It is more important than ever to be well informed about
a destination before you visit. The following are some
helpful tips and suggestions which will assist you in
ensuring a trouble free holiday.
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Visas
All tourists and business travellers to Sri Lanka must have an electronic travel authorization for entering into Sri Lanka. For more information and to apply, please visit http://eta.gov.lk/. For nationals of most countries, a 30
day visa will be granted. For a list of countries exempt from visa fees and to obtain information
on extensions of stay please visit www.immigration.gov.lk
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Vaccinations
Yellow fever vaccinations maybe required for certain nationals. For details please visit www.immigration.gov.lk
Although it is not a compulsory requirement, recommended
immunizations are Diphtheria, Tetanus, Typhoid, and Hepatitis
A+B. It is also advisable to take anti- malarial precautions,
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Travel
Documents
Check your travel documents. Air tickets , valid
passport and foreign Exchange before you leave. Carry
a copy of your passport, if the original is lost or stolen
it will ease the procedure of obtaining a replacement
travel document from the relevant Embassy/Consulate.
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Airport
/Airport Services
The Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake,
around 30 km north of Colombo, is Sri Lanka's International
airport. Lounge facilities available are: Sri Lanka “First
Class and Peacock”, and Airport & Aviation Service
“Lotus”. Left Luggage Facilities are also
available 24 hours a day. Restaurants situated within
the airport offer a 24 hour service
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Airport
Tax
Airport and Departure Tax is generally included
in the Air Ticket
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Re-confirmation
Although most airlines may not have a re–confirmation
policy it may be advisable to provide the relevant airline
with your local or foreign agent’s telephone number
so that the airline may notify you of any flight delays
etc. You may either contact the airline concerned once
you arrive.
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Banks
All major banks are represented at the Bandaranaike airport
and, we recommend that you en- cash your foreign currency
from the airport for convenience and a better exchange
rate. All major currencies are accepted by hotels. Credit
cards such as Master, Visa, American Express are widely
accepted.
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Holidays
Sri lanka is probably the country with the most number
of holidays in the world. Among several other holidays
each full moon day of the month is a Poya holiday.On this
day most shops will remain closed. No alcohol will be
sold nor will it be served in public areas. However for
hotel in-house guests liquor may be served to the room.
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Shopping
For shopper’s, Sri Lanka has much to offer A wide
variety of traditional handicrafts are available at reasonable
prices. We are also renowned for quality gemstones and
jewelry, spices fine porcelain and tableware. Other best
buys are garments locally produced for foreign Department
Store chains .
The purchase and export without a license of any wild
animal, bird or reptile dead or alive; the export of
parts of such animals bird or reptiles such as skins,
horns, scales and feathers is strictly prohibited under
the Fauna and Flora protection ordinance. Occasional
exports are however permitted exclusively for bona fide
scientific purposes.
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What
to wear
Cotton garments are ideal, as Sri Lanka is a tropical
island However, viscose/cotton mixed garments are commonly
worn. Light clothing is recommended in the lowland areas
and light woolen clothing is suitable in the hill country.
A sun hat and sun glasses may help to escape the heat
during day time.
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Currency
Sri Lanka follows the decimal currency system in Rupees
(Rs.) and cents (Cts.) with 100 cents equal to a rupee.
Currency notes are available in the denominations of Rs.10,
20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 & 5000. Coins are issued
in values of Cts. 25, 50 and Rs.1, 2, 5 and 10. ( Cents
1, 2, 5, 10 are no longer in circulation)
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Entering
Places of Worship
Visitors to Buddhist temples are advised to be properly
clad covering the body as much as possible. Briefs, shorts,
bear backs and bare shoulders are against accepted norms.When
entering Buddhist and Hindu shrines footwear and headgear
should be removed.
Be conscious and respect the traditions , the culture
and the people of your host country. Especially at places
of worship
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