Travelling to Sri Lanka? What to Know Before You Go: Drone Laws, Vaccines & Tuk Tuks
- Kate Colliety
- Sep 15
- 9 min read
Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Before heading off to the tea plantations, untouched beaches, and on safari, there are a few things to make sure you do and know before you go!
We spent 2 months exploring Sri Lanka and it quickly made the list of our top three countries of all time! It’s a place that wasn’t on our radar before, but it’s now the country we tell everyone to visit.
Why? The wildlife is still wild; it’s one of the best places to learn to surf, plus there are mountains to hike. The diversity of such a small country is a major selling point for tourists.
To help you plan your trip, we share the vital information you need to know, from visas to drone laws, which are complicated, plus what vaccines you need and how to hire a tuk tuk.
Yes, hire and drive your own tuk tuk! Trust us, it’s the best adventure you can have in Sri Lanka and the most fun way to explore this incredible country.
We’ve listed everything in the order you need to do it, starting with the steps that take the longest, so you don’t get caught out later.
Discover The Top Things To Do In Sri Lanka!
While driving around the country for 2-months, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited and were recommended in Sri Lanka. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your Sri Lankan adventure! Don’t miss out...click here to view for free!
Flights, Itineraries & Accommodation
When planning any trip it’s best to book your flights in advance to get the cheapest deals - so that’s the first thing on our list.
In terms of accommodation, we decided to book as we went to Sri Lanka. Since we hired our own tuk tuk, we wanted the flexibility of being able to stay in a town longer if we wanted to and we definitely wanted to, the surf town of Weligama stole our hearts and we found ourselves repeatedly coming back.
We didn’t have any trouble finding cheap homestays during our visit in October and November which is the shoulder season, but if you’re travelling during the peak season, we recommend booking ahead, especially if you want surf camps and or fancier hotels.
When planning your trip, you also need to consider Sri Lanka’s seasons. The country is split diagonally in two and experiences two separate monsoons: the southwest (including the popular south coast) has its dry season from December to April, making it peak travel time, while the east coast, including surf spots like Arugam Bay, is in monsoon during this period. The east coast peak season is from May to September, offering sunny weather and world-class waves.
To help you plan your itinerary we have created a Sri Lanka pinned map sharing the top things to do across the whole country or you can head over to our Sri Lankan Itineraries blog, although we think you should read this guide first!
Tip: Double-check that your passport is in date and has at least six months’ validity left.
Travel Vaccines For Sri Lanka
It is important to look into the different vaccinations or 'shots' you need for the places you are travelling. Some vaccinations need 2 or 3 doses spread 28 days apart and therefore it is essential that you get this sorted with plenty of time before your departure date.
The vaccinations needed for Sri Lanka according to Travel Health Pro include:
Diphtheria
Tetanus
hepatitis A
Typhoid
Rabies
NHS Travel Vaccinations for Asia
In the UK you can get DPT, Typhoid and Hep A/B on the NHS, you just need to make an appointment at your surgery.
How Much Do Travel Vaccinations Cost?
For the Rabies vaccination you will have to visit a travel clinic or pharmacy. We went to 'City Doc,' and be warned these are NOT cheap. It is worth remembering this cost when you're budgeting for your time away.
Secure Your Tuk Tuk
If you want to drive a tuk tuk around Sri Lanka, book your three-wheeled machine in advance with tuktukrental.com
Imagine cruising down the iconic B35 highway, the sun is shining, the wind is rushing through your hair and you’re passing wild elephants… all from your own tuk-tuk! This is the experience we signed up for and Sri Lanka did not disappoint!
To make your journey even more special, at Tuktuk Rental you can choose what model is right for you: convertible to get a suntan, surf rack to catch some waves at Weligama or perhaps a cooler to share a beer with newly made friends at Sigiriya. Whatever you need, the team is ready to help you. Travelling with kids? No problem you can request seatbelts for peace of mind.
Find out everything you need to know about renting a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka here…. and use our code KANDM for 5% off tuktukrental.com
International Driving Permit For Sri Lanka
There are different types of international driving permits depending on what countries you are visiting. For Sri Lanka you need the 1949 IDP, which lasts for 12 months.
Where To Get An International Driving Permit In The UK?
To get an IDP, you need to find your closest PayPoint shop. You can find this over on the PayPoint website. You will need to take with you:
Full GB or NI driving license
£5.50 fee
Standard passport photo (correct size)
Passport
Plus You Need A Sri Lankan Recognition Permit
As well as the IDP, you must get a Sri Lankan recognition permit from the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) in Colombo. If you’ve booked your tuk tuk with tuktukrental.com they take care of this and the documents will be ready when you arrive. If you plan to hire a car some rental companies also help with this. If not, you’ll need to go to the AAC office in Colombo to get it yourself. The process usually takes 30–60 minutes.
Register Your Drone
Flying a drone in Sri Lanka is legal, but it comes with strict rules and the process can be confusing if you don’t know what to expect.
To fly legally, you need to:
Register your drone online with the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL). The CAASL typically responds within 10 working days but it could be up to 3 weeks.
Submit a flight request form, including where, when, and what time you plan to fly (this is the complicated part unless you have a strict itinerary).
Get written permission from the nearest police station before each flight.
Pay a licence fee, which varies depending on your drone and usage.
We followed the official process and paid the fee but didn’t get the police permission. We flew without asking and got into trouble for it, luckily they didn’t take our drone but that is a real consequence. So take it seriously: you must get clearance from the local police station before flying anywhere, although in more touristy areas, this seemed more relaxed. Fly at your own risk!
Exchange Some Money For Sri Lanka Rupee
The local currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) and cash is predominantly used, although along the south coast, more western style hotels and cafes had card machines. ATMs are usually easy to find in towns but will be scarce in rural areas. We always recommend using the Bank of Ceylon as they offer free withdrawals.
What About A Travel Card?
We recommend using a Revolut or Monzo card while travelling in Sri Lanka. Both offer great exchange rates, low fees, and can be easily managed through their apps.
We also love our AMEX Gold card, which we use to collect air miles and redeem free flights!
Sri Lankan Travel Insurance
This is something you may be tempted to skip but shouldn't. Although it costs a bit, it means you can travel with peace of mind. Check to see what activities the insurance covers, especially if you plan to go snorkelling or diving. You may also want to check for lost luggage, trip cancellation and natural disasters.
We recommend SafetyWing, a travel insurance company for digital nomads, created by digital nomads, who are as passionate about adventure as we are. They offer affordable insurance policies covering you worldwide!
Make sure you have a copy of your travel insurance to hand with all the details and information or if you're with SafetyWing everything you need will be on their app.
What To Pack For Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s climate is hot and humid, meaning you need to pack lightweight clothing that’s breathable, lots of swimwear and perhaps a couple of items that are long sleeved if you plan to hike because yes, there are leeches in the forests.
We also recommend packing your surf gear, as Sri Lanka has some of the best surf spots in Asia, including Weligama and Arugam Bay.
It’s easy and cheap to get laundry done; in fact, most of our homestays offered it, so don’t overpack.
Also, Sri Lanka uses type G plugs, the same as in the UK.
Book Onward Flights
To enter Sri Lanka, you’ll need proof of onward travel, usually a flight showing you’ll leave the country within 30 days (or within your visa’s validity). When applying for your Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), you’ll be asked to provide this.
We used onwardticket.com to get a temporary flight reservation, since we planned to extend our visa later. Our immigration officer didn’t ask to see it, but we didn’t want to risk being turned away without one.
Tip: If you’re unsure of your exit date, services like onwardticket give you flexibility without having to book a real flight upfront.
Gather Important Documents
Important documents to take:
Passport (with 6 months on it)
Photocopy of passport, drivers license, birth certificate
Travel Insurance
Any tickets/boarding passes
International Driving Permit (IDP)
Visas And ETAs
If you need a visa for Sri Lanka will depend on your nationality, however a lot of countries including Citizens from the UK, EU, USA, Australia and Canada plus other countries are granted 30 days with an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which costs £40.
The Sri Lanka ETA grants an initial 30-day visa. You fill this out online a few days before your flight, or you can do it at the airport once you’ve arrived. We had to show our ETA at passport control .
You can extend your stay online via the official Department of Immigration website, usually for an additional 30 days. We paid £80 for this. The process is straightforward, takes 2–3 working days for approval, and you can apply for multiple extensions up to a total stay of 270 days.
Alternatively, extensions can be done in person at the Immigration Department in Colombo. Always apply early to avoid overstaying and keep all confirmation documents with you during your travels.
SIM & Data
A word of warning: WiFi in local homestays and around Sri Lanka is extremely unreliable and often the places we stayed in didn’t even have any! Therefore, we’d recommend buying an unlimited SIM data plan at the airport on arrival.
The most popular SIM is Dialog and it has pretty good coverage across the whole country and it’s also pretty cheap.
The other option is an eSIM such as Airalo. This would mean you have data as soon as you arrive. You can activate a mobile plan without having to visit a local shop and getting a physical SIM. You also have the ability to swap to different plans which is particularly useful if you're visiting multiple countries within Southeast Asia.
Finally, Download our Free Sri Lanka Map
While driving around the country for 2-months, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited and were recommended in Sri Lanka. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your Sri Lankan adventure! Don’t miss out...click here to view for free!
Essentials You Need For Sri Lanka
 | Surfing Accessories Sri Lanka is a surfers paradise and it's also great for beginners with multiple surf spots being a sandy bottom. Don't forget a zinc sun cream and surf hat!
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 | LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind plus you’re helping the environment! |
 | Binoculars For SafariHome to leopards, elephants and crocodiles having a pair of binoculars is a must to appreciate the wildlife Sri Lanka has to offer! |
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Top Tips For Travelling Sri Lanka
Rent a Tuk Tuk as Transport - This made our trip! Not only did we have complete freedom and flexibility it allowed us to have authentic relationships with locals. Use our code "KandM" for 5% off Tuktuk Rental
Stay in Homestays - Staying in local homestays meant we experienced authentic food and the local way of life. Everyone was extremely friendly and happy to help.
Don’t Forget the North - Many tourists stick to the south coast but if you have time explore places such as Anuradhapura, Trincomalee and Arugam bay!
Embrace The Chaos and get stuck in, the locals are friendly and love to help and share information about their home!
Travel Tools To Help You Plan
These are some of the travel tools we love and use daily, by booking through our links you support our blog and help us grow, thank you.
Thank you for reading and enjoy your Sri Lankan adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
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