Welcome to Travel in Asia Guide - Information on Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a presidential parliamentary democracy with a developing economy. Civil war and terrorism have seriously disrupted the country since 1983. On February 22, 2002, the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) signed an indefinite cease-fire agreement. Over the past four years, incidents of violence have increased. From January - August 2006, hundreds of people have been killed and the cease-fire is at risk. Moreover, the cease-fire Monitoring Mission is being potentially weakened by the LTTE�s demand that EU member states not be represented on it. Despite the armed insurgency, Sri Lanka's beaches, hill country, and archeological sites continued to attract thousands of visitors each year from around the world. The capital city of Colombo, the Cultural Triangle (Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa), and many Southern beach towns all have good tourist facilities.

A passport and onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required. A no-cost visitor visa, valid for 30 days, will be granted to tourists at the time of entry into Sri Lanka. Business travellers are required to have a visa prior to arrival. Visitors staying more than 30 days for any purpose must pay residency visa fees. Travellers need yellow fever and cholera immunizations if they are arriving from an infected area. All travellers departing Sri Lanka (except diplomats and certain exempted travellers) must pay an airport tax, in cash. Sri Lankan law requires all persons, including foreigners, who are guests in private households, to register in person at the nearest local police station.

Specific information about entry requirements for Sri Lanka may be sought from the Govenment of Sri Lanka web site at http://www.immigration.gov.lk.

Further informatioon can also be found in the CIA Fact Book.

Click here for a list of hotels in Sri Lanka.