Going to au Sri Lanka: Formalities and administrative steps
Organize your stay au Sri Lanka
Money au Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR or Rs) is the national currency. The exchange rate varies according to the US dollar. It is impossible to obtain Sri Lankan rupees before departure. You can take dollars or euros with you, which are accepted almost everywhere. You can also withdraw Sri Lankan rupees from cash dispensers, which are also widely available.
As of May 25, 2025: €1 = Rs 340 and Rs 100 = €0.29.
Budget & Tips au Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is not exactly a cheap destination, and prices have risen considerably in recent years. Entrance fees to the major national parks and sites are very high. It's easy to tell the difference by looking at the clearly displayed foreign visitor rates. You'll need to plan your trip carefully, especially if you're traveling with your family. It is also certain that you will often pay a higher price than the locals, whether for transport, hotels or restaurants.
Small budget. Alone, count on a minimum of Rs 16,000 per day, or around €50. For two people in a double room, count on a minimum of Rs 20,000 per day, or around €65. This does not include extras such as entry to a large park, and exclusive use of public transport.
Average budget. For two, expect a minimum of Rs 32,000 per day, i.e. around €100, excluding any car rental with driver and without any special extras.
High budget. For two people, expect a minimum of Rs 64,000 per day, or around €200. This includes a daily rental car with driver and a comfortable hotel.
Passport and visas au Sri Lanka
Obtaining a passport. Passports issued in France are biometric. They include your photo, fingerprints and a secure chip. To obtain a passport, go to your local town hall or prefecture. Children must have their own passport.
An electronic visa (ETA) is required to visit Sri Lanka. You can apply online for an electronic travel visa (ETA) at www.eta.gov.lk. It is valid for 30 days from the date of entry into Sri Lanka. The cost is US$52 (US$50 + fees) for a tourist visa. It is possible to extend this visa by 60 days (2 times 30 days), but you need to go to the Colombo Immigration Department with your passport, return air ticket, address of residence (hotel, etc.) in Sri Lanka, photo, pen and US$100 per 30-day period (!!). The procedure takes between 3 and 4 hours.
Driver's license au Sri Lanka
Get an international license before you leave. Find out about licensing and insurance requirements. Even for short stays, both your French and international driving licenses need to be converted. ATemporary Driving Permit (T.D.P.) issued on the basis of your driving license is compulsory for cars and motorized two-wheelers, including those under 100 cc. Contact theAutomobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) or the Department of Motor Traffic.
Health au Sri Lanka
Dengue fever. This fever, which is fairly common in tropical countries, is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is particularly prevalent in the provinces of Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Ratnapura and Kegalle. Dengue fever is characterized by a flu-like syndrome (fever, headache, joint and muscle pain). There is no preventive treatment or vaccine. Never take aspirin. As this disease can be fatal, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor in the event of fever.
Japanese encephalitis. Present in rural areas during the wet season, particularly in tropical regions of Southeast Asia, this disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. Signs of onset include chills, fever, headache and malaise. Most forms are asymptomatic, but in the worst cases, it can lead to neurological sequelae and even death.
Hepatitis A. For hepatitis A, prior immunity makes vaccination unnecessary. It is common if you have a history of jaundice, a prolonged stay abroad or if you are over 45. Hepatitis A is usually benign, but it can be serious, particularly over the age of 45 and in cases of pre-existing liver disease. It can be caught through water or poorly washed food.
Hepatitis B. High risk in the country. Hepatitis B is more serious than hepatitis A. It is contracted through sexual intercourse or blood. The hepatitis B vaccine is given in two doses, one month apart (although accelerated one-month vaccinations are available for travelers in a hurry), followed by a booster six months later to reinforce the duration of protection.
Rabies. Rabies is still present in the country. You should therefore avoid all contact with dogs, cats and other mammals that may carry the virus. The onset of the first symptoms (phobia of air and water) varies between 30 and 45 days after the bite. Once these symptoms have been observed, death occurs within a few days, in 100% of cases. In the event of any doubt following a bite, it is essential to consult a doctor, who will administer an anti-rabies vaccine combined with appropriate treatment. Preventive vaccination does not exempt you from curative treatment in the event of a bite.
Mandatory vaccination au Sri Lanka
In addition to having your standard vaccinations up to date, you should also be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, and even typhoid fever, depending on the type of trip you're planning. Vaccination against yellow fever is compulsory if you have previously visited certain African or South American countries.
Security au Sri Lanka
The country is now a safe destination.
For the latest information on local safety, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs. Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers, and that this sometimes gives a rather alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.
Time difference au Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan time is 4.30 hours ahead of Paris time in winter and 3.30 hours ahead in summer. When it's midday in Sri Lanka, it's 7:30 or 8:30 a.m. in France.
Spoken languages au Sri Lanka
Sinhalese and Tamil are the two official languages. English is spoken by around 10% of the population. Fortunately, most people working in tourism-related fields (hotels, restaurants, drivers, etc.) have a rudimentary knowledge of English, and sometimes even French, which can make your job easier.
Communication au Sri Lanka
Telephone coverage is good throughout the island, with the exception of a few remote corners (national parks, isolated mountain areas).
The Internet network is fairly good, but connection quality often fluctuates. Wi-Fi is becoming increasingly widespread, often free of charge, in hotels, guesthouses and restaurants, and even in some shops and public places. Be aware, however, that the quality of the connection is sufficient for surfing the web or social networks, but rarely for watching a film or series in streaming... Download your favorite series before you come.
Electricity and measurements au Sri Lanka
Electricity. The current is 230-240 volts 50 Hz. Three-pin English-style plugs are used. Models may vary slightly from one region to another. You'll therefore have no problem using your various electrical appliances, provided you have an adapter (readily available in Colombo).
Weights and measures. The metric system is used on the island.
Luggage au Sri Lanka
When it comes to clothing volume, don't overload yourself. Stick to lightweight clothing. Have a spare for each item of clothing. If you wash your own clothes, they'll be dry in less than an hour if you're not unlucky about the weather. You can also have it washed in your hotel for a small fee.
To keep you comfortable and protected: a hat or cap, sunglasses, sun cream and swimwear. A light rain jacket in case of monsoon, and a woollen jacket for stays in the mountains. A pair of sturdy sandals; a pair of walking shoes (if they're new, don't forget to have them done before you leave - it'll save you a lot of inconvenience that could spoil your trip). Long clothing to avoid mosquito bites in the evening, insect repellent and soothing ointment in case of sting.
For religious or sacred sites: if you don't have pants, wear knee-length shorts. A square of cloth to cover your shoulders.
For a peaceful night's sleep: a sheet to cover yourself at night (some guesthouses and unclassified hotels don't offer one), a mosquito net, preferably impregnated, with string to hang it on. Earplugs.
On the practical side: a flashlight, indispensable in view of the many power cuts and for visiting the many archaeological caves, an adapter for electrical outlets, and a second bag for lighter travel after checking in at the hotel. Luxury hotels all have electrical outlets compatible with French plugs.
First-aid kit. Don't forget to bring your up-to-date vaccination booklet (even more essential these days!) and your blood group card. In addition to your usual medications and accompanying prescription, your essential first-aid kit consists of : a tin of paracetamol, an anti-diarrheal, a thermometer (unbreakable), an antiseptic solution, a few compresses and bandages, tweezers, a tube of Biafine (burns), eye drops (dry eyes), a soothing cream for insect bites, tampons or sanitary towels, and condoms. You may wish to add a malaria treatment (fairly restrictive, but not essential if you're staying in tourist areas).
Daily life au Sri Lanka
Hello? au Sri Lanka
To call Sri Lanka from abroad, dial 00 or "+", followed by the code 94, but omit the 0 which would begin any local or mobile number. Example: + 94 232 223 155.
To call France from Sri Lanka, dial 00 or "+" and 33, then omit the 0 that would begin any local or mobile number. Example: + 33 1 82 56 35 56.
When in Sri Lanka, dial the 10-digit number with the 0, whether calling within the same city or long-distance. Example: 0232 223 155. The numbering system has changed over the last few years, from 5 to 7 digits, excluding city codes, without the information being systematically changed on the spot. If the number is incomplete or in doubt, you can try adding 22 at the beginning, after the area code.
10-digit numbers starting with 077, 071, 072 and 078 are mobile numbers. Examples: 023 222 3155 (city code + 7 digits), 077 037 0708 (10-digit mobile number).
It 's best to have your own phone (unlocked) and buy a local Sim card, which you can find in any store. There are 5 telephone operators: Mobitel (national operator), Dialog, Etisalat, Airtel and Hutch. The best coverage is provided by Mobitel and Dialog. A Tourist Pre-Paid Sim Pack is available from most operators, including Dialog. Dialog will provide you with a Tourist Welcome Pack when you arrive at the airport, enabling you to make a few calls free of charge. The first top-up will also cost you the price of the Sim card (Rs. 50). The Welcome Pack is the most interesting because it gives you access to the Internet, and therefore the possibility of communicating via a multitude of applications from your mobile. Whichever Sim card you use, you can purchase communication credits for a minimum of 100 rupees, with the option of recharging directly by telephone or at a retailer (shop, supermarket, etc.). The latter can carry out the operation for you. For calls in Sri Lanka and abroad, count Rs 5.02/minute for local calls and Rs 25/minute for calls to France. For SMS, count Rs 0.31 for sending within Sri Lanka and Rs 6.37 for sending internationally.
If you wish to keep your French package, you'll need to activate the international option (generally free) by calling your operator's customer service. Find out about the rates in force for you and for the caller.
Accessibility au Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is not a suitable destination for people with reduced mobility: lots of sidewalks, very few crosswalks and signs, people driving in all directions, archaic public transport that's not at all adapted, just like the hotels. Travelling alone is impossible. Accompanied, you have to realize that it won't always be easy, but it can be done. In this case, you'll need to prepare your itinerary carefully, rent a private vehicle with driver, and find hotels with elevators wherever possible. If you have a physical or mental disability, or are going on vacation with someone in this situation, there are a number of organizations and associations that can help.
Health au Sri Lanka
Be very vigilant about the sun's harmful effects (hat, suncream...), sea currents (make sure you can swim), the water you drink (always open the bottle in front of you) and the healing of small wounds (antiseptic and bandages during the day).
In the event of health problems
Always travel with insurance, but if you fall ill, contact the consular service of the French embassy.
In the event of illness , they will be able to put you in touch with an accredited doctor and, if possible, provide you with a list of specialized doctors. In all cases, you are responsible for your own fees.
In the event of a serious accident, the consulate can inform your family and discuss with them the measures to be taken: hospitalization or repatriation (as you will be responsible for the costs incurred, we strongly advise you to take out repatriation insurance).
In the event of death, he will contact the family to advise them on the legal formalities for repatriation or burial of the mortal remains or ashes. Costs are borne either by the family or by the deceased's insurance company.
French-speaking doctors
Consult the non-exhaustive list of general practitioners, specialists, dentists and hospitals provided by the French Embassy in Colombo at www.ambafrance-lk.org/La-sante.
Hospitals-Clinics-Pharmacies
Many hospitals are recommended by the French Embassy (see www.ambafrance-lk.org/La-sante). Consultations are free of charge in all public establishments. Foreigners are generally required to pay for medicines, which must be purchased in pharmacies. Prices are more or less the same as in France.
Emergency numbers au Sri Lanka
Police. The emergency number 119 is nationwide.
Tourist Police (Police Tourist Division). Emergency number: ✆ +94 112 421 451.
Traffic Police. Its number: ✆ +94 112 441 197.
Securty au Sri Lanka
General security. Although the large number of military and police personnel in certain areas of Colombo and other major cities in the north and east may make you think about what the country has been through, the island is quite safe. Also in the north and east, avoid forested areas, rice paddies and ruined houses, which may still harbour mines or other explosive devices.
Crime. Petty crime is rife in tourist areas, particularly theft (beaches, rooms, etc.). It is advisable not to go out alone after dark without first checking with people who know the area (Sri Lankan friends, hotel staff, etc.) about the potential risks.
Other dangers. Don't swim alone on a beach you know nothing about. Accidents happen all the time, even just a few metres from the shore. Be particularly wary of currents if you're snorkeling. We strongly advise against swimming on the west coast from April to November, and on the east coast from December to March.
As far as road safety is concerned, the two best pieces of advice we can give you are to take a driver and to refrain completely from driving at night.
For the latest information on local safety, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs
Single women
The first thing to do is to find out about local customs, particularly as regards women, and to follow them as closely as possible. While you're unlikely to blend in completely, people will nevertheless appreciate your respect for their culture, which can save you a lot of trouble. A few points of reference and advice:
It's very rare for a man to approach you directly without knowing you; if he does, he's either trying to sell you something, or has bad intentions.
Never touch a man to express your friendship. Expressions of sympathy are part of the verbal language, while touching is reserved for more intimate relationships.
If someone behaves inappropriately, you have two options: either you're in a crowded place and you can create a scandal, or there's no one around and the best thing to do is to continue on your way as if nothing had happened.
Be confident: show that you know where you're going and how. If you're really looking for directions, it's best to ask a shopkeeper, not a random person on the street... It's usually easiest to invent a husband and lots of children waiting for you five kilometers away. And even buy yourself a fake ring before you leave to make your imaginary union official!
Whatever your hotel's standing, don't let the male staff linger in your room. If they want a chat, offer to do it later. Similarly, if they just want to ask you something, don't let them into your room.
Arrive early in the city where you plan to stay. This gives you time to look for a decent establishment.
Don't go camping in the wild. What's more, the seaside is less safe after dark.
LGBTQ au Sri Lanka
Homosexuality is forbidden by Sri Lankan law, and penalties can exceed 10 years' imprisonment. It is therefore preferable to remain discreet, especially in public places. Some tourist establishments are gay-friendly, usually announcing this on their websites. A regular Colombo Pride has been organized since 2005, supported by the Sri Lankan association Equal Ground.
Embassies and consulates au Sri Lanka
Embassy of France in Sri Lanka (✆ +94 112 639 400), 89 Rosmead Place, Colombo 7. Open Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 1pm and 2:30pm to 6pm, Friday 8:30am to 1pm. In case of emergency, contact ✆ +94 112 639 410.
Embassy of Switzerland (✆ +94 112 695 117), 63 Srimath R.G. Senanayake Mawatha (Gregory's Road), Colombo 7. Open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 11.30am.
Belgian Honorary Consulate (✆ +94 112 387 511), 5 Alwis Place, Kollupitiya, Colombo 3.
Consul: Mr. Koenraad Pringiers, 24/7 emergency number: ✆ +94 772 530 202.
Canadian High Commission (✆ +94 115 226 232), 33A 5th Lane, Colpetty, Colombo 3. 4 km south of Fort. Open Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm; Friday 8am to 12pm.
Mail au Sri Lanka
Post offices are open weekdays from 8am to 5pm, and sometimes on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm. It takes ten working days to send a letter abroad. At the post office, have the stamp cancelled in front of you to make sure it won't be used by someone else. The Sri Lankan Post's website, www.slpost.gov.lk, enables you, among other things, to calculate the cost of your international mail.
For those wishing to post their letter or postcard in a letterbox, several colors are available:
Green boxes are reserved for mail to Colombo.
Red boxes are reserved for mail to Sri Lanka, excluding Colombo.
Blue boxes are reserved for overseas mail. They are marked " Air Mail ".
Local media au Sri Lanka
Since the end of the war, most (if not all) of the media outlets linked to supporters of the Tamil cause have disappeared. Despite the development of an international press and access to numerous public and private radio and TV stations, state control of all means of disseminating information remains strong.
Press. The Daily News (www.dailynews.lk), the Sunday Observer and The Island (www.theisland.lk) are on every newsstand. A dozen other English-language dailies are also available.
Radio. The national radio station is Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). Some fifteen private stations compete with it.
Television. The two state television channels are Rupavahini (www.rupavahini.lk) and Independent Television Network - ITN (www.itn.lk). All the major hotels catering to foreign tourists also carry the broadcasts of numerous international channels, including CNN, Al Jazeera, the BBC and TV5 Monde (a French-language channel).
Internet. The government information site News.lk (www.news.lk) provides the latest news from the country. The site is in English.
