Plan you trip
Before you start the trip to Sri Lanka, here are some useful information.
Visa
SRI LANKA
To enter Sri Lanka, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive. Sri Lanka temporarily suspended the online visa (eVisa) application system on 2 August 2024. You can obtain a visa on arrival to Sri Lanka at the port of entry.
Currently, people from 35 countries including Switzerland receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival. Other countries on this list are: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.
Health
SRI LANKA
After no new infections were registered in the country for three and a half years, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Sri Lanka malaria-free in September 2015. Nevertheless, it is recommended to protect against mosquito bites. In case of fever, one should control the blood, since there is also the danger of other diseases. The following vaccinations are recommended for everyone: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, hepatitis A in specific situations, the following vaccinations are recommended: hepatitis B, typhoid fever, rabies, Japanese encephalitis
Time Zone
SRI LANKA
The time difference between Sri Lanka and Central European Time Zone is 4 1/2 hours in winter and 3 1/2 hours in summer. Sri Lanka is in the so-called "Indian Standard Time (IST)" time zone.
Money
SRI LANKA
The official currency is Sri Lanka Rupee (RS). The rupee is divided into 100 cents. Usually people pay cash in Sri Lanka. Card payments are possible in larger hotels and shops. Cash can also be withdrawn well at ATMs. Very often, US dollar, EURO and Swiss Francs are also accepted as currency..
5 tips for your holidays in Sri Lanka
SRI LANKA
1. The welcome
When you greet each other in Sri Lanka, you put your palms in front of your body at the height of your heart and say "Ayubowan" (i.e. I wish you a long life). Shaking hands is not common here.
Read more
Packing list
SRI LANKA
BEFORE IT BEGINS
Travel insurance
Check if your vaccine protection is sufficient and that your vaccination certificate is packed
Make copies of all important documents, and send them to yourself electronically
If you need to block your credit card, check that you have the right telephone number to call from abroad
Cash for the first days
Travel documents and airline tickets
Credit Card
Read more
Transportation
SRI LANKA
ON THE ROAD IN CAR WITH PRIVATE DRIVER
Overall, the traffic in Sri Lanka is a bit more chaotic than elsewhere. On the streets, especially in the cities and villages, there is always something going on and everywhere there is something to discover.
Read more
