Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka travel guide for Britons
Britons need an electronic travel authorization (ETA) before arrival; apply online, pay the fee, and the ETA is valid for 30 days. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, obtain a visa on arrival or extend the ETA. Change the decision if you hold a Sri Lankan passport or a diplomatic/official UK passport.
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GuideSri Lanka
Key facts
- Entry requirementcheck
- ETA online, £35 (check)
- Max stay on ETAcheck
- 30 days, extendable (check)
- Currency
- Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
- Plug types
- D, G, M – 230 V 50 Hz
- Tipping norm
- 10 % service charge, tip drivers/guides
- Emergency numbers
- 119 police, 1990 ambulance, 110 fire
Entry requirements for UK citizens
Apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) on the official Sri Lankan e-visa portal before you travel. The fee is about £35 and the ETA is valid for a single entry of up to 30 days. Extensions can be arranged in‑country for an additional fee.
If you intend to stay longer than 30 days, you must obtain a tourist visa on arrival (cost ≈ £40) or apply for a longer‑term visa in advance.
- Apply online at the official ETA site.
- Print the confirmation or have it on your phone.
- Show the ETA at immigration; you will receive a stamp.
British Embassy contacts in Sri Lanka
The United Kingdom’s High Commission is in Colombo. It handles consular assistance, passport renewal, and emergency support for British nationals.
- High Commission, Colombo – 1, Galle Road, Colombo 03
- Phone: +94 11 230 5000
- Email: [email protected]
Cost of a trip to Sri Lanka (GBP)
A typical 10‑day itinerary (Colombo, hill country, south coast) costs around £1,200‑£1,600 per person, including flights, mid‑range accommodation, meals, transport and entry fees.
| Item | Estimated cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Round‑trip flight from London | £650‑£900 (check) |
| Mid‑range hotel (10 nights) | £350‑£500 |
| Meals & drinks | £150‑£200 |
| Transport (train, bus, driver) | £120‑£180 |
| Entry fees & activities | £80‑£120 |
Prices are 2026 estimates; vary by season and booking time.
Flight time and time difference
Direct flights from London to Colombo take about 10 hours 30 minutes. Sri Lanka is UTC+5:30, so it is 4 ½ hours ahead of London in winter and 5 ½ hours ahead in summer (when the UK observes BST).
Electrical plugs and voltage
Sri Lanka uses plug types D, G and M with 230 V 50 Hz. UK plugs (type G) work directly; bring adapters for D and M if needed.
Tipping etiquette
Most restaurants add a 10 % service charge; extra tipping is optional for exceptional service. Tip drivers £2‑£5 per day and guides £5‑£10 per tour day.
Emergency numbers
Dial 119 for police, 1990 for ambulance, and 110 for fire services. The British High Commission can assist with lost passports and consular emergencies.
Questions people ask
Do Britons need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Yes – you must obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) online before arrival; it costs about £35 and allows a 30‑day stay.
How much does a trip to Sri Lanka cost in GBP?
Around £1,200‑£1,600 for a 10‑day mid‑range itinerary, covering flights, accommodation, meals, transport and activities.
Where is the nearest United Kingdom embassy in Sri Lanka?
The UK High Commission is in Colombo at 1 Galle Road, Colombo 03; phone +94 11 230 5000.
What plug type should I bring?
Sri Lanka uses D, G and M plugs; UK type G fits, but bring a small adapter for D and M if you have devices with those plugs.
Is tipping expected?
A 10 % service charge is common in restaurants; additional tips for drivers and guides are appreciated but not mandatory.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Sri Lanka
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