Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to civil unrest, and terrorism.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
US Embassy/Consulate
[94] (11) 249-8500; US Embassy Colombo, 210 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka; colomboacs@state.gov; https://lk.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
94
Local Emergency Phone
119 Police
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Sri Lanka: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical monsoon; northeast monsoon (December to March); southwest monsoon (June to October)
Currency (Code)
Sri Lankan rupees (LKR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): D, G
Major Languages
Sinhala, Tamil, English
Major Religions
Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Roman Catholic, other Christian
Time Difference
UTC+5.5 (10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Sigiriya Rock Fort; Yala National Park; Galle Fort; Adam's Peak; Temple of the Tooth; Arugam Bay; Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage; Gal Vihara
Major Sports
Volleyball, cricket, rugby, athletics (track and field), soccer, netball, tennis
Cultural Practices
It is common practice to remove one's shoes before entering someone's home. Sri Lankans generally socialize before a meal. It is best not to arrive to a Sri Lankan's house feeling hungry as you may not eat until a few hours later. Try to accept any refreshments offered, as refusing them is considered impolite.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants; if a service charge is included, leave a few extra rupees. Tip bar staff 100 rupees as you leave. Conventionally, 50-100 rupees is a good tip for hotel staff, including porters, room cleaners, and room service personnel. Tip taxi drivers 10% of the fare.
Souvenirs
Carved masks, precious gems, teas, spices
Traditional Cuisine
Kottu roti — roti (a round flatbread) is placed on a grill and chopped and combined with additional ingredients including spices, vegetables, eggs, cheese or meat
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Thursday, May 09, 2024
