Sri Lanka has long been a favourite destination for British travelers, thanks to historical ties, direct flight connections, and the island's incredible diversity of experiences. As a UK passport holder, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka, which can be conveniently obtained online before your departure. The process is straightforward and most applications are approved within 24 to 72 hours.
The ETA for British citizens costs $50 USD (approximately 40 GBP) and permits a stay of up to 30 days for tourism purposes. This period can be extended to 90 days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo. SriLankan Airlines operates direct flights from London Heathrow to Colombo, making the journey particularly convenient for UK travelers. The flight takes approximately 10 to 11 hours, and connections through the Middle East hubs of Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi are also popular alternatives.
British visitors will find Sri Lanka remarkably good value, with the pound sterling going a long way. Budget accommodations start from as little as 10 GBP per night, while a fine dining meal may cost just 15-20 GBP. The country offers a wonderful blend of ancient ruins, lush tea plantations, pristine beaches, and world-class wildlife, all within a relatively compact island that can be explored in two to three weeks. UK travelers should apply for their ETA well in advance of departure and ensure their passport has at least six months of validity remaining.