Visas
Nationals from over 50 countries do not require a visa to
stay in Sri Lanka for a period of 30 days if arriving as
tourists, and can extend their stay for varying periods,
usually not more than 90 days. These include the United
Kingdom, France, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan
anId the USA. Nationals from Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia
and the Philippines, among others, are entitled to stay
for 90 days as tourists, with the entitlement to extend
for another 90 days. Check with your travel agent for the
requirements. If you do require a visa, you can obtain one
from a Sri Lankan Consular office, or, in the absence of
one, through a British Consular office.
Visa Extensions
Visa Extensions are given at the Department of Emigration
and Immigration at Station Road, Bambalapitiya. The charge
is based on what your own country charges a visiting Sri
Lankan. Conditions for extensions are an onward ticket and
proof of sufficient money for maintenance while in the country,
at US$15 a day. Proof of money spent in the country may
be required, so keep all traveller's cheque encashment receipts.
Be warned - even the simplest matter takes an hour or two
at this noncomputerised visa office, where your application
travels around the office to be processed by numerous operatives
Customs Regulations
If you are bringing in over US $5,000, it should be declared
at customs on arrival. Valuable equipment. gems and jewellery
should also be declared. Duty free allowances permit up
to 2 litres of spirits. 2 bottles of wine, 200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars and perfume in a quantity for personal use.
Personal equipment such as radios. Sports equipment, laptop
computers. photographic equipment and so on is allowed.
The import of non-prescription drugs. Fire arms or pornography
of any form is an offence. There is a Green Channel in customs
for arriving tourists with nothing to declare and travellers
are usually waved through although there are spot checks.
Curiously, there is a more rigorous examination of luggage
on departure as the baggage of all departil}g passengers
is X-rayed at the airport entrance and hand- searched before
check in. This is a security measure but customs officers
are also on the lookout for items being taken out of the
country without a permit (such as an excess of Ceylon tea,
antiques and undeclared foreign currency). If gems are purchased
in Sri Lanka, keep the receipts.
What to Wear
In the intense heat of the low country regions, cottons
and light natural fabrics such as linen are ideal. However,
remember that in a conservative culture like this. skimpy
skirts and brief shorts are not the norm or considered
respectable. so if you do wear such items, be prepared
for many stares and even a certain amount of hassle, especially
outside tourist areas. For women, loose cotton skirts
or trousers and tops, and a long dress or skirt and long-sleeved
blouse for visiting temples are ideal. Men will feel comfortable
in cotton trousers or shorts and a T - shirt, or even
the traditional sarong. Once you've mastered the art of
tying a sarong, you may find it is cool and comfortable,
and it also doubles as a changing tent on the beach! Take
a sunhat and a good pair of sunglasses to protect against
the ferocious afternoon glare, and sandals, slippers or
open shoes that are easy to slip on and off. If you intend
to spend some time in the hills, take a couple of light
sweaters or sweatshirts. If you wish to visit areas such
as Nuwara Eliya or Horton Plains, famous for their scenic
trails, bring along a sturdy pair of walking shoes or
trainers. Travel light, as Western clothes are inexpensive
and readily available -garments for many European chains
(such as Gap, Marks and Spencer and C&A) are manufactured
locally.
If you are travelling with children,
bring loose cottons for them and long-sleeved cotton tops
to protect them from mosquito bites. Avoid jersey fabrics
unless you intend to spend time in the hills. A sunhat,
with straps that tie below the chin is also useful. Avoid
bringing too many white garments unless you intend to
wash them by hand.
What to Bring
Sun protection is vital (good tanning lotion and sunscreen
are hard to come by in Sri Lanka). If you plan to stay
in inexpensive hotels, you may be glad to have a mosquito
net. Bring along your favourite toiletries, as Western
brands tend to be more expensive in Sri Lanka. Don't forget
to bring a good travel wallet that you can wear under
your clothing.
For Children
Nappies are expensive but training pants can be
a good alternative, as fewer layers of clothing make it
quick and easy to clean your children. Buggies tend not
to be so useful due to the condition of many of the roads
and pavements, so a strong hands-free carrier would be
useful. A couple of small Tupper ware containers are handy
for packing meals and a spray atomiser of mineral water
helps to cool children quickly and efficiently. A fabric
mesh food cover also doubles as a portable, mini- mosquito
net for babies.
Health
Officials do not require certificates of immunisation
unless you have passed through an infected area within
14 days prior to your arrival. It is recommended that
travellers have standard vaccinations. Apart from these,
cholera immunisation is suggested. Anti-malaria tablets
prescribed by your doctor should be started about a week
before you plan to arrive and continued for at least two
weeks after you depart, depending on the brand you have
been prescribed. Additionally, mosquito repellents can
be taken with you. Citronella oil, readily available in
Sri Lanka, is an effective natural repellent.
Sun and Heat
Sri Lanka is a favourite destination 1 for holidaymakers
who want a sun- I and-sea break. However, it won't be
much of a holiday if you don't take precautions against
sunburn.
The heat is intense, especially in the afternoon when
the sun is best avoided altogether. Use a maximum protection
sunblock or tanning . lotion that has a high protfactor.
If you go out in the midday sun, take a large hat or a
parasol (Sri Lankans often use umbrellas). It is vital
to drink plenty of fluids in the humid Sri Lankan climate,
to avoid dehydration. Don't drink tap water at all, unless
you know for a fact that it has been boiled. Many restaurants
claim that their table water is boiled, but stick to bottled
water, bottled or canned fruit juices, and carbonated
drinks to avoid any risk. Mineral water is available at
most restaurants and in all supermarkets. Stock up with
small bottles to carry with you when you are out during
the day. Avoid fresh fruit juices and cordials which tend
to be made with tap water. The best drink possible is
King Coconut water -thambili- drunk straight from the
shell. It is safe, a great thirst Quencher, widely available
and has remarkable rehydrating . properties. Locals claim
that if I stranded on a desert island with I nothing to
eat except thambili, you ( would not only survive, but
thrive!
If you start feeling the effects of E excessive sun such
as nausea, E dizziness and headaches, find somewhere shady
to rest, drink something cool, eat some salt and bathe
your face in cool water.
