The Sri Lanka travel questions that get asked most
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Hi Reader, Over the years, we have seen these questions crop up all the time:
So, we wanted to answer these big questions clearly and honestly, based on our extensive experience of travelling around this incredible country. Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?This is the number one question we see asked all the time. For most travellers, they’ll need to apply for an ETA visa, which allows you to travel to Sri Lanka for the purpose of holiday and sightseeing, visiting family and friends, receiving medical treatment, etc. The only exception for this visa, is to participate in paid or unpaid work, you’ll need to apply for a different visa, if you intend to work in Sri Lanka. Once you have applied for the visa, you’ll be granted a 30-day visa, which can be extended at the Sri Lankan high commission in Colombo. It is a straightforward application, which can be done online or on arrival. The application online should only take a couple of minutes to complete. Just enter the details displayed in your passport. Enter the payment details, and you’ll receive an email to confirm receipt of your application. You’ll then receive a second email to confirm if your application has been granted or not. In my experience, the process has been quick, easy, and approved within minutes of applying. BUT the application process will be different depending on your nationality. Alternatively, you can apply for the visa on arrival, where you'll pay a $60 and you'll be granted the visa, before proceeding through immigration. The most important thing to consider when applying for your visa is to make sure you apply via the authorised government website. The visa should cost you around $50 per person. If you are being asked to pay more, then you’re probably on the wrong website. I have always applied via the government website and never encountered an issue. For applications, I've always used this website https://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/center.jsp Is Sri Lanka safe for tourists (especially female travellers)?From our experience travelling around Sri Lanka multiple times, we’ve found it to be one of the friendliest and most welcoming countries. But like with any country, common-sense travel awareness goes a long way. That means:
We’ve always felt comfortable travelling around the country, using public transport, tuk-tuks, and staying in local guesthouses. If safety is something you’re still unsure about, we’ve shared our honest experience here: Is Sri Lanka safe for tourists? And ways to stay safe while travelling Best time to visit Sri Lanka?Ok, Sri Lanka is actually a year-round destination, however the peak tourist season is typically between December and April. As the weather affects different parts of the region, it means that you can plan your itinerary depending on what you want to see and do. If you want to avoid the crowds, you could visit during off peak season and go a little off the beaten path to visit the north and east of the island. As the country is so versatile, it allows you to be flexible too. We’ve broken down the seasons simply (and explained where to go when) in this guide: Best time to visit Sri Lanka: a simple month-by-month breakdown How to get around Sri LankaGetting around Sri Lanka is surprisingly easy. You’ve got a few options:
From our experience, we have used all methods of transport options, from hiring a driver, to travelling on the most-scene train journey, buses and tuk-tuks. It depends if you want to travel on a budget or don’t mind spending some money on transportation. Public transport is the most affordable option, while hiring a driver is more convenient and flexible. You could always mix the transport options. For journeys with limited transport options and longer journeys you could hire a driver, but for connections between tourist towns, you could take public transport. If you want help choosing what’s right for your trip, we’ve covered it all here: How to get around Sri Lanka (with costs & tips) Is Sri Lanka expensive?Sri Lanka can suit a wide range of budgets. You can travel very affordably using public transport and guesthouses, or you can upgrade to boutique hotels, private drivers, and luxury stays, without the eye-watering prices you might expect elsewhere. Food, transport, and experiences offer fantastic value for money, especially compared to many long-haul destinations. If you’re trying to work out what Sri Lanka might actually cost you, this will help: Sri Lanka travel costs explained (no fluff, just facts) Our honest takeway Sri Lanka isn’t difficult to plan, it just helps to have the right information from people who’ve actually travelled there. Once you understand visas, safety, seasons, transport, and costs, everything else starts to fall into place. Do you want everything in one place? If you’re planning your first trip and want routes, logistics, budget tips, visa help, and practical advice all together, our Sri Lanka First Timers Guide was made for you. Over to you What’s the one thing you’re still unsure about with Sri Lanka? Have a question we haven't covered? Hit reply and we will help you with your Sri Lanka travel planning. Happy travelling Bev & Shams Email: bev@bevandshams.com Website: www.bevandshams.com Grab our FREE Sri Lanka travel vault – It has everything you need to start planning your latest Sri Lanka travel adventures. Useful links:Resources: www.bevandshams.com/travel-resources/ |
Bev & Shams Adventures
We’re Bev & Shams, a travel-loving couple who’ve mastered the art of exploring new destinations while working full-time. We’re here to help you make the most of your time and budget, so you can travel more and stress less.