| Visa and Health Information of Sri Lanka |
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Passport/Visa
|
Passport Required? |
Visa Required? |
Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
| OtherEU |
Yes |
No/1 |
Yes |
| Japanese |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Passports
Passport valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all.
Visas
Required by all except nationals of the following countries, who will be issued with visas free of charge for a period of 30 days on arrival at Colombo Airport (for tourist visits only):
(a) nationals of those countries mentioned in the chart above (except 1. nationals of Malta and the Slovak Republic who do require a visa);
(b) nationals of Albania, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brunei, Bulgaria, China (PR, including Hong Kong), Croatia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Korea (Rep), Kuwait, Macedonia, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, The Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia & Montenegro, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates;
(c) nationals of CIS countries.
Note
All business visitors require a visa.
Types of visa and cost
Tourist and Business : £38 (up to three months); fee given is for UK nationals. Fees vary according to nationality; contact the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see General Info section. Multiple-entry visas cost £114 (three months) or £189 (12 months).
Validity
As above. Visitors can request to extend their stay by applying to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, 23 Station Road, Colombo 3 (tel: (1) 259 7513; fax: (1) 259 7511). This is issued at the discretion of the authorities who must be satisfied that the applicant has at least US$30 per day for the stay and holds an onward or return ticket for travel.
Application to
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see General Info section. British nationals, traveling as tourists, may obtain a visa upon arrival, upon port of entry into Sri Lanka, for up to 30 days.
Application requirements
(a) Valid passport. (b) Completed application form. (c) Two passport-size photos signed on the back by applicant. (d) Visa fee, payable by cash (not if sending by post) or postal order. (e) Self-addressed envelope, with appropriate cost of stamps necessary for returning passport by registered post. (f) Proof of sufficient funds (minimum US$30 per day) for duration of stay. (g) Return or onward ticket. Business: (a)-(g) and, (h) A letter from the company or organization recommending the issue of visa and giving details of the status of the applicant, nature of business, duration of stay, sufficient funds and details of the party, if available in Sri Lanka, with whom the business is to be conducted, along with a letter from that company/organization in Sri Lanka.
Working days required
At least three.
Temporary residence
Enquire at Embassy or High Commission.
Health
|
Special Precautions |
Certificate Required? |
| Yellow Fever |
No |
1 |
| Cholera |
Yes |
2 |
| Typhoid and Polio |
3 |
N/A |
| Malaria |
4 |
N/A |
1
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age from infected areas.
2
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Sri Lanka. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.
3
Typhoid occurs in rural areas.
4
Malaria risk, predominantly in the benign vivax form, exists throughout the year, except in the districts of Colombo, Galle, Kalutara and Nuwara Eliya. The malignant falciparum strain is also present and is reported to be highly resistant to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. The recommended prophylaxis is chloroquine plus proguanil.
Food & drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. Bottled water and a variety of mineral waters are available at most hotels. Unpasteurized milk should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Pasteurized and sterilized milk is available in some hotels and shops. Avoid dairy products made with unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks
Hepatitis A , B and E are present and precautions should be taken. Dengue fever occurs.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
Health care
Treatment is free at government hospitals and dispensaries; 24-hour treatment is available at Colombo General Hospital. Some hotels also have doctors.
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