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To visit Sri Lanka, your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry and have sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Most visitors are required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before arrival using their passport details. You may also need to present a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay. Requirements can vary based on nationality, so it's important to check specific visa regulations in advance.

To visit Sri Lanka, most travelers need a visa, which can typically be obtained through an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). For tourists, the ETA allows a double entry, with each stay of up to 30 days, and it can be extended if needed. Business travelers also use the ETA for short trips, allowing double entry with a stay of up to 30 days per entry. For those transiting through Sri Lanka, the ETA permits a stay of up to 2 days without additional charges. You can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Sri Lanka through the official government website: www.eta.gov.lk requiring a valid passport, travel details, and a credit/debit card for payment. ETAs are usually processed within a few hours to a few days. While some nationalities may be eligible for a visa on arrival, it is recommended to secure the ETA in advance to avoid delays. Visa fees vary depending on nationality and visa type, and payment is made during the application process. Always check specific requirements based on your nationality, as visa policies can change.

1. Checked Baggage: Most international airlines allow checked baggage weighing between 20 kg to 30 kg (44 lbs to 66 lbs) per passenger for economy class. Business and first-class passengers usually have higher allowances, typically ranging from 30 kg to 40 kg (66 lbs to 88 lbs). Some airlines use a piece concept (usually 1 or 2 pieces) with each piece weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs) for economy and up to 32 kg (70 lbs) for business and first class.

2. Carry-On Baggage: Typically, one carry-on bag is allowed per passenger in economy class, weighing between 7 kg to 10 kg (15 lbs to 22 lbs) and measuring within specific dimensions (e.g., 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm). Business and first-class passengers may be allowed additional or heavier carry-on items.

3. Personal Items: In addition to carry-on luggage, passengers are often allowed one personal item, such as a laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack.

4. Special and Excess Baggage: Charges apply for excess baggage beyond the free allowance. Special items like sports equipment, musical instruments, or large items may require prior arrangement and additional fees.

5. Restricted Items: Certain items are restricted or prohibited, such as sharp objects, flammable materials, and large quantities of liquids in carry-on baggage. Always check the airline's policy on restricted items before packing.

Ensure you check specific requirements based on your nationality, as visa policies can change.

Sri Lanka, located near the equator, enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The island’s surrounding Indian Ocean provides a cooling breeze that helps mitigate the high humidity and warm evenings. As you move to the central hills, the temperature drops with the elevation, offering a pleasant climate throughout most of the year. The steady sea breeze keeps temperatures between 27 and 30°C. The tropical environment is further influenced by the Asiatic monsoon, which periodically shifts wind directions.

The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee, symbolized as Rs and abbreviated as LKR. It is issued and regulated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Rupee is available in both coins and banknotes, with coins typically in denominations of 1, 2, 5, and 10 rupees, while banknotes are available in denominations of Rs 20, Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs 500, Rs 1,000, Rs 2,000, and Rs 5,000. Sri Lanka has a cash-centric economy, especially in smaller towns and rural areas, but credit cards and digital payments are widely accepted in major cities, hotels, and tourist areas. It is advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller denominations, when traveling in Sri Lanka, as ATMs may not always be available in remote locations, and smaller vendors may not accept cards.