Bandaranaike International Airport is the only airport located in the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo. There are direct flights from all over the world but mainly Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East (Emirates, Turkish, Qatar and Etihad).

Please consult your personal physician and/or a travel clinic preferably 6 weeks prior to your departure. Vaccine requirements vary based on your country of origin, your travel itinerary and previous vaccination history. It is best to consult with your physician or the CDC website for guidelines.

Important vaccinations to consider and which may either be required or recommended are: Yellow Fever, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B, Cholera, Japanese Encephalitus, Rabies and Tetanus.

Yellow Fever
A Yellow Fever vaccination and the relevant certification is required for travellers who are arriving from or have transited through countries with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Recommended vaccines for all travellers: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid.
Some travellers are also advised to be vaccinated for Cholera, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitus and Rabies.

Currency
The currency used in Sri Lanka is the Rupee (LKR) and money may only be changed at banks or at authorised money changers, which includes most larger hotels. There are exchange booths at the airport where you can convert your money on arrival and ATMs are available in larger towns to easily withdraw money.

If you’re planning to pay by card, remember to notify your bank before your trip to avoid having it blocked while you are away.

Gratuities
Tipping for good service is standard practice in Sri Lanka and, as a general rule, we recommend tipping the following amount per couple:

A driver or chauffeur guide: $15 per day
On safari, the following can be used as a guideline:
Park wildlife spotter: Rs500 (approx $4);
Jeep driver: Rs500 (approx $5);
Naturalist: Rs1000 per drive;
Safari camp staff: Rs2000 (approx $20 shared);
Hotel porters Rs 50-100 per bag;
Boat crew: Rs300 per hour
A 10% service charge is sometimes added to restaurant bills, but otherwise a similar tip is appreciated.

Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself, as well as any dependents/travelling companions for the duration of your trip. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities:

Compulsory Insurance:
a. Emergency evacuation expenses
b. Medical expenses
c. Repatriation expenses

Recommended Insurance:
a. Cancellation or curtailment of trip
b. Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money and goods

Travellers are able to apply for a visa at the cost of $35 using the ETA online platform here - https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/. Tourists must possess a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel.

Climate
Sri Lanka is one of those countries where each season brings something to be enjoyed - it all depends on where you go. The island has distinct dry and wet seasons, although the weather can be fairly unpredictable at times so an umbrella is always welcome. The coastal areas have an average temperature of 28°C and when you head inland, the air cools to an average of 18°C. The coast is a good bet in the summer months between May and September with very little chance of rain or journey into the hills to enjoy a cool, misty view of Sri Lanka before the monsoons roll in from October.

Dress Code
When you visit Sri Lanka’s warmer coast, light fabrics are a must, especially because the country values modesty so long sleeves and trousers are accepted. Some hotels also request ‘long attire’ for men at dinner so shorts aren’t welcome. If you’re heading inland to the hill country, warmer items are a necessity for chilly evenings. On visits to religious sites, be sure to dress modestly and ask your guide about particular restrictions - some temples don’t allow visitors dressed in black.

What to pack
There are many different sides to Sri Lanka and what you pack depends on where you plan to go. This is a starter list to give you a broad idea of what you might need:

• Light clothing and a selection of warmer items (ideal to layer)
• Quick-drying hiking shoes and sandals
• Hat, sunglasses, beachwear & sunscreen
• Plug adaptors and charging equipment
• Toiletries, insect repellent & hand sanitizer
• Umbrella and lightweight rain gear
• Satchel/backpack (preferably waterproof)
• Reading material

Most lodges will have a small medical and first aid kit, but we recommend bringing your own supply of essentials - cough medicine, plasters, vitamins, aspirin and paracetamol, and anything else you use on a regular basis.

Luggage
Please check with your airlines for the specific luggage restrictions relevant to your flight schedule. Many international airlines have a baggage allowance of 20kgs or more per person and commercial airlines generally permit two (2) pieces of checked luggage per person. The carry-on bag must be of such dimensions and weight as set by the airlines.

Electricity
There are two associated plug types in Sri Lanka - Type D and Type G, which are variations of three-pin plugs. Sri Lanka operates on a 230V supply voltage and If the standard voltage in your country is in a different category, you will need a voltage converter.