Colombo Travel Tips for First-Timers

Before you go: Sri Lanka in 2026. Colombo is open and tourism is running normally (the US rates it “exercise increased caution,” and the UK does not advise against travel). Two things worth planning around this year: a 2026 fuel-rationing scheme is in place after the regional oil shock, but foreign visitors get priority fuel access on their passport, so tuk-tuks and drivers stay easy to find; and 2026 is a heavy dengue year, so pack repellent and see a doctor for any fever rather than waiting it out. Conditions shift, so check the latest before you fly.

Entry: the ETA is free now

Sri Lanka’s Electronic Travel Authorization changed on 25 May 2026 and is now free for 40 nationalities, including the US, UK, EU, Australia, and Canada, for a 30-day stay. Apply only at eta.gov.lk; copycat “visa agent” sites still charge $50-80 for the same free approval. Give it 24-48 hours to process, and check your passport has 6 months’ validity left.

Money

The rupee has moved from around 310/USD in January 2026 to roughly 335/USD by August, so pair any LKR figure with USD and verify the current rate. Carry a backup card, since some home banks auto-block Sri Lankan transactions, and expect a roughly LKR 300-500 fee at local ATMs. Restaurants and hotels often add a 10% service charge, worth checking before you tip on top of it.

Getting around: no Grab, use PickMe

There’s no Grab in Sri Lanka. PickMe is the dominant app, including tuk-tuks, with Uber also covering Colombo at less coverage. Insist on the meter or book through the app rather than negotiating with a tout. The coastal train from Fort to Galle runs for stretches within a few feet of the ocean and is genuinely worth riding; the city’s light rail project is still stalled, so don’t plan around it running.

The Buddha-image rule is real, not just etiquette

Sri Lanka has documented deportations over disrespecting Buddha statues, including tourists photographed with their backs to one. At any temple: cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes (and hats), never pose with your back to a Buddha image, and don’t point your feet at a Buddha or a monk. This is enforced, not a soft suggestion.

Poya days: no alcohol, by law

On poya (monthly full-moon) days, roughly 12-13 times a year, alcohol sales are banned nationwide by law: most liquor shops close and many bars stop serving. Check the poya calendar before planning a night out.

Faith and greetings

Colombo is multi-faith (2024 census: 69.8% Buddhist, 12.6% Hindu, 10.7% Muslim, 6.9% Christian), so it’s worth resisting a blanket “Buddhist temple city” or “Ramadan city” framing; Muslim Moors are one community among several here. A simple “Ayubowan” as a greeting is well received either way.

LGBTQ+ relationships remain technically illegal on paper (the decriminalization bill never passed Parliament), though enforcement against tourists is rare; discretion is the sensible approach. Drug laws are harsh and applied to foreigners. Tap water isn’t potable, so stick to bottled or filtered water.

Read more: the main Colombo guide covers pacing for a short visit, and the food guide has more on the poya alcohol rule around meals.