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Sri Lanka is an incredible tourist destination with high cultural significance. The serenity and divinity of the temples and shrines combined with the breathtaking views from the mountains, peaks, and forts, compel people to visit this beautiful and bountiful nation.
Furthermore, Sri Lanka is also known for its diverse wildlife, ranging from the majestic Sri Lankan elephant to the shy leopard and is home to 123 species of mammals, 183 species of reptiles, 122 species of amphibians, 2227 species of birds, 93 freshwater fish species, and a hefty 601 species of spiders.
Visitors from all over the world arrive in Sri Lanka to witness these highlights. The fastest route to reaching Sri Lanka is by plane, and the majority of the visitors arrive through the central hub Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake, 30km north of Colombo. In order to make travel planning a little easier for you, we have provided some information on flights from major international countries below.
It is important to note that only a few countries fall into the Sri Lankan visa-exempt category. As such, we have also shared resources where you can apply for a Sri Lanka Tourist ETA.
Flights To Sri Lanka
- Flights From United States to Sri Lanka
While there are no direct flights from the United States to Sri Lanka, there are plenty of one-stop options to Colombo from several US cities including Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington DC. Premier airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways, SriLankan Airlines, and Qatar Airways offer connecting flights from these cities to Sri Lanka. Depending upon the airlines and the travel duration, the fare for Colombo ranges from $2500 to $3700.
- Flights From Canada to Sri Lanka
No airline flies non-stop from Canada to Sri Lanka, but Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Emirates provide connecting flights, where you can change flights at Istanbul, Maldives, Qatar, or Dubai. Flights for Sri Lanka leave from one Canadian city, Toronto. The cheapest flight tickets cost almost $3000, and an additional 500 bucks might get you there faster.
- Flights From Australia to Sri Lanka
There’s one non-stop flight from Australia to Sri Lanka offered by Sri Lankan Airlines, this flight leaves from Melbourne. Apart from the non-stop flight, connecting flights for Colombo leave from three Australian cities; Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. Air India, IndiGo, and SriLankan Airlines are some select airways that offer connecting flights with at least two stops. These flights cost around $4500, even the cheapest flight costs somewhere around $4200. The average flight time for Australia to Colombo is 14 hours and 30 minutes.
- Flights From United Kingdom to Sri Lanka
As of now, SriLankan Airlines is the only airline that offers non-stop flights to Sri Lanka from London’s Heathrow airport. Etihad Airways, Emirates, British Airways, Air India, Indigo, and Srilankan Airlines provide connecting flights from London to Colombo. The flight tickets price varies from $1900 to $3000 based on how quickly you want to reach Sri Lanka. Flights for Colombo also leave from Birmingham and Manchester airports.
Passport and Visa Requirements In Sri Lanka
Visitors interested in travelling to Sri Lanka can procure a quick Electronic Travel Authorization commonly known as ETA.
By applying for the ETA, you are applying for a Sri Lanka visa online. Once you have applied for the ETA, you can collect your 30-day short visit visa at the Sri Lankan Port of Entry.
ETA is generated through an online system and therefore doesn’t require any documents such as passport copies or photographs. Carry the ETA approval paper with you, which you can show along with your original passport at the entry port to gain clearance. Head over to Sri Lanka’s Official Visa website to start the procedure for the Sri Lankan visa application process.
The website also provides a detailed fee structure required to procure an ETA.
Requirements For Visiting Sri Lanka
- A passport that is valid for the duration of the stay (a minimum of 6 months) in Sri Lanka.
- A blank passport page for Sri Lanka entry stamp.
- Sri Lankan tourist visa (see ETA above).
- Intimation to the appropriate authorities if you bring in more than $15,000 in cash.
- If you are leaving the country with more than $5000 in foreign currency, an intimation of the same is required.
- Yellow Fever vaccinations for visitors arriving from an infected area.
Additionally, you can reach the Sri Lankan High Commission Office at mail@slhc-london.co.uk.
Sri Lanka Safaris
Big 5 of Sri Lanka
- 12 Days
This trip is a great way to explore the Sri Lankan wilderness. This “serendipity” country in South...
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:12 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Colombo
Big Game Safari Camp Udawalawe
- 3 Days
Big Game Safari Camp Udawalawe is located on the eastern border of Udawalawe National Park, one of Sri...
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:3 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in 12th Milepost, Agunukolapelessa
22-Day Luxury Safari in Sinharaja, Udawalawe & Wilpattu
- 22 Days
This safari takes in Sri Lanka's stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage,...
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:22 Days
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Start/end:Start in Colombo, end in Negombo
7 Days Sri Lankan Big Five, Wildlife & Whales
- 7 Days
This wonderful private wildlife holiday in Sri Lanka is ideal for families and offers wildlife safaris...
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:7 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Colombo International Airport
Mahoora Private Tented Safari Camp Udawalawe
- 3 Days
Sri Lanka's Udawalawe National Park is famed for its large elephant population as well as spotted deer,...
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:3 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in 12th Milepost, Agunukolapelessa
The Big Trip: Wild World of Sri Lanka IV
- 26 Days
This is the ultimate wildlife safari tour for serious nature enthusiasts, bird watchers and wildlife...
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:26 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Colombo
7-Day Blue Whale Safari & Wildlife in Yala National Park
- 7 Days
Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales, leopards and sloth bears in their...
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:7 Days
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Start/end:Start in Mirissa, end in Negombo
Wild World of Sri Lanka VI
- 11 Days
The most popular wildlife trip in Sri Lanka, this safari visits the very best parks and reserves for...
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:11 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Colombo
10-Day Leopard Safari with Wild Bush Camping
- 10 Days
Sri Lanka is one of the most biologically diverse countries in Asia, an asset best reflected in her national...
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:10 Days
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Start/end:Start in Yala National Park, end in Negombo
10 Days Perfect Sri Lankan Getaway
- 10 Days
Experience an unforgettable journey across Sri Lanka, the island known as the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean',...
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Country:Sri Lanka,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:10 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Colombo International Airport