Sri Lanka is an easy country to travel well in. The infrastructure for luxury tourism is mature, English is widely spoken in hotels and restaurants, and the island is small enough that distances rarely become exhausting. A few things, however, will make the difference between a good journey and a genuinely exceptional one.
Visas and Entry
Most nationalities require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Sri Lanka, obtainable online before departure. The official portal is eta.gov.lk. Apply at least a week before travel. The ETA costs USD 20 for most nationalities and grants a 30-day stay, extendable to 90 days at the Department of Immigration in Colombo.
Citizens of Singapore and the Maldives are visa-exempt. Check the current list before travel, as exemptions change.
Currency and Payment
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the local currency. Major hotels, restaurants, and tour operators accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), but carry cash for markets, small restaurants, and tipping. ATMs are widely available in Colombo and the major tourist towns — less so in the parks and the deep hill country.
USD, GBP, and EUR can be exchanged at banks and licensed money changers. Hotels offer poor rates. The airport money changers are acceptable for a small initial amount.
Health and Vaccinations
No vaccinations are mandatory for Sri Lanka, but the following are recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and a tetanus booster. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for the northern jungle districts (Wilpattu, the far north). Most travellers to the cultural triangle and the south do not require it — discuss with your GP or a travel clinic.
Tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available. Ice in reputable hotels and restaurants is made from filtered water and is generally safe.
The sun is intense year-round. High-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brim hat, and UV-protective clothing are not optional on safari days.
What to Pack
Lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing covers most occasions. Sri Lanka is a conservative country — cover shoulders and knees for temple visits. Swimwear is fine at hotels and beaches.
For safari days: lightweight neutral clothing (khaki, olive, tan), not white or bright colours. A good pair of binoculars is worth bringing. Photographers should pack a long lens (300mm minimum for the cats). Dust — particularly in Yala and Wilpattu — is relentless; a dust bag for camera equipment is worthwhile.
For the hill country: a light fleece or jacket. Nuwara Eliya at night can drop to 10°C. The tea estates in early morning are genuinely cold.
Sri Lanka is an easy country to travel well in — a few things will make the difference between a good journey and a genuinely exceptional one.
Tipping
Tipping is customary and appreciated. For a private chauffeur on a multi-day journey, USD 10–15 per day is the going rate. For a specialist guide (naturalist, archaeologist), USD 15–20 per day. At restaurants, 10% is appropriate where service is not included.
Your Serendria itinerary documents include a tipping guide specific to your journey.
