Sri Lanka: main airports
Sri Lanka is served mainly by Bandaranaike International Airport, near Colombo, as well as by the secondary Mattala Rajapaksa International, in the south of the country.
The island offers an incredible variety in a small space: tropical beaches, tea plantations on the central hills, ancient archaeological sites and nature reserves with elephants and leopards.
Sri Lanka: recommended activities
Sri Lanka: visa and entry requirements
Since 25 May 2026, citizens of 40 countries (including Italy) can obtain the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) free of charge for tourist stays of up to 30 days; all other visitors must still apply for the ETA online before departure, generally processed within 24-48 hours.
A passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity is required.
Sri Lanka: safety
Sri Lanka is generally safe for visitors, with violent crime contained in tourist areas.
Usual precautions apply for the often chaotic traffic and for the monsoon season (May-September in the southwest, October-January in the northeast). Always check your country's updated travel advisories.
Sri Lanka: health situation
Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B and typhoid are generally recommended; consult a doctor specializing in travel medicine in advance, also given the dengue risk, present year-round especially in coastal and urban areas.
It is advisable to drink only bottled water and use mosquito repellent.
Sri Lanka: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). The official languages are Sinhala and Tamil, with English widely spoken in the tourism sector.
Metered taxis are common in Colombo; for longer journeys (e.g. to Kandy) always agree on the fare in advance. Factor in the highway toll (about 400 LKR) for airport transfers.
