Sri Lanka Travel FAQ

Do I need a Visa to visit Sri Lanka?

Yes, most travelers need a visa. You can easily apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online at www.eta.gov.lk before your arrival. It is a simple process and usually approved within 24 hours. Nationals of Singapore, Maldives, and Seychelles may get a visa on arrival (subject to government changes).

Sri Lanka is a year-round destination!

    • West & South Coast (Colombo, Bentota, Galle): Best from December to April.

    • East Coast (Trincomalee, Pasikudah): Best from May to September.

    • Wildlife: National parks are open year-round, but specific parks are better in different seasons (e.g., Minneriya for elephants in July-Sept).

Yes, Sri Lanka is a very safe and tourist-friendly country. The locals are known for their warm hospitality. Like traveling anywhere in the world, we recommend standard precautions (watch your belongings in crowded areas), but violent crime against tourists is extremely rare.

The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).

    • Recommendation: Bring US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), or Pounds (GBP) and exchange them at the airport or authorized money changers.

    • Cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels and major supermarkets, but it is good to carry cash for small shops and tuk-tuks.

  • Website: Selecting a package and filling out the inquiry form.

  • Email: Sending us your requirements to info[at]pearltrips.lk.

  • WhatsApp: Chatting directly with our travel consultants for a custom itinerary.

To secure your booking, we typically require an advance deposit (usually 30%). The remaining balance can be paid on arrival in Sri Lanka (in USD or major currencies) or via bank transfer prior to arrival.

Absolutely! All our packages (Wildlife, Honeymoon, and Cultural) are fully customizable. Just tell us your interests, budget, and duration, and we will tailor the trip specifically for you.

Don’t worry. We track flight schedules. If you have booked an airport pickup with us, our chauffeur guide will be waiting for you at the arrival lobby whenever you land.

We use only modern, air-conditioned vehicles for your comfort:

  • 1-2 Passengers: Luxury Car (Sedan).

  • 3-6 Passengers: KDH Flat-roof or High-roof Van.

  • 7+ Passengers: Mini Coach or Large Tourist Bus.

  • All vehicles are insured and driven by experienced English-speaking chauffeur guides.

Yes, all Pearl Trips Lanka chauffeur guides are fluent in English and are government-licensed. If you require a guide speaking a different language (German, French, Chinese, or Hindi), please let us know in advance, and we will arrange it.

Yes, Sri Lanka is a modest country. When visiting Buddhist temples (like the Temple of the Tooth or Dambulla Caves):

  • Shoulders and knees must be covered.

  • Hats and footwear must be removed before entering.

Tip: Carry a sarong or scarf in your bag to wrap around quickly.

Sri Lankan food is famous for its spices! However, most tourist hotels and restaurants offer a “Westernized” version that is mild. If you love spice, ask for “Sri Lankan style.” Western food is also available everywhere.

Yes. Right after you pass customs at Colombo Airport, there is a hall with counters for Dialog, Mobitel, and Airtel. You can buy a tourist SIM card with data (4G/5G) for about $5-$10 USD. It takes only 5 minutes to activate.

If you need to cancel, the tour leader or the person who made the reservation must send us a written notice (via email).

  • Effective Time: The cancellation takes effect from the day and time (GMT+5:30) Pearl Trips receives and acknowledges your written notice.

  • Refund Policy:

    • The 30% Advance Payment is Non-Refundable.

    • Any remaining balance paid will be refunded.

    • Note: Refunds are subject to the exchange rate and bank charges on the day of cancellation.

For more details and for our policy, please refer to this page: Terms and Conditions – Pearl Trips Lanka