Sri Lanka Visa, Passport & Money Advice
When you book with us, our Sri Lanka specialists will provide you with all the travel information you need to get your holiday underway. Below, you’ll find some useful Sri Lanka travel information, from applying for visas to money matters. We are here to make sure you get the most out of your Sri Lanka trip.
Visa & Passports
You’ll need to apply for a Sri Lanka visa online through the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) website. This can be done from 90 days prior to your departure and costs around $75 for an individual online application, which will be valid for 6 months with a 60 day stay limit. You should receive a response to your application within a couple of days. If you plan to stay longer than 60 days, your visa can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Sri Lanka. Remember to ensure that your UK passport is valid for 6 months after the date you plan to arrive.
You will also need to complete an arrival card (Embarkation card) three days prior to travel, accessible via this link.
If you’re visiting the Maldives, as a British passport holder, you’ll get a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival in the Maldives. Your passport must have an expiry date at least one month after the date you arrive in Maldives. All visitors to the Maldives must complete a Traveller Declaration Form (IMUGA) before you depart for the Maldives, within 96 hours of your arrival. You will also need to complete again before departing (within 96 hours of your departure flight time). Most airlines will request to see the QR at the time of check in.
Local currency
The Sri Lankan Rupee comes in denominations up to 5,000, so it’s worth carrying change for those smaller purchases. You can exchange money in almost every hotel, but we suggest exchanging your money in an authorised bank to avoid higher rates. In larger towns, you’ll find reliable banks such as Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank and Seylan Bank. You’ll need a card with a Visa, Maestro or Cirrus logo and you can often pay by Visa or Mastercard in hotels, large shops and restaurants. GBP and USD traveller cheques can also be exchanged.
Tipping in Sri Lanka
We recommend using your discretion when tipping for services in hotels, restaurants and your guides or drivers. It’s normal in Sri Lanka to tip and doing so usually serves to make up an employee’s salary. So if you’ve been happy with the service you’ve received, a small tip will be greatly appreciated.
