OVERSEAS VISITORS
Sri Lanka is a famous tourist destination. Its beaches, cultural sites, the beauty of its hill country, colourful festivals with dances, ruins of ancient civilizations, huge man-made reservoirs, fauna and flora are the main attractions. Over five hundred thousand tourists visit Sri Lanka annually. They are mainly from European countries and Japan.
There are various colourful festivals in various parts of the island through out the year. The most colourful event is the Kandy Perahera which attracts many thousands of tourists. And the cultural values are unique. The majority of its population are Buddhists. Hindu and Muslim communities together with a Christian population, are also significant. Tourists are welcomed by all communities and treated with true hospitality.
Monsoons
Visitors must be aware of climate conditions of the island. There are two rainy seasons. The South West monsoon brings rain to the South Western part of the country from May to August (Colombo, Galle, Matara, Kegalle, Kandy, Negombo); these areas are usually dry during December to March. The North Eastern monsoon brings rain to the dry zone during October to January (Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Jaffna, Vavuniya) There are also inter-monsoonal rains in various parts of the island.
Tourist Seasons
December to March is the best season to visit the west and south coasts and the hill country. April to September is the best season to visit the dry zone where the ancient cities are located as well as visit beaches on the east coast. Many tourists visit the country during this season and almost all the hotels are full.
Information for Overseas Visitors
Visitors can contact Sri Lanka Tourist Board Colombo head office.
Tel:+94 11 243 7571, E-mail: info@srilanka.travel
+94 112380944,+94 112426967, (Direct) 2437055/59/60,
Fax: +94 112440001
Web site: www.srilankatourism.org
There are also Sri Lanka Tourist Board offices in Australia, France, Germany, India, Middle East and UK.
Exchange Rates
(Schedule of exchange rates changes every week, hence the latest should be used in Customs matters).
The latest exchange rates could be obtained at www.cbsl.gov.lk
Authorised Money Changers
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has appointed money changers for the convenience of tourists and other public visiting Sri Lanka to provide money changing services other than the commercial banks.These money changers are only allowed to encash foreign currency notes in to rupees and also exchange foreign currency. They are not permitted to sell foreign currency notes and convert travellers cheques.
Entry visas to Sri Lanka
You can download visa application forms from the web site of the Department of Immigration and Emigration Sri Lanka, www.immigration.gov.lk.
Contact the Sri Lankan High Commission or consulate in your country. Usually a thirty days tourist visa could be obtained without any problem. Please browse www.immigration.gov.lk for the latest updates of visa regulations. While you are in Sri Lanka, if you need to extend your stay you have to contact the Department of Immigration and Emigration 3rd Floor # 41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mw., Colombo 10, Sri Lanka
Multiple Entry / Transit / Visit visa applications should be made to the nearest Sri Lanka Mission.
1. In the absence of such a mission arrangements could be made through the Dept. of Immigration and Emigration in Sri Lanka, to enter and stay in the country.
2. Applications for the extension of above Visas should be made to the Dept. of Immigration and Emigration.
More Information
Controller [Visa]
Department of Immigration and Emigration
3rd Floor # 41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mw., Colombo 10, Sri Lanka
Phone: 94-11-5329300, Fax: 94-11-2674631
E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Eligibility
Being a foreign national who desires to enter Sri Lanka, who holds a return air ticket and sufficient funds [currency / travelers cheques / credit card] for maintenance.
Nationals of countries not listed here should obtain prior Visit Visas whatever the purpose of visit is.
Albania, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bhutan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cuba (Diplomatic passport holder’s only) Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Doha Qatar, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgystan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Maldives, Malaysia, Mauritius, Moldova, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nepal, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Serbia-Montenegro, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, U.A.E., U.K., Ukraine, U.S.A., Uzbekistan, Vietnam (Diplomatic and Official Passport only).