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| Q: |
Do I need a visa to come and spend a holiday in Sri Lanka? |
| A: |
Nationals from 80 countries who visit Sri Lanka for tourist purposes are exempt from visa requirements and automatically receive a free 30-day visa on arrival. |
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| Q: |
What if the country I travel from is not listed among those 80 countries? |
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For nationals of other countries there is a varying fee for the 30-day visa. |
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| Q: |
How do I go about extending my stay? |
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The 30-day visa can be extended up to 90 days on the payment of a fee. You.ll need to show a return or onward airline ticket out of Sri Lanka, along with proof of funds, such as travelers cheques or credit card, and provide a copy of the bio-data page of your passport and 02 photographs.
More info could be found on: www.immigration.gov.lk |
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| Q: |
What are the procedures to follow to visit Sri Lanka if I come on business visa? |
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Those who visit Sri Lanka for purposes other than tourism should obtain prior visas from a Sri Lankan Consular Office. |
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| Q: |
I hear that certain sites and monument are classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites? |
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Sri Lanka’s cultural depth is recognized by UNESCO, which has declared six archaeological World Heritage Sites in the country. The sacred city of Anuradhapura, The ancient city of Polonnaruwa, The golden temple of Dambulla, The ancient city of Sigiriya, The sacred city of Kandy, The old town of Galle and its fortifications and the seventh UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka is an ecological lung to the planet; The Sinharaja Forest Reserve. |
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| Q: |
I am an animal lover and I only want to observe them in their natural habitat. |
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With 13% of Sri Lanka being conserved as national parks, reserves, sanctuaries and jungle corridors, the country possesses a high degree of biodiversity. Indeed the island (together with the Western Ghats of India) has been identified by Conservation International as one of 34 world biodiversity hot spots. A safari in one of the 14 national parks offers the chance to see some of Sri Lanka’s 91 mammals, but the island is an ornithologist’s paradise, with over 233 resident species, (33 endemic) - but migratory species stretch the number to an astounding 482. |
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| Q: |
What type of accommodation is available? |
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Whatever type you seek is available in Sri Lanka’s surprisingly wide range of accommodation options. Five-star hotels, resort hotels, boutique properties, guest houses, home stays, and all manner of other establishments can be found, especially along the western and southern coasts and Kandy and the hill country. It is also possible to rent houses. In a category of their own are government-run rest-houses, originally used by British colonists on their travels. As a result many are colonial buildings, and set in peaceful locations. |
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| Q: |
What is the best time of year to visit the island? |
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Sri Lanka is a year round destination as it is fortunate to have two monsoons that occur in different halves of the island at different times. So if you wish to enjoy the western and southern coastal resorts when the weather is best, come between December and April. However, even during the monsoon, sunny, warm days are common, although afternoon or evening showers can be expected. |
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| Q: |
I hear of something called Ayurvedha. What is that? |
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Sri Lanka has always been a place that refreshes not just the mind and body, but also the soul and spirit. And for thousands of years, the most popular method used to restore and rejuvenate tired bodies and weary souls has been Ayurveda – the oldest and most holistic medical system available in the world Sri Lanka has been a centre of spiritual and physical healing for 2,000 years. Ayurvedic programmes consist of a range of herbal treatments and various types of baths and massages, together with cleansing and revitalization techniques such as yoga, meditation and special diets. |
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