Select your outward journey date
Select your return journey date

Sri Lanka Practical information Sri Lanka

 
 
Area : 25328  sq.mi - Population 19700000 hab.
Sri Lanka

Our expert Sri Lanka

map

map Sri Lanka

Weather

Practical information Sri Lanka

superficie

Area

25328  sq.mi
vol

Flights

A direct flight takes 12 and a half hours. Colombo is 5,454 miles from London.
decallage horaire

Jet Lag

population

Population

19700000 hab.
aeroports proche

Airports

Katunayake international airport is just over 21 miles from Colombo. It takes about an hour to get to the town-centre. The taxi fare is about £12. Buses leave the terminal for Colombo at irregular hours, and take around one and a half hours. The airport is highly protected, all buses are checked.
securite

Security

According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), there is a general threat from terrorism in Sri Lanka, and attacks could take place at any time and at any lpace, including those frequented by tourists.

Although the conflict between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the government has officially been over since May 2009, the rebels are thought to have the capability to mount terrorist attacks (the last one having taken place 4th July 2009). The FCO advise avoiding military, government and parliamentary locations and carrying ID with you at all times.

Violent crime is pretty uncommon in Sri Lanka; the most likely crime you'll fall victim to is credit card fraud/theft, so you should be vigilant at all times with your belongings and never leave them unattended.

During December 2010 and January 2011 there was a rise in crime reported in the Jaffna Peninsula. It is thought that paramilitary groups are operational here so exercise caution if visiting this area.

On a local level, visits to the northern districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaittivu, Mannar and Vavuniya are subject to authorisation by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence. Yuo can contact contact the Military Liaison Officer on +94 11 2430 for more information.

In Kilinochchi, Mullaittivu, Mannar and Vavuniya there is free movement but some checkpoints remain and you should beware of mined areas.

In the Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara districts demining is in operation and you are advised to obey security force orders as well as warning signs.

In the south, only 'Block One' of Yala Naitional Park is open to the public.

In March 2011 local elections will take place and so you are advised to steer clear of political gatherings or rallies. There has been a rise in nationalism and anti-Western sentiment in the country since the end of the war and although no attacks have been specifically aimed at British nationals, you should remain cautious.

Watch out for snakes and monkeys in the jungle which can inexplicably become aggressive. Around the beaches and tourist sites, beware of people pretending to collect money for charities. Most of them are imposters. Road checks are intensified after 23:00. Comply with officials and be polite. You risk being shot at if you do not stop.
Good to know:
Alcohol consumption is authorised except during days of full moon (Poya Day) when alcoholic drinks are neither served nor sold. Possession and consumption of drugs are severely sanctioned.

langue

Languages

Most of the population speaks Sinhalese. About 20 % speak Tamil, mostly in the north of the island.. 10% of the population speak fluent English, which is also widely used in hotels.
formalites

Requirements

According to the latest information on the Foreign and Commonwealth Organisation's website, Sri Lanka's visa policy is changing. Visas are now required for trips to Sri Lanka.

British nationals used to be able to receive a 30-day visit visa, free of charge, on arrival. This arrangement has been phased out and replaced with an online visa application process, the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), to enable foreign nationals to obtain short stay visas to Sri Lanka. This facility was introduced on 1 October 2011 on a trial basis and will become fully operational from 1 January 2012. Further details can be obtained from the ETA official website of the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

All other visas, including for those undertaking voluntary activity and paid or unpaid work, should be obtained at a Sri Lankan High Commission or Embassy before you travel.

You must hold a valid passport to enter Sri Lanka. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of exit from Sri Lanka.

religion

Religion

The island is 70 % Buddhist, 20 % Hindu, 5% Muslim and 5% Christian.
monnaie

Currency

The local currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). Travellers cheques are accepted and pounds can be exchanged everywhere. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and American Express) are accepted in more upmarket establishments. Some banks have a cash machine, mostly those in Colombo and Kandy, and all hotels offer a currency exchange service. Banks are open from 9:00am to 3:00pm, Monday to Friday.
transports

Local transportation

By train:Train and bus lines link Colombo and the other major cities on the island as well as tourist sites. Try to avoid coaches - they are crowded and drive at breakneck speed. The two train lines are really the best way to get around, and travel across fascinating landscapes.
By car:Cars can be practical to visit remote areas of the island. It is a good idea to rent a chauffeur-driven car which is less than £280 per week. Local people drive (on the left) very quickly and roads are constantly filled with cows and dogs. Plan your journey and stopovers with the driver before leaving.
By bus: The inter-city buses travel directly from one town to the other under good (air-conditioned) but risky conditions (they do not respect speed limits).
Types of accomodation:
Several hotels have been built recently and the island now welcomes quite a high number of tourists. Luxury hotels can be found at very competitive rates. For those with tight budgets, rest houses are good: old fashioned and at relatively cheap. In Sri Lanka, it is easy to lodge in a local's home. The proprietors are very caring and it is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Ceylonese.
sante

Health

No particular vaccine is required before entering Sri Lanka. However, vaccination shots against typhoid and tetanus are recommended. Usual recommendations: drink mineral water, avoid eating ice cubes and raw vegetables, wash your hands frequently. Do not forget to protect yourself from the sun (hats, sunglasses and sunscreen).
Malaria rages in Sri Lanka: it is strongly recommended to take a treatment against malaria and to protect yourself from mosquitoes once in the country.
The dengue virus rages in Sri Lanka, where it is especially endemic in Colombo, and experiences an upsurge during the monsoon season.

electricite

Electricity

Voltage is 220-240 V. An adaptor is sometimes needed. Power cuts are common.
frequentation

Flood of tourists

654,477 tourists visited Sri Lanka in 2010.
taxe

Taxes and tips

Tips are absolutely essential on the whole island, from the biggest city to the smallest village. Luggage carriers, waiters and house cleaners expect them as a matter of course. Hotels ands restaurants are taxed at 10%, the tax being included in the bill.
telephone

Telephone

Numbers often change and it is difficult to call a local telephone number. It is easier with international numbers. Use card-operated phone booths for international calls and also find small shops called "Agency post office"
To call Sri Lanka from the UK, dial 00 + 94 (country code) + town code (Colombo : 01 ; Kandy : 08 ; Galle : 09 ; Mount Lavinia, Bentota : 034 ; Nuwara Eliya : 052) + the 4, 5 or 6 digit number you are calling.
To call the UK from Sri Lanka, dial 00 44 + the number you are calling without 0.
Preferential call rate in the night from 22:00 and at weekends from Saturday midday and holidays.