Sri Lanka

The island of Sri Lanka lies off the southern tip of India in the Indian Ocean, a verdant paradise that is the cradle of the Buddhist faith. Apart from hundreds of miles of the world's most beautiful palm-fringed beaches, Sri Lanka boasts no fewer than seven World Heritage Sites listed by Unesco, ranging from sacred cities, palaces and cliff-top citadels to colonial strongholds, spanning close to 3,000 years of history. To complete the picture of perfection, Sri Lanka is situated just three degrees north of the Equator, meaning the weather is constantly hot, humid and tropical. Sunny skies are the order of the day; even in the brief monsoon season there is always a daily spell of sunshine.

There has, however, been trouble in paradise. Modern Sri Lanka has experienced indigenous terrorism, particularly in the north of the island and the metropolis of Colombo city, but the beautiful beaches and towns of the south and southeast coast have been largely unaffected. Anyone travelling to Sri Lanka is advised to acquaint themselves with the current political and security situation before embarking on their visit. To compound matters, the island's tourism infrastructure is still recovering from the effects of the catastrophic tsunami, which devastated coastal areas in December 2004.

Adventurous visitors who enjoy some mystery and wonderment will, however, marvel at the ancient sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Panduwasnuwara, where the remains of a great civilisation are to be seen. The cities of Colombo and Kandy show the influence of the foreign colonial powers that fought for control over the strategic, lush island in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Dutch-inspired buildings stand cheek to jowl with Victorian British mansions and Portuguese fortifications.

Sri Lanka offers leisure and pleasure opportunities at a gentle pace; this is no package holiday destination but rather one to be savoured by discerning travellers who enjoy discovering their own diversions.

Climate

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with high humidity, tempered by sea breezes on the coast. The average temperature is about 81ºF (27ºC). January is the coolest month, becoming especially cold in the highlands, and May is the hottest time of year. Monsoon season is between May and July, and December and January.

Money

The unit of currency is the Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR), which is divided into 100 cents. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and travellers cheques in US Dollars are recommended. ATMs are becoming more common, but outside the main cities they are unlikely to accept international cards. Credit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud. Foreign currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change, banks and hotels, but exchanging cash is more expensive than exchanging travellers cheques. Banks are closed on Sundays.

Passport Visa

Visitors should be able to show the immigration officials proof of sufficient funds for their stay in Sri Lanka (minimum USD 15 per person per day). Passengers must also hold return or onward tickets and all documents needed for the next destination. Visa-exempt nationals should have a passport valid for three months beyond period of stay, otherwise passports should be valid for two months after expiry date of visa. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• Visa is required - issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for touristic purposes, it is possible to get a visa extended for a maximum of 90 days. A return or onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel and sufficient funds are required.
• Visa is required - issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for touristic purposes, extensions are available for a maximum of 90 days. A return or onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel and sufficient funds are required.
• Visa is required - issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for touristic purposes, extensions are available for a maximum of 90 days. A return or onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel and sufficient funds are required.
• Visa is required - issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for touristic purposes with extensions available for a maximum of 90 days. A return or onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel and sufficient funds are required.
• Visa is required - issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for touristic purposes, visa extensions are available for a maximum of 90 days. A return or onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel and sufficient funds are required.
• Visa is required - issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for touristic purposes, with extensions of up to 90 days available. A return or onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel and sufficient funds are required.
• Visa is required - issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for touristic purposes. Extensions are available for a maximum of 90 days. A return or onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel and sufficient funds are required.

Health

Food and waterborne diseases are a primary cause for ill health in Sri Lanka. Visitors should only drink bottled water, avoid ice in drinks, and take care to eat well-cooked food. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers to Sri Lanka. Cholera is regarded as a serious risk and precautions are advised, while typhoid is more of a problem in rural areas. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required by travellers coming from infected areas. Malaria, Chikungunya fever, Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever are a risk and protection against mosquito bites is essential. Prophylactics for malaria are also strongly recommended. There is also a particular danger from contaminated seafood. Travellers are strongly advised to take out good travel insurance, and seek medial advice at least three weeks before leaving for Sri Lanka.

Embassy Consulates

• Sri Lanka Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 483 4025.
• Sri Lanka High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7262 1841.
• Sri Lanka High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 8449.
• Sri Lanka High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6239 7041.
• Sri Lanka High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 460 7679.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Colombo: +94 (0)11 249 8500.
• British High Commission, Colombo: +94 (0)11 539 0639.
• Canadian High Commission, Colombo: +94 (0)11 522 6232.
• Australian High Commission, Colombo: + 94 (0)11 246 3200.
• South African High Commission, Colombo: + 94 (0)11 268 9926.
• Honorary Consul of Ireland, Colombo: +94 (0)11 258 7895.
• New Zealand High Commission, New Delhi, India (also responsible for Sri Lanka): +91 (0)11 2688 3170.