General Travel FAQ Sri Lanka 

Why should I travel to Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is an island located close to the equator with an area of 65,600 SQ KM, Sri Lanka is a small, but tantalising tourist destination packed with the absolute best of so many worlds: sun kissed beaches, green paddy fields, ancient cities, small lively rural dwellings, urban cityscapes, highly diversified wildlife in tropical jungles and hill country tea plantation. So, strongly recommend Sri Lanka for your next family holiday.   

What should I pack prior to holiday in Sri Lanka?
It depends on your destination and type of the holiday (Wildlife / Buddhist Pilgrimage / Leisure etc) and the season of travel. In general, we recommend loose fitting cotton clothes (or some form of the breathable modern fabrics). Also make sure to bring some long sleeves since you need to cover your knees & shoulders when entering to Buddhist & Hindu Temples in Sri Lanka. Make sure to bring your sunblock cream and some warm clothes if you stay 2 -3 night in central highlands especially in Nuwara Eliya (10 – 15 C). 

Do I need to wear long sleeves for Sigiriya Rock Fortress?
No, Sigiria is not a sacred Temple and its an archaeological treasure where you do not need to cover knees & shoulders.   

What is the best time to travel to Sri Lanka for a family holiday ?
It depends on your activities and season of travel. Ceylon Expeditions travel consultant will advice you the best time considering your interests. The favorable months are usually December - March for the west coast and south coast, and from April - September for the ancient cities and the east coast. The northeast monsoon is on November – March and the southwest monsoon is June – October.

Is Sri Lanka a safe country to travel?
Yes Sri Lanka is now very safe & secure country even though Sri Lanka was suffered for decade with civil unrest, and same ended up in 2009 Now Sri Lanka is a safe country and you can travel anywhere in the island including Jaffna. 

VISA / Airlines / Airport FAQ Sri Lanka 

Do I need VISA to enter to Sri Lanka?
Yes, all non residents need to have a VISA to enter to Sri Lanka. 

Is there on arrival VISA available ?
Yes, on arrival VISA facility is available for selected nationalities but we recommend to apply your VISA online and get it approved in advance to avoid unnecessary hassle / que on arrival. 
Note – On arrival VISA facility might change time to time with various reasons and therefore it is recommend to consult your travel agency in Sri Lanka before travel. 

How to apply Sri Lanka VISA?
You need to go through on official web portal of Department of Immigration and Emigration www.eta.gov.lk  
We as a responsible travel company in Sri Lanka, recommend you to go through only above official web portal.
If any assistance needed, please contact us directly holidays@expeditions.lk   
Contact Number of VISA Sri Lanka Department of Immigration +94 11 5329000
eMail ID controller@immigration.gov.lk  

Which airlines fly from UK to Sri Lanka?
SriLankan Airlines (National carrier of Sri Lanka) and British Airways both operates direct flights from London Colombo and the flying time is 11 – 12 Hrs 
Also, there are many easy connections available from Europe / US airport from Qatar Airways and Emirates 

Food & Beverages FAQ Sri Lanka 

What to eat during my vacation in Sri Lanka?
Rice is a staple food in Sri Lanka and bread / hoppers / roti also widely used with spicy curries. “Sri Lankan Rice & Curry” (Both veg & non veg) can be seen every corner of the island. Most of Sri Lankans are not vegetarian and they eat chicken / fish / beef pork are widely used yet you can have a delicious vegetarian dish everywhere especially main cities. Make sure to enjoy Kottu Roti / sea food fried rice / egg hoppers with chili paste from street during your vacation in Sri Lanka.
Most of the star class hotels will serve continental buffet apart from “Asian Corner” where you can have all Sri Lankan / Indian spicy food. 

Can I enjoy street foods in Sri Lanka during my vacation?
Yes, you can experience delicious spicy foods in street during your family vacation in Sri Lanka but make sure to select the best street food places in consultation with you guide or your travel agent in Sri Lanka to select best / hygiene place/s. 

Can I get street food everywhere in Sri Lanka?
Street food places are widely available in main cities you travel but not in the rural villages / small cities. 

Is alcohol readily available in Sri Lanka?
Yes alcohol products are widely available in Sri Lanka including both locally brewed and foreign liquor varieties. 

Are liquor shops open 365 days in Sri Lanka?  
Yes except full moon days each months and other government declared condolence days. All full moon days are public holidays celebrates various events of Buddha’s life / Buddhist related events. So all Fullmoon days are dry days but all Tourist board approved star class hotels will serve liquor not in public areas like bars and its only room service. 

Can I bring foreign liquor to Sri Lankan when I come for my holiday?
Yes this is accepted and each passport can carry 2 liters of spirits can bring inside the country and no customs involved. 

Can I bring cigarettes to Sri Lanka when I come to Sri Lanka on my holiday
No you can't bring cigarettes to Sri Lanka as per the Sri Lankan customs law. But you can purchase tobacco products within Sri Lanka and readily available.   

Travel Agents in Sri Lanka 

Do we need to book our holiday package through a travel agency in Sri Lanka?
If you are travel alone or a backpack holiday, you do not need to go through a travel company and you may book your hotels online and taxi too. 
But if you are on your family holiday with kids / wheelchair accessible holiday or travel with senior citizen in Sri Lanka, highly recommend booking your holiday through a recommended travel company in Sri Lanka. There should be a responsible party in Sri Lanka while you are on your holiday with family members. Also this is important in case an emergency / medical issue etc. 

How to select a best high end travel agent in Sri Lanka?
There is no specific method to select the best travel agency in Sri Lanka, but you can research for TripAdvisor reviews / past track records / Trust Pilot reviews before book your holiday package in Sri Lanka. 

Are there any high end luxury travel companies in Sri Lanka? 
Yes there are few selected high end tour operators in Sri Lanka handling luxury family holidays and other tailor make luxury vacations in Sri Lanka. 

How for find Tourism Department or Government approved travel agencies in Sri Lanka?
You can simply check with Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority web site VIA  https://www.srilanka.travel/travel-agents 

How many travel agencies are in Sri Lanka?
There are 2,000 plus Tourist Board registered / approved travel companies in Sri Lanka.