Picture: Negombo Beach at sunset
Sri Lanka is a fabulous holiday choice! Whether you find a stylish villa on a deserted beach and kick back for a couple of weeks or travel around the island exploring the diverse culture and landscape there are a few things you need to do /know before you head to this tropical paradise.
1. Do I need a visa?
All foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa before artival.
You must also apply for your visa on line at www.eta.gov.lk
Sri Lanka no longer provides a “visa on arrival” service. Fortunately the on line process is quick and easy. Make sure you apply at least 3 days (preferably more) before you travel. Most visas are approved in 24hours however it’s just better to give yourself some leeway, in case of a glitch.
A 30 day tourist visa costs USD 40.00 per person. Until 31Jan 2020 there are a number of countries that are exempt from paying. Yes! Visa’s are free for the next few months - so start packing! The list below is a screen shot from the official website www.eta.gov.lk
Even If you qualify for a free visa. You must still apply on line. You just don’t have yo pay anything at the end of the process.
if you want a visa for more than 30 days, you must first get your online visa, come into the country and nearing the expiry of your 30 day visa, go to the Department of Immigration and apply for an extension. You’ll need a passport photo, a completed visa extension form, proof of a ticket showing your planned departure date, and proof you have sufficient funds to support yourself.
2. Do I need vaccinations and other medication?
MALARIA FREE
Sri Lanka has been Malaria free for several years, so there is no need for to obtain any prevention medication.
It is a good idea to bring a personal insect repellent with you. You will find a sunset cocktail a lot more pleasant if you are not annoyed by mosquitos. Most hotels are either air conditioned and / or come equipped with a mosquito net, so you should get a comfortable nights sleep, but you don’t want to be stuck indoors at dusk, when the sky puts on a shoe, for the want of a spray of aeroguard!
UPSET STOMACH
It might be worthwhile throwing some stomach settling medication in with your toiletries, just in case. If you are planning on whale and dolphin watching, the seas can be a little rough, so an anti nausea pill could come in handy. You will also most likely spend a reasonable amount of time travelling by road, so if car sickness is an issue for you, bring something to help. TIP: A quick remedy to settle your stomach ... a large shot of any brown spirits (whiskey, brandy, Arrack) will settle your tummy down.
SUNSCREEN
Sun block is an absolute must! The sun shines for 12 hours a day, everyday, and it’s quite strong. Umbrellas are used here daily - for rain and sun, so pack your favourite SPF cream and a hat! Forgot to pack it? Try the sunscreen range from SPA CEYLON. They have shops and outlets all over the island and their products are amazing.
VACCINATIONS
To my knowledge there are no compulsory vaccinations required for Sr Lanka. If you want to be super cautious then you could get a shot for Hep A and Tyovoid although I’ve been here for 7 years and have yet to come across a case of either.
3. Do I need Travel Insurance?
Travel a insurance is always a good idea, and travel to Sri Lanka is no exception. Lost luggage, cancelled flights and an unforeseen illness or accident are so much more easily managed knowing the costs are covered. Make sure you read the fine print and you are covered for the things that are important to you.
4. Should I buy a local SIM and data?
YES! You will be offered a free local sim by several telcos on arrival. Take up the offer and buy one of the many, very reasonably priced, data packages. Public WIFI is not common here, you will find it in hotels and some restaurants. Just bear in mind you’ll be sightseeing, on the road or on the beach for much of your holiday and you’ll want to stay in touch. It’s also easier and cheaper to communicate with your driver, your hotels etc by voice, with a local sim. International calls are charged to the receiver as well as the caller and can be pricey for locals.
There are two main carriers DIALOG and MOBITEL. Both have good coverage. both have booths in the arrivals hall at the airport . Steer clear of the other providers - they won’t have the coverage you’ll need.
5. What should I pack?
The average temperature doesn’t change much from month to month - come prepared for a hot humid climate and temperatures of around 27 to 30 degrees (And it doesn’t drop by much after sunset). The hill country gets a little cooler, around 15 degrees at night, so pop in a light sweater or shawl for the evenings. You’ll no doubt be visiting a temple or sacred site and you will be expected to have your legs and body covered (both men and women) so keep a sarong handy if you prefer to travel in shorts.
Keep an eye out for other tips and Information. Check out www.srilankahiddentreasures.com for more. If you need help planning your holiday - get in touch via the website or at srilankahiddentreasures@gmail.com.
Picture: Beautiful Tea Country
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