Vacation inSri Lanka
- Colombo
- capital
- Sinhala, Tamil
- official language
- 1 EUR - 359.30 LKR
- exchange rate
Vacation in Sri Lanka, special vacation offers from Join UP!
We offer wide range of tours to Sri Lanka for the best prices from the tour operator Join UP!
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- •Sri Lanka
Do Latvian citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka for tourism?
Yes. Apply at eta.gov.lk before flying; fee US $50, approval usually within 24 h. Print the email or save it on your phone. Visa-on-arrival is possible (US $60) but adds airport queue time, so online is faster and cheaper.
How long may you stay with the standard tourist ETA and can the visa be extended locally?
The ETA grants 30 days from arrival. You can extend once, up to 90 days in total, at the Department of Immigration in Colombo: passport, photo, proof of funds and a Rs 22 000 fee (~€60). Apply one week before expiry to avoid overstay fines.
Which season is best for travel and beach holidays, considering monsoon periods?
West & south coasts shine December–March; east is driest May–September. If you want island-wide sun, pick February or late September when both sides have good weather and hotel prices are moderate.
During monsoon season, is it still possible to tour the island or should you wait for the dry season?
Monsoons affect only one coast at a time and often bring short afternoon showers. Mornings stay sunny, roads remain open, and safaris still run. Plan flexible routes—visit the dry side, keep a rain shell and waterproof bag for electronics.
What is the best way to get around Sri Lanka—are trains and buses safe, or is a private driver recommended?
Scenic trains are safe and cheap but slow; reserve 1st-class seats online. Long-distance AC buses run hourly and cost €3–5. Hiring a car with driver (~US $55/day incl. fuel, accommodation) is easiest for families or tight itineraries; drivers double as guides.
What accommodation types exist and what price ranges should you expect?
Dorm beds Rs 2 000 (€6), homestay double with breakfast €25, colonial boutique hotels €60-90 HB, south-coast five-star resorts €220 AI. Almost all offer Wi-Fi and mosquito nets; book beach hotels early for Christmas week.
Which local customs deserve attention when visiting Buddhist temples and religious sites?
Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes and hats. Never pose with your back to a Buddha statue or touch monks. Hand donations or objects only with the right hand. Photography is allowed in most temples, but flash is forbidden inside caves.
Is Sri Lanka safe for tourists and what should you consider when visiting less-touristic areas?
Violent crime is rare. Watch belongings on crowded buses, use hotel taxis at night, and avoid deserted beaches after dark. In remote villages pack cash—ATMs are scarce—and respect wildlife: keep 10 m distance from elephants on roads.
Which places are recommended for nature and culture (Sigiriya, tea plantations, etc.)?
Must-sees: climb Sigiriya at sunrise, ride the Kandy-Ella train past tea fields, wander Galle Fort’s Dutch ramparts, hike Horton Plains to World’s End, and spot elephants in Minneriya. Combine culture with a night in a hill-country tea bungalow for the full experience.
Are Sri Lankan beaches suitable for surfing and other water activities?
Yes. Arugam Bay (east) has world-class point breaks May–Sep; Weligama and Hikkaduwa (south) offer year-round beginner surf schools, snorkelling reefs and turtle watching. Two-hour surf lesson incl. board costs €18; SUP and kayak rentals €6 per hour.