- Capital
- Colombo (CMB)
- Dialing Code
- + 94
- Time Zone
- UTC / GMT 5½
- Language
- Sinhala and Tamil
- Best Time to Go
- January – April (cool and dry weather)
- Currency
- Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR)
Travel Tips
- All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Bottled water is available, but ensure that the seal is broken in front of you
- There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities in Colombo, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Outside of the major cities, healthcare facilities may be less adequate
- Dress should be conservative (particularly for women, legs and shoulders should be covered) when entering temples and Buddhist sites and shoes should be removed when entering temples
- It is offensive to pose for photographs in front of or next to Buddha statues or murals. It is illegal to photograph military and government buildings (be cautious when photographing around these buildings)
- Credit cards are widely accepted, but there have been reports of credit card fraud, therefore caution should be exercised. It is illegal for establishments to charge a surcharge for credit card transactions
- Terrorist attacks and internal conflict is rare, but do occasionally occur – check the local political situation and remain vigilant
Last updated 8 October 2026
Visa Guide
Foreign Representation in South Africa
High Commission of Sri Lanka in South Africa
410 Alexander Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria
Telephone: 012 460 7679
E-mail: consular.pretoria@mfa.gov.lk
Website: srilanka.co.za
Hours: Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 16:30
Consular: Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 13:00
Also accredited to:
Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Malawi, Angola, Botswana and Eswatini
Public Holidays
2026
January: 3, 15
February: 1, 4, 15
March: 2, 21
April: 3, 13 - 14
May: 1 - 2, 28, 30
June: 29
July: 29
August: 26 - 27
September: 26
October: 25
November: 8, 24
December: 23, 25
Visa Requirements
South African passport holders do require a visa
- Sri Lanka Immigration and Emigration Department issues Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA – an Electronic Visa) for all holiday or business travellers entering into Sri Lanka
- Please visit www.eta.gov.lk for more information
- No passport copies, documents or photographs are required for the ETA
- There is no requirement to endorse the ETA on the passport
Visa Validity
The ETA is initially limited to 30 days from the date of arrival but it may be extended for up to six months
Visa Cost
Tourist visa: US$50
Transit visa: Free
Children under 12 years: Free
Entry Requirements
- Copy of ETA
- Passport valid for not less than 6 months from the date of arrival
- A confirmed return ticket
- Sufficient funds to meet the expenses during the stay
- Copy of hotel reservation/booking
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
Hepatitis A & B, Japanese Encephalitis (Not available in SA), Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
South African Representative Abroad
South Africa High Commission
114 Rosmead Place, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka
Telephone: +94 11 246 3000
E-mail: colombo.dha@dirco.gov.za
Website: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/colombo