival ETA at the airport's immigration counter.
You can transit through Sri Lanka by air without a visa if your connecting flight is within 24 hours of arrival.
Good to know:
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
There are strict rules about goods you can take in or out, and you must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax.
Safety in Sri Lanka
Tips when travelling
Sri Lanka is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry your passport as official identification, as a copy may not always be acceptable.
Take care of your bag and belongings on the street, as criminals on motorbikes may try to snatch them.
Do not take drinks from strangers or leave your drinks unattended due to the risk of drink spiking.
Avoid using drones, binoculars, or taking photographs near military bases, government buildings, or VIP vehicles.
Nude or topless sunbathing is not allowed, and you should cover your legs and shoulders when entering a Buddhist temple.
Bonus tips:
Bank card fraud is common, so use ATMs inside banks or hotels and keep your card in sight when paying.
Many beaches have dangerous surf or rip tides, so get advice from your hotel before going in the sea.
More information
Driving in Sri Lanka
A UK driving license is valid for driving in Sri Lanka for up to 3 months. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of road
left
Motorway speed limit
70 km/h to 100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Health in Sri Lanka
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as health facilities may be limited, especially in rural areas. Although GHIC/EHIC is not applicable in Sri Lanka, comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Seek medical advice from your GP or a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks before travel and ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date. Dengue fever is a risk. Consider taking malaria medication and learn about preventing insect bites. Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or purified water.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more widely accepted, especially in larger establishments, hotels, and tourist-oriented businesses in cities. However, smaller shops, restaurants, and rural areas may primarily rely on cash. Always check if card payments are accepted before making a purchase.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Sri Lanka
Tipping is not deeply ingrained in Sri Lankan culture like in some Western countries, but it's becoming increasingly common, especially in tourist areas, to show appreciation for good service. While not obligatory, a small tip can go a long way and is always appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill, especially if a service charge isn't included. Check the bill first, as some establishments automatically add a 10% service charge.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (LKR 50-100) for good service is appreciated.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated, especially for longer journeys or helpful drivers.
Hotel Porter
LKR 100-200 per bag is a reasonable tip.
Hotel Housekeeper
LKR 200-300 per day, left at the end of your stay, is a thoughtful gesture.
Tour Guide
LKR 500-1000 per day, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, EU roaming regulations no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Sri Lanka before you travel. Roaming charges can be very high. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM
10GB for 1500 LKR (~£4)
Network coverage
4G, 5G, GSM
Electrical in Sri Lanka
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type D, Type G
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, cafes, and restaurants, particularly in tourist areas and cities. The quality and speed of the connection can vary. Rural areas may have limited or no WiFi access.
Average speed
25 Mbps
While WiFi is available, it's still convenient to buy a local SIM card for uninterrupted access to the internet, especially if travelling in rural areas or relying on maps.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
119
Ambulance
110
Fire
110
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Sri Lanka
Country code
+94
To call the British High Commission in Colombo from the UK, dial 00 94 11 5390000.
To call a Sri Lankan number from abroad, dial your international exit code (00 in the UK), followed by the country code 94, and then the Sri Lankan phone number.
UK Embassy
British High Commission Colombo
389 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Warnings and insurance
6 days ago
Government services in Sri Lanka
- The note about a four-day working week for Sri Lankan government officials (except essential services) causing non-essential services to be unavailable on Wednesdays has been removed.
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.