Sri Lanka
About
| Shaped like a teardrop the Indian Ocean Island of Sri Lanka is filled with cultural and natural treasures. Palm-fringed beaches abound and lush mountainous greenery covers the inland regions. It's clear to see why Marco Polo proclaimed Sri Lanka to be one of the best islands in the world. Be fascinated by Sri Lanka's best-known attraction, Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The Dambulla Cave Temples in the island's centre are an intriguing collection of temples tucked away beneath a massive rock outcrop. They shelter an extensive collection of religious murals and exquisite statues. Colombo is a vibrant and busy city with a blend of modern living, colonial building and ruins. The 40-storey World Trade Centre is in the city's Fort District, while the adjacent Pettah area is more crowded, with its pavements packed with street stalls selling anything from clothing to food. |
|
| Capital: | Colombo (CMB) |
| Currency: | Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR) |
| Language: | Sinhala and Tamil. English is widely spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 94 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT 5½ (3½ hours ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Left |
| Best Time to Go: | January – April (cool and dry weather) |
| Best For: | UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Historical and Religious Sites |
| Plugs: | 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Round and square three-pin plugs are used. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Bottled water is available, but ensure that the seal is broken in front of you. |
| Health: | 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. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. |
| Customs: | Dress should be conservative (particularly for women, legs and shoulders should be covered) when entering temples and Buddhist sites. Shoes should be removed when entering temples. It is offensive to pose for photographs in front of or next to Buddha statues or murals. The concept of “saving face” is very important - avoid confronting, embarrassing or offending people. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | It is illegal to photograph military and government buildings (be cautious when photographing around these buildings). Homosexuality is illegal. Naked sunbathing is illegal. Smoking and drinking in public is forbidden. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | 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. Travel time on roads can take longer than expected due to heavy traffic. |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into Sri Lanka by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 2 bottles of wine and 1.5L of spirits • A small quantity of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette • Souvenirs up to US$250 in value. There is no duty-free allowance for tobacco products. You must declare valuable items such as cameras and laptops on arrival and must take these out of the country again when you leave. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Non-prescription drugs and pornography. |
| Prohibited Exports: | Wild animals and their parts, coral, shells and protected marine products. Over 450 plants can only be exported with a licence. You may only export antiques (items over 50 years old) with a permit from the Director of National Archives and the Director General of the Department of Archaeology. |
Issuing Authorities
High Commission of Sri Lanka in South Africa
410 Alexander Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria
Tel: 012 460 7679
E-mail: consular.pretoria@mfa.gov.lk
Web: srilanka.co.za
Hours: Mon-Fri: 08:30-16:30
Consular: Mon-Fri: 09:00-13:00
Also accredited to: Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Malawi, Angola, Botswana and Eswatini.
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 13-14; Feb 4, 12, 26; Mar 13, 31; Apr 12-14, 18; May 1, 12-13; Jun 7, 10; Jul 10; Aug 8; Sep 5, 7; Oct 20; Nov 5; Dec 4, 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 3, 15; Feb 1, 4, 15; Mar 2, 21; Apr 3, 13--14; May 1-2, 28, 30; Jun 29; Jul 29; Aug 26-27; Sep 26; Oct 25; Nov 8, 24; Dec 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.
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
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
SA Representative
SA High Commission
114 Rosmead Place, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 11 246 3000
E-mail: colombo.dha@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/colombo
Travel Health
| 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 |
