Sri Lanka
Since 1st of January 2012, it is mandatory to obtain an ETA, (Electronic Travel Authorization) for all stays of less than 30 days; this is not a visa for Sri Lanka, but an electronic authorization to enter Sri Lanka.
You can apply online on the official website of the Sri Lankan government (beware of fake sites). The process is not complicated but we will provide you with a detailed document to accompany you step by step.
In order to apply for ETA, you will need your passport (which must be valid for at least six months after your arrival in Sri Lanka), your return flight ticket. You will get the ETA confirmation by email, usually within 48 hours. Remember to print it out and take it with you.
It is also possible to obtain your visa for Sri Lanka on arrival at the airport, but the wait can be long and the price higher.
Same for our French-speaking friends from Belgium, Switzerland and Canada.
On arrival at the airport in Colombo, the formalities are relatively quick. Remember to carefully fill out the entry form that will be given to you on the plane before passing through immigration and keep your return ticket and the ETA confirmation printout nearby.
Prior to departure, it is best to ensure that there are no changes to the current rules for entry into Sri Lanka. We advise you to scan or photocopy all your important documents (passport, credit card, insurance, airline tickets…) and keep them separate from the originals.
Practical informations
1
What is the time difference between France and Sri Lanka?
The time difference between Sri Lanka and France is 3 hours 30 in summer time and 4 hours 30 in winter time.
2
Sending mail from Sri Lanka to Europe.
Count one to two weeks minimum for your postcards to arrive at their destination. If you wish to send a parcel you will have to fill in a customs form specifying the value of the contents.
3
Using your phone in Sri Lanka.
If you wish to use your phone while travelling in Sri Lanka we strongly advise you to buy a local SIM card (Dialog and Mobitel being the two main operators). Your driver will be able to accompany you to one of the many small shops that sell them for a small fee.
4
Wifi and internet in Sri Lanka
You can easily connect to wifi in hotels, bars, restaurants, but the connection can be uneven.
5
Power sockets and adapters in Sri Lanka
There are two types of wall sockets in Sri Lanka, one that is rectangular in shape and requires an adapter to be able to plug in your French appliances, and the other that is round in shape and can be used without an adapter by placing a pencil in the top hole of the socket. Depending on the hotel, you will need an international adapter. We advise you to take one with you to be able to connect your devices to the wall sockets. Voltage and frequency are the same as in France (220-240 V / 50 Hz alternating current).
Currencies and exchange rates in Sri Lanka
The local currency in Sri Lanka is the Rupee (LKR). You can find the current exchange rate in Euros (EUR) on this site.
You will be able to change money at the airport or withdraw cash from one of the many ATMs on the island.
On your return journey, please note that it is forbidden to take Sri Lankan Rupees out of the country.
Vaccines in Sri Lanka
There is no vaccination requirement for Sri Lanka but it is recommended to be up to date with your DTP (diphtheria – tetanus – polio) as well as MMR (rubella – mumps – measles) for children.
As rabies is present on the island, it is advisable to avoid petting dogs, cats and other animals such as monkeys.
Malaria/malaria has been eradicated in Sri Lanka since 2016, so no treatment is necessary. However, it is advisable to protect yourself against mosquitoes.
13 November 2019
