Trip Preparation

Everything to sort before you land.

A practical checklist, not a wall of text — tick things off as you go, and it'll remember where you left off.

Countdown

Your pre-departure checklist

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3 months before

Confirm your passport has at least 6 months' validity left Apply for your ETA (Sri Lanka's visa-on-arrival equivalent) Book any flights not already included in your itinerary Check recommended vaccinations with a travel clinic

1 month before

Let your bank know you'll be traveling overseas Photograph or photocopy your passport and ETA confirmation Sort a local SIM or eSIM plan for data while you're here Confirm your final itinerary with your trip planner

1 week before

Pack according to the climate zones on your route (see below) Download offline maps for the areas you're visiting Save your driver-guide's WhatsApp number Withdraw a small amount of local currency if you can

Day of departure

Arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before an international flight Keep your passport and ETA confirmation somewhere accessible Fully charge your phone and any power banks

Pack smart

What to pack, by region

Sri Lanka is small enough that your route can pass through three different climates in one week — pack for all of them.

Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella — evenings drop to 15–20°C.

A light jacket or fleece for evenings
Long trousers or leggings
Closed-toe shoes for tea-estate walks
A light scarf or shawl, useful on the train

Quick reference

Visa, money, health & etiquette

Visa & entry

Most nationalities need an ETA, applied for online before arrival. Standard stay is 30 days, extendable to 6 months locally.

Currency & money

The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels; carry cash for smaller towns, tuk-tuks and tips.

Health & safety

No mandatory vaccinations for most travelers, but routine and travel vaccines are commonly recommended. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and travel insurance is strongly advised.

Culture & etiquette

Cover shoulders and knees at temples, remove shoes and hats before entering, and never turn your back to a Buddha statue for a photo. Tipping guides and drivers is customary but not compulsory.