What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on your priorities. Many travellers visit year-round, though spring and autumn typically offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds at popular attractions like Sigiriya. Check weather patterns for Asia before booking.

What currency does Sri Lanka use?

Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan rupee (Rs රු). Exchange at banks or airports, and withdraw from ATMs with your debit card. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas.

What food should I try in Sri Lanka?

Rice and Curry is one of Sri Lanka's most iconic dishes. Other must-try foods include Hoppers and Kottu Roti. Eat where locals eat for the best experience.

How many countries can visit Sri Lanka visa-free?

0 countries can enter Sri Lanka without a visa. 193 more get a visa on arrival. Check the full list and your specific requirements above.

Is Sri Lanka safe for tourists?

Sri Lanka is generally safe for tourists with normal precautions. As in any country, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive items, and use registered transport. Check current government travel advisories before your trip.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, formerly known as…

Capital

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte

Language

Sinhala, Tamil

Currency

Sri Lankan rupee (Rs රු)

Population

21.8M

Timezone

UTC+05:30

Visa-free access

0 countries

Travelling to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is an island country in South Asia. It is located in the Indian.

Sri Lanka is located in Southern Asia, Asia. The capital is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, and the official languages are Sinhala and Tamil. The local currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (Rs රු). With a population of 21.8M, Sri Lanka is a mid-sized country in Asia.

Sri Lanka requires advance visa applications from the majority of travellers. Just 0 passport holders can enter without a visa. 193 more qualify for a visa on arrival. 1 nationalities can apply online through an eVisa portal. Everyone else — 3 countries — must apply at a Sri Lanka embassy or consulate.

Top places to visit in Sri Lanka

Sigiriya

Gangaramaya Temple

A high-gravity eclectic 19th-century sanctuary featuring a blend of Thai; Chinese; and Indian architectural motifs; the 'shatter-crisp' chime of brass bells and the scent of ancestral lotus offerings define the Beira Lake precinct.

Old Colombo Dutch Hospital

A high-luxury 17th-century colonial restoration featuring thick 'shatter-crisp' brick walls and original clay-tiled roofs; 'insiders' gather at sunset to smell the salt-air and taste high-precision lagoon crab in the inner courtyard.

Temple Of The Tooth

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

The avant-garde 'Red Mosque' of Pettah; completed in 1909 with a high-precision candy-striped red and white facade; the sensory hallmark is the 'shatter-crisp' call to prayer echoing through the labyrinthine ancestral spice markets.

National Museum of Colombo

An 1877 Italianate masterpiece housing ancestral regalia of the Kandyan monarchs; the high-intensity white facade and the 'shatter-crisp' silence of the stone galleries provide a panoramic view of the island’s high-culture history.

See all 62 places in Sri Lanka →

What to eat in Sri Lanka

Explore all Sri Lanka dishes →

Sri Lanka visa requirements

193

Visa on arrival

eVisa / eTA

Visa required

Visa on arrival in Sri Lanka

193 countries can get a visa at the airport. Bring your passport, a photo, and cash for the fee.

Europe

Asia

Americas

Africa

Oceania

eVisa and eTA for Sri Lanka

1 country can apply online before travelling. Processing typically takes 1–7 business days.

Before you go to Sri Lanka

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Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. Sri Lanka immigration may refuse entry otherwise.

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Proof of onward travel

Carry a return or onward flight ticket. Airlines and border officers may ask to see it before allowing you to board or enter.

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Visa on arrival

If arriving on a visa on arrival, bring passport photos and cash for the fee. Processing takes 15–60 minutes at immigration.

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Currency: Sri Lankan rupee

The local currency is Rs රු. Exchange major currencies at the airport or city banks. ATMs are widely available in urban areas.

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Language: Sinhala

Sinhala is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas and major cities.

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Power & connectivity

Check Sri Lanka's plug type and voltage before packing. Buy a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data.

Power plug guide →SIM card guide →

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Check your visa for Sri Lanka

Select your passport for an instant result.

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Sri Lanka 7-day itinerary

AI-generated day-by-day travel plan.

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Explore Sri Lanka

62 places, 6 dishes, and more.

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FAQ · Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka — your questions

It depends on your passport. 0 countries can enter Sri Lanka visa-free. 193 more get a visa on arrival. 1 can apply for an eVisa online. Everyone else needs an embassy visa. Use the WorldCurio visa checker for your specific passport.