Sri Lanka Beach Holidays
Golden south coast beaches, east coast surf, and warm Indian Ocean waters year-round. Plan your Sri Lanka beach holiday with flights, hotels, and tips.
€1 = Rs 383
Today
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Weather in Sri Lanka
Fri
Sat
Sun
SPF level in Sri Lanka
Autumn
SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Winter
SPF 50+
Entry requirements for Sri Lanka
To enter Sri Lanka, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after the day you arrive.
To enter Sri Lanka, you need to apply for an 'Electronic Travel Authorization' (ETA) which is a form of visa.
Apply for a Sri Lanka 'Electronic Travel Authorization' (ETA) online and it will be valid for 30 days.
If you plan to stay longer, you can apply for an extension online through Sri Lanka's official Immigration portal.
You do not need a visa if you are transiting through Sri Lanka by air, if the connecting flight is within 24 hours of your arrival.
Good to know:
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
To enter Sri Lanka, you must have a certificate to prove you've had a yellow fever vaccination if you're coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
Safety in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Keep your passport on you as you must carry official identification at all times.
Be very careful with your bag, especially from moped snatch thieves, by carrying it on the side furthest from the road.
Be alert to drink spiking, avoid taking drinks from strangers and know your limit as drinks can be stronger.
Do not ignore signs prohibiting alcohol in certain public areas or you could be fined by police.
Always dress modestly at Buddhist temples, covering your legs and shoulders and removing shoes.
Bonus tips:
Nude or topless sunbathing is not permitted anywhere.
Bank card fraud is common, so use ATMs inside banks and keep your card in sight when paying.
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Driving in Sri Lanka
A UK driving license is valid for driving in Sri Lanka for up to 3 months. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of the road
Left
Motorway speed limit
70 km/h to 100 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Sri Lanka drives on the left. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the right.
Health in Sri Lanka
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as health facilities may be limited, especially in rural areas. Although GHIC/EHIC is not applicable in Sri Lanka, comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
No vaccinations required
Seek medical advice from your GP or a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks before travel and ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date. Dengue fever is a risk. Consider taking malaria medication and learn about preventing insect bites. Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or purified water.
Cards & payments
Card payments are becoming more widely accepted, especially in larger establishments, hotels, and tourist-oriented businesses in cities. However, smaller shops, restaurants, and rural areas may primarily rely on cash. Always check if card payments are accepted before making a purchase.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Sri Lanka
Tipping is not deeply ingrained in Sri Lankan culture like in some Western countries, but it's becoming increasingly common, especially in tourist areas, to show appreciation for good service. While not obligatory, a small tip can go a long way and is always appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill, especially if a service charge isn't included. Check the bill first, as some establishments automatically add a 10% service charge.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount (LKR 50-100) for good service is appreciated.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated, especially for longer journeys or helpful drivers.
Hotel Porter
LKR 100-200 per bag is a reasonable tip.
Hotel Housekeeper
LKR 200-300 per day, left at the end of your stay, is a thoughtful gesture.
Tour Guide
LKR 500-1000 per day, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, EU roaming regulations no longer apply. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Sri Lanka before you travel. Roaming charges can be very high. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM
10GB for 1500 LKR (~£4)
Network coverage
4G, 5G, GSM
Electrical in Sri Lanka
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type D, Type G
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in many hotels, cafes, and restaurants, particularly in tourist areas and cities. The quality and speed of the connection can vary. Rural areas may have limited or no WiFi access.
Average speed
25 Mbps
While WiFi is available, it's still convenient to buy a local SIM card for uninterrupted access to the internet, especially if travelling in rural areas or relying on maps.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
119
Ambulance
110
Fire
110
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Sri Lanka
Country code
94
To call Sri Lanka from the UK, dial 00 94 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
389 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
Phone
+94 11 5390000
Website
Bandaranaike International Airport
Kankesanturai Airport
Sigiriya Slaf Base
Batticaloa Airport
Castlereigh Reservoir Seaplane Base
China Bay Airport
Recent updates
Entry Requirements
The technical issue with the ETA system is no longer mentioned. You no longer need to keep proof of your application due to system problems.
The advice to consider applying for a visa on arrival if queues are long has been removed.
The option to apply for an on-arrival ETA at the airport counter has been removed. You should now apply online before travel.
ETAs are now confirmed to be issued free of charge.
Beaches in Sri Lanka
No beaches listed for Sri Lanka yet.
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.