Best time to go to Negombo

Sri Lanka’s position close to the equator means that temperatures are pretty constant throughout the year. Along the coast, average daily highs often climb into the thirties. Monsoon season hits this side of the country in the summer, which means the winter months are lovely and dry. If you’re planning on venturing inland to Kandy or tea plantation territory, it’s a good idea to pack a jumper – the higher altitude brings cooler weather.

Passports and Visas

The Department of Immigration and Emmigration have introduced an online embarkation form which will replace the paper embarkation card. Foreign nationals can complete the online form three days prior to arrival in Sri Lanka. The service is free of charge.

All visitors are advised to apply online for an eVisa to enter Sri Lanka. Further information on eligibility is available on the Department of Immigration and Emigration website. Visitors can apply for an eVisa on the eVisa website. For a small fee, you can apply through our visa and travel authorisation partner – Sherpa.
For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka/entry-requirements

Don't forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.

Just so you know, Sri Lanka’s online visa application portal is unavailable until further notice. If you’ve already got a visa, it’ll still be valid for travel and there’s no need to pay again at the airport. If not, you can get your visa at the immigration counter at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport for $50 (USD) per person. You’ll need a passport with at least six months remaining, confirmation of your accommodation, confirmation of a return flight, and money to fund your trip.

Health and safety

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. It’s a good idea to visit your doctor a month or so before you travel for advice on vaccinations. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka/health.

Further Reading

  • Overview
  • Things To Do
  • Travel Aware

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    Travel Aware – Staying Safe and Healthy Abroad
    The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.

    See gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK on Twitter and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel – for the latest general FCDO travel advice, including coronavirus travel guidance, security and local laws, and passport and visa information.

    See gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice – for FCDO travel advice about individual destinations.

    Sign up for FCDO travel advice email alerts, so you automatically receive the latest travel advice updates and travel requirements for the destinations you want to know about.

    See Travel Aware page – for travel advice from First Choice.

    See travelhealthpro.org.uk – for current travel health news.

    The advice can change so check regularly for updates.