Sri Lanka travel advice

Explore our complete guide to Sri Lanka with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to Sri Lanka with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

Sri Lanka - quick facts
Flight time✝ 11 hours
Time difference UK +5.5 hours
Language(s) Sinhala, Tamil, English
Currency Sri Lankan Rupee
Electricity G plug (230V)
Driving side Left
Visa✝ Yes

Why visit Sri Lanka?

Considering a holiday to the Sri Lanka? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination be it for beaches or culture to ensure you get the most out of your 2025/2026 escape.

  • Beach babes - beaches
    Beaches
  • Culture vultures
    Culture
  • Nature lovers - nature & wildlife
    Nature
  • Night owls - nightlife
    Nightlife

Sri Lanka tourist information

✝ = Typical flight time from the UK and visa requirements for UK travellers.

Travelling to Sri Lanka?
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Sri Lanka weather

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
Sea temperature °C

The Sri Lanka weather guide shows long term monthly averages for Colombo.

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Sri Lanka travel advice

Check the latest travel advice on visiting Sri Lanka from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around Sri Lanka.

Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

FCDOFCDO travel advice

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Sri Lanka travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to Sri Lanka with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in Sri Lanka, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Sri Lanka covid live updates

Check the latest live updates on Covid-19 in Sri Lanka with the vaccination requirements, current available statistics and up-to-date travel advice from government agencies.

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Sri Lanka travel features

Do you want to learn more about Sri Lanka? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to Sri Lanka including the current entry restrictions, covid rules, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Are there entry restrictions to Sri Lanka due to Covid-19?

Sri Lanka is open for tourism from the UK. There are no special entry requirements for Sri Lanka.

Check out Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka for more information.

Do I need to quarantine in the UK if I travel from Sri Lanka?

You do not need to quarantine on arrival in the UK from Sri Lanka. The UK no longer requires a passenger locator form, Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination.

What is the flight time to Sri Lanka from the UK?

The flight time to Sri Lanka from the UK is typically 11 hours.

Flights to Sri Lanka

What is the time difference between Sri Lanka and the UK?

The time difference between Sri Lanka and the UK is UK time+5.5 hours.

What is the main language spoken in Sri Lanka?

The main languages spoken in Sri Lanka are Sinhala, Tamil and English.

Learn a language for Sri Lanka with Rosetta Stone*, Busuu* and Rocket Languages*.

What is the currency in Sri Lanka?

The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).

Send money to Sri Lanka with Wise.com*, World Remit* and XE Money Transfers*.

Which plugs are used in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka uses electrical plug type G (230 Volts) - the same as the UK.

Which side of the road do they drive on in Sri Lanka?

They drive on the left side of the road in Sri Lanka.

Find out more about driving in Sri Lanka with International Drivers Association*.

Transport options for Sri Lanka

Do you need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Yes, UK passport holders do need a visa to enter Sri Lanka.

Check Sri Lanka visa requirements for all passport holders with VisaHQ* and iVisa.com*.

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