| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 31 |
| London | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 7 |
Below is an information overview. The conditions of entry, as well as the political and health situation, can change anywhere in the world at any time. We therefore recommend checking the website of the Foreign Office (www.gov.uk) before your departure.
Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean, south of India.
Unitary presidential republic with a parliamentary democracy.
Official: Sri Jayewardenepura – Kotte (seat of government), de facto: Colombo
Predominantly Buddhists (Theravada Buddhism), while Hindus, Muslims and Christians form minorities.
Official languages are Singhalese and Tamil; English is the lingua franca.
There is a tropical humid-hot monsoon climate. Milder in altitudes and near the coast.
230 V alternating current, 50 Hz. An adapter is required.
The difference between local time and GMT is +5.5 in relation to standard time (during the winter). As there is no changeover to summer time, the time difference during the summer is +4.5 hours.
The dialing code 0044 (+44) needs to be added to make calls to the UK. The dialing code 0094 (+94) needs to be added when calling Sri Lanka.
Behaviour that could be interpreted as religious defiance is punished by the police, including detention for several days. It is forbidden to be photographed with your back to a Buddha statue. Disrespectful photos of religious motifs can lead to heavy fines and even imprisonment. Photographing the so-called „Cloud Girl frescoes“ at Sigiriya Rock is prohibited. Failure to comply with this prohibition may result in heavy fines and confiscation of the camera by the Sri Lankan police authorities. Photographing military installations is also prohibited. Temples may only be entered with shoulders covered and trousers or skirts reaching below the knees. Do not display clothing or tattoos with Buddhist motifs as they may be perceived as denigrating Buddhism. Make sure you are allowed to take photographs or ask for permission. Be sure to follow the instructions and regulations at Sri Lankan cultural sites.
Tipping recommendation: for chambermaids and bus attendants, £1.50 per day per person, and in restaurants £2. For group travel, it is recommended to tip the tour guide approximately £3.50 and the bus driver approximately £2 per day per person. It is entirely up to everyone whether and how much they wish to tip.
In Sri Lanka, people drive on the left.
British citizens require a visa to travel to Sri Lanka and a full ‘British citizen’ passport which have an ‘expiry date’ at least six months after the day you arrive. The visa can be applied for as an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online via the official website http://www.eta.gov.lk. The eVisa for Sri Lanka is valid for 30 days. Once the visa application has been approved, please download your eVisa and print it out. The eVisa must be presented upon entry into Sri Lanka along with the passport. Citizens of other countries are requested to contact the British High Commission in London to find out the entry requirements applicable to them. At the airport in Colombo, there is also the option to apply for a visa upon arrival. However, the airport only has limited capacities for this and long waiting times can be expected. Furthermore, entry will be denied if not approved.
Nationals of other countries are advised to enquire at the Sri Lankan Embassy about the entry requirements applicable to them. Whilst we endeavour to provide guidance where necessary, we can not be responsible for any problems encountered (whether at any point of entry or elsewhere) in the event that passport and visa requirements are not satisfied.
Your expert tour guides will be able to provide you with detailed information about the country, people, history, culture, etc., and offer advice and assistance for organising your trip. They can also help with room allocation and look forward to welcoming you with initial information. Here you will find out all you need to know and useful information about the trip. We have put together a varied programme including numerous highlights, enabling you to experience the culture and diversity of landscape that Sri Lanka has to offer, and learn all about the country and its people.
Although your trip already includes a comprehensive package, you also have the option of choosing added extras. We recommend booking the following packages:
Half board: The package includes 12x dinner as buffet or 5-course menu: only £ 199* per person.
Cultural package: The package includes the three excursions to the „World Heritage site of Polonnaruwa“, „Panoramic train journey through the highlands of Sri Lanka“ and the „Safari in Udawalawe National Park“: only £ 189* per person.
* Package prices may vary when booking on site.
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Exchange rate (February 2026): 1 GBP = 425,32 LKR; 1 LKR = 0.0023 GBP.
Find out in advance from your bank about possible fees for card payments abroad. At most cash machines in cities and tourist centres, you can withdraw cash using EC cards (Cirrus/Maestro) as well as common credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), but you should expect withdrawal fees and a limit of about 40,000–50,000 LKR (approx. £95 – £116). In addition, British banks and credit card companies charge a foreign transaction fee per withdrawal. To save costs, it is advisable to use a free travel credit card, which allows worldwide withdrawals and payments free of charge. Despite widespread card payment, you should always carry sufficient cash in rupees (LKR) with you, as in remote regions and with small traders, payment is often only possible in cash. Money may only be exchanged at authorised locations (airport, banks, hotels), and the exchange must be confirmed on an official form. Foreign currencies such as euros or US dollars offer better exchange rates locally. Be aware of fraud at cash machines, and if possible, pay smaller amounts in cash. For hospital or doctor visits, you are usually required to present a credit card, even if you are insured, so you should always carry the card with you. Cards without the Maestro or Cirrus logo do not work in Sri Lanka.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Sri Lanka. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. Most major banks allow Visa and Mastercard cash withdrawals. There are ATMs in major towns and cities, but not all accept international cards. You cannot transfer money without an exchange control permit issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
More extensive customs information about importing goods can be obtained from the embassy of Sri Lanka (https://www.customs.gov.lk/personal/travellers/).
Important: If you are travelling to Great Britain from outside the UK, your personal allowances mean you can bring in a certain amount of goods without paying tax or duty. If you go over your allowances you must declare all your goods and pay tax and duty on all the goods in that category. Please inform yourself about the current customs regulations: https://www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/arriving-in-Great-Britain
Since the protests in 2022, the security presence across Sri Lanka has been increased nationwide. Terrorist attacks as well as spontaneous protests with possible unrest cannot be ruled out. Avoid demonstrations and large crowds, follow the instructions of the security forces, and monitor local as well as international media. Curfews or social media blockades may be imposed at short notice, and enhanced controls are in place at airports.
Crime: Violent crime is predominantly targeted at locals, but foreigners – especially women travelling alone or in small groups – may also fall victim to theft, burglary or, in isolated cases, violent and sexual offences, particularly in very inexpensive accommodation. Pay special attention to your valuables in crowds, at railway stations and on buses, and only carry the necessary cash. Never leave food and drinks unattended and do not accept drinks from strangers, as incidents involving date rape drugs have occurred. When making high-value purchases (e.g. gemstones/jewellery) beware of attempted fraud. Secure important documents and, if necessary, keep digital copies. In the event of sexual assaults, you can reach the police around the clock on 1938; in the main tourist areas there are special tourist police stations.
The law of Sri Lanka, particularly the criminal law, is also to be observed by foreign tourists in its entirety. Express attention is to be drawn to the provisions for the import and export of foreign currencies, impermissible possession of drugs and weapons as well as sexual offences. Violations, as well as behaviour that can be interpreted as religious defiance, can result in very harsh punishments. Sexual abuse of children can also be punished in the UK even if the offence was committed abroad.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website (https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries). Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, dengue fever, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies and Japanese encephalitis are recommended as travel vaccinations.
Mosquito repellent: Adequate protection against mosquitoes (exposure prophylaxis) is recommended. It includes:
• Wearing long, light clothing impregnated against insects when outdoors
• Rubbing all skin surfaces with a suitable repellent
• Using impregnated mosquito nets during the night or staying in rooms protected from mosquitoes (fly screens, air conditioning).
They protect against other diseases such as dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis.
Yellow fever: When entering from a country designated by the WHO as a yellow fever endemic area, a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate must be presented. A list of yellow fever areas can be found on the WHO website (http://www.who.int).
Rabies: High risk from stray dogs and monkeys. Avoid contact with animals, seek vaccination advice/vaccination before travelling. In case of a bite or contact, seek medical treatment immediately, even if already vaccinated.
HIV/AIDS: Risk of transmission through unprotected sex, unclean needles, or blood transfusions. Use condoms and avoid contact with needles.
Diarrhoeal diseases: Common throughout the year. Drink only sealed bottles/cans or boil/filter/disinfect water (also for brushing teeth), peel or cook fruit/vegetables, cook meat/fish thoroughly. Wash or disinfect hands regularly; keep flies away from food. Risk of salmonella, shigella, typhoid, amoebas, giardia, and worm infections.
Influenza (seasonal flu): Circulates mainly Feb–Apr. Risk groups should check vaccination protection; observe hygiene.
Geographically and climatically related diseases: The intensity of sunlight is often underestimated by holidaymakers. Good sun protection and adequate fluid intake are especially important for older people. Dangerous sea currents repeatedly lead to tragic drowning accidents: pay attention to warnings at beaches. Alcohol consumption should be avoided while bathing and swimming. Beaches contaminated with animal faeces also pose an infection risk for parasitic skin diseases (cutaneous larva migrans). Sufficient medical care, especially in emergencies or accidents, is not always and everywhere guaranteed.
Due to the ongoing economic crisis, there are import restrictions and supply bottlenecks, which also affect the supply of medicines. Especially in rural areas and government institutions, not all medicines are always available. Take any medication you require from the UK with you.
Medical care in the big cities and tourist centres is adequate to good but does not meet European standards in all areas. In Colombo, medical care in specific fields is by all means of a high to a very high standard.
It is strongly advisable to have adequate and valid health insurance coverage including provision for repatriation.
Customers must ensure that they are in good physical and mental health in line with the trip in question. Customers must enquire about the physical mobility and psychological autonomy required for this trip.
All information is subject to change / Last updated: February 2026
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