Sri Lanka captivates French travelers with its extraordinary blend of ancient culture, spice-scented cuisine, lush tropical landscapes, and warm hospitality. France has strong historical and cultural connections with the broader Indian Ocean region, and Sri Lanka stands out as one of the most rewarding destinations in the area. As a French passport holder, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling to Sri Lanka, which can be obtained online with minimal effort.
The ETA for French citizens costs $50 USD (approximately 46 EUR) and permits a stay of up to 30 days for tourism purposes. The application is straightforward and processed within 24 to 72 hours. French travelers can reach Colombo through connections via the Middle East, with Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha, and Turkish Airlines via Istanbul offering competitive fares from Paris Charles de Gaulle. Total journey time from Paris is typically 12 to 15 hours.
French visitors are drawn to Sri Lanka's culinary scene, which shares the French appreciation for bold flavors and fresh ingredients. The country's spice gardens, seafood cuisine, and Ceylon tea heritage offer fascinating gastronomic discoveries. Beyond food, the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the rock fortress of Sigiriya, and the colonial architecture of Galle Fort (built by the Portuguese and expanded by the Dutch) provide rich historical context. The south coast beaches and hill country landscapes complete an itinerary that satisfies the most discerning French traveler.