Stay Up-to-Date: A Guide to Sri Lanka's Latest Travel Restriction

Traveling to Sri Lanka is an exciting adventure, but it's important to stay informed of the latest travel restrictions prior to the trip to this country. With a constantly evolving global health situation, it can be challenging to keep up with the latest changes in travel. But don't worry, we've got you covered. 

This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about Sri Lanka's latest travel restrictions, so you can plan your trip with confidence and stay up-to-date on the most current regulations.

Travel to Sri Lanka is an exciting adventure

Top 12 Sri Lanka travel restrictions that travelers need to avoid during the trip

1. Turning back on a Buddha Statue

In Sri Lanka, turning away from any Buddha statue is considered disrespectful to the nation's culture and religion. Visitors are allowed to take pictures, but absolutely note that you must always face the Buddha and maintain a state of reverence.

2. Wearing clothes with a Buddha image on them is not a good idea

For Sri Lankans, Buddha is highly revered in both their mind and body. Therefore, if visitors are seen wearing clothes with the image of Buddha, the people of Sri Lanka will certainly not be able to warm up to you. So unless you want to get frowns, avoid dressing like that.

3. Remember to always eat with your right hand

According to the concept and culture of Sri Lanka, the left hand is designated as the hand used to do unclean work, while the right hand is preferably used for important and solemn things. Therefore, if you are a left-handed person, Sri Lanka is not the ideal destination for you.

4. Consent to take pictures

Before photographing any landscape or artifact of a national nature or Sri Lanka's administrative buildings, visitors are required to obtain permission from the manager or the authorities. Examples are artifacts at museums or churches in Sri Lanka.

5. Never show disrespect or disrespect to the Sri Lankan religion

Of course, for any country or religion, it requires absolute respect from the opposite side. In this country, you really shouldn't offend the monks. For example, it's taboo to touch monks' heads, just as don't try to take pictures of them. It is an impolite act that tourists never want to encounter. Therefore, you should be careful in your actions.

Tourists should show their respect for the Sri Lanka religion

6. Contrasts between Sri Lanka and India should be avoided.

Is Sri Lanka a pleasant destination to travel to? Yes, without a doubt. 

India and Sri Lanka both have diverse and rich cultures in their own particular ways. Both of them have a similar culture, participate in many of the same customs and religious practices, and speak a number of the same languages, including Tamil. The Sinhalese, Malays, Tamilians, Chinese, Burghers, Veddas, Moors, and other ethnic groups live in Sri Lanka, much like several ethnic groups in India. Despite certain commonalities, there are also a lot of distinctions, making each country distinct. As a result, the locals will frown and look down on the parallels between the two. So, refrain from doing it.

7. Don't be perplexed by their gesticulations.

The head waggle is a uniquely Sri Lankan gesture that expresses affirmation. As opposed to most Westerners, Sri Lankans often shake their heads from side to side when responding "okay" or "yeah." Therefore, unless the locals are using irony or sarcasm with you, don't misinterpret their head waggle as a "no," rejection, or negation.

8. Exercise Caution When Crossing a Busy Street

The prevalence of reckless driving gives the impression that it is a trend that will never end. Due to drivers abusing their privileges on the road, the number of road fatalities brought on by reckless driving is at an all-time high in the nation. Examples include metered taxis or tuk-tuks driving on the opposite side of the road for convenience's sake, public transportation running red signals, and motorcyclists and other two-wheelers using the sidewalk to bypass traffic. So use caution when driving on the streets of Sri Lankan cities.

9. Avoid confusing a hotel with a restaurant.

The finest places for folks to eat a magnificent lunch in the past were hotels rather than restaurants. As a result, several tiny eateries began referring to themselves as hotels rather than restaurants in order to increase client traffic and, ultimately, income. Therefore, avoid going to a hotel and asking for a room or a bed since you will probably be turned away.

10. Avoid Falling For Tuk-Tuk Drivers' Tricks

In essence, tuk-tuks are Sri Lankan rickshaws that will transport you for a set cost. It can be anywhere between a few and over a hundred kilometers away. Prior you boarding the tuk-tuk, be sure to inquire about the fee. Ask about the city for the typical tuk-tuk pricing so you have an idea and won't be taken advantage of when a driver costs you far more than they would for locals. Additionally, when in Colombo, check whether the rickshaw has a meter and is working correctly. Hire the tuk-tuk just after that.

Avoid falling for tuk-tuk driver’s tricks

11. Do not consume tap water

One of the most typical things to avoid in Sri Lanka is this. After a long day of travel, wash your hands and face before avoiding drinking tap water, brushing your teeth, or washing your utensils with water from the faucet. As a developing nation, Sri Lanka still has a number of concerns, including health problems brought on by tainted water. Although they do have filtering systems, they are not particularly sophisticated. The trash from other businesses, such as the agricultural industry, and garbage from residences frequently get mixed up in the water.

12. Take Mosquitoes Seriously

There are some positive and negative aspects of Sri Lanka, just like every other place in the globe. It has certain negatives in addition to its rusticity and unurban beauty. Consider the issue with mosquitoes and other insects. When visiting Sri Lanka, especially in the more rural areas, remember to bring insect-repellent sprays or lotions with you. Both dengue fever epidemics and other illnesses like malaria have occurred in the past. Therefore, maintaining good hygiene is crucial.

Information on what to avoid when traveling in Sri Lanka has been updated in this article. Travelers can take a look at it and use it in their travels to ensure a smooth and wonderful trip. For a country with a long and diverse culture like Sri Lanka, the existence of regulations on behavior as well as living activities must certainly have limitations based on the spirit and faith of the country. Therefore, always respecting the country's culture is the best guide for tourists, thereby being more careful in your activities to avoid Sri Lanka travel restrictions.

Tourists should bring insect-repellent sprays when visiting rural areas

But there is no denying that Sri Lanka continues to rank among the most well-known tourist destinations in the world. With Sri Lanka Immigration Services' lightning-fast e-Visa service, applying for Sri Lanka e-Visa to travel to Sri Lanka is easier than ever before. Call us right away for additional information about Sri Lanka visas.