Before travelling to Sri Lanka, check the entry rules for your passport, arrange appropriate travel insurance and review health advice for your itinerary. Then confirm the practical details: transfer times, room categories, activity access and what your quoted price includes.
Keep official information close to departure. Visa rules, charges, transport services and local conditions can change; check the details that apply to your own trip.
Entry: use official information
Check the Department of Immigration and Emigration's official ETA portal at eta.gov.lk for your nationality and purpose of travel. Confirm the current application procedure, fees, exemptions and permitted stay before departure.
Check passport validity, onward-travel and other entry conditions as well as the visa. Allow time to resolve a query, and use your own government's travel advice as an additional check. Avoid assuming that a fee or exemption quoted for another traveller applies to you.
Health: advice for your own circumstances
Discuss your itinerary, health history and any transit countries with a travel-health professional. Some travellers may need a yellow-fever certificate because of where they have travelled or transited. Check the entry requirements for your circumstances.
WHO certified Sri Lanka malaria-free in 2016. Mosquito-bite precautions still matter, including for dengue; get personalised advice on vaccination and prevention rather than assuming a safari requires malaria tablets.
Use safe drinking water and check the source of ice rather than assuming a hotel makes it safe. Carry sun protection and any regular medicines, and confirm insurance covers the activities you plan.
Payment and the daily budget
The Sri Lankan rupee is the local currency. Confirm card acceptance with your accommodation and activity providers, and carry a manageable amount of cash for smaller purchases. Use licensed exchange services and compare the rate and charges.
Allow for expenses outside your tour quote. Read meal plans and exclusions, and check whether activity admission, drinks and gratuities need a separate budget.
Pack for temples, parks and hills
Bring lightweight clothing, sun protection and footwear suited to the walks you plan. For Buddhist temple visits, cover shoulders and legs and follow instructions on removing shoes and hats.
Pack a light layer and rain protection for the hills. For a safari, binoculars and a dust cover can be more useful than extra camera equipment. Check current rail services if a train journey is part of the plan.
Check the details that apply to your passport, your dates and your route.
Ask useful questions before booking
Clarify driving estimates, vehicle and luggage capacity, guiding roles and what happens if an activity is cancelled. Agree any tipping guidance with the provider; a single dollar amount is not a universal rule.
Compare The Island Loop for a twelve-day route reference through culture, hills, wildlife and coast.
If you want more time in one region, look at The High Country as a hill-country alternative. Share your dates, party size, health or access needs and priorities when enquiring, and ask for the relevant arrangements in writing.
