So much, so close together
In two weeks you can climb Sigiriya, ride the train through tea country, spot leopards in Yala and finish on a palm-fringed beach. Distances are short, the food is wonderful and the welcome is warm. We plan tours with a private driver-guide, or simple beach stays.
Where to go
Sigiriya rock fortress, Dambulla’s cave temples and the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth, tea estates around Nuwara Eliya and the famous train to Ella.
Galle’s Dutch fort, whale watching from Mirissa and long beaches at Bentota and Tangalle.
Leopards, elephants and sloth bears on safari in Yala, Udawalawe or Minneriya.
Trincomalee and Arugam Bay — at their best from May to September.
Culture and customs
Sri Lankans are gentle and welcoming, and Buddhism shapes daily life across much of the island.
Respect the Buddha. Disrespecting Buddhist images is a serious offence. Don’t pose for photos standing in front of a Buddha statue, and note that visible Buddha tattoos can lead to refusal of entry or deportation.
Temples. Cover your legs and shoulders and take off your shoes and hat before entering a Buddhist temple.
Religious holidays. Alcohol is not usually available on religious holidays, and drinking in public on these days can cause offence.
On the beach. Nude or topless sunbathing is not allowed.
Photos and drones. Don’t photograph or fly drones near military bases, government buildings or VIP vehicles.
Laws to know. Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry long jail sentences and heavy fines. Carry your passport as ID at all times.
How far is Sri Lanka from you?
Distances are great-circle estimates and flying times are typical, not timetabled. Message us for live fares and routes.
Sri Lanka, month by month
Ready-made holidays, coming soon
We’re adding Sri Lanka packages you can browse and filter by trip type, length and budget. Until then, tell us what you’d like and we’ll send ideas and prices — usually the same day.
Tell us about your Sri Lanka trip
Holiday, flights only or just a hotel — send us the details and our team will come back with options and prices, usually the same day during opening hours.
- Flights issued by our own IATA-accredited team
- Internal flights, transfers and tours arranged
- Visa and passport help from our documents team
- One team to message before, during and after
Read the full official entry requirements
See the official GOV.UK entry requirements for Sri Lanka.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Updated automatically from GOV.UK travel advice.
Travelling to Sri Lanka — quick answers
Can’t see your question? Send us a message or WhatsApp us.
Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka with a British passport?
Yes. You need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), applied for online before you travel. For British passport holders it is free of charge and valid for 30 days; longer stays need an online extension through Sri Lanka’s immigration portal. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival.
Are there direct flights from the UK to Sri Lanka?
Yes. SriLankan Airlines flies nonstop from Heathrow daily, and British Airways flies from Gatwick three times a week in the winter season (from 23 October 2026), taking about 10½ to 11 hours. There are also good one-stop options through the Gulf and Istanbul.
When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
December to March for the south and west coasts and the hill country; May to September for the east coast. With the right route there’s somewhere good all year.
How long should I spend in Sri Lanka?
Ten to fourteen nights lets you see the Cultural Triangle, hill country and a safari, then relax on the beach.
Can you arrange a driver-guide?
Yes — most of our Sri Lanka tours use a private English-speaking driver-guide, so you travel at your own pace.
Please note: the information on this page is a general guide, checked when it was published. Entry rules, health advice, weather, seasons, flight routes and local conditions can change at any time and vary from person to person, so we can’t accept responsibility for changes or for decisions based on this page alone. Always check the latest GOV.UK travel advice and official travel health advice before you travel. It is your responsibility to check the entry, health and travel requirements that apply to you before you travel. See our terms and conditions.