FAQ
Sri Lanka travel questions, answered
Visas, costs, timing, safety and how our tours actually work.
Most visitors to Sri Lanka need an online ETA (about $35–$50), and the best time to go depends on the coast — November to April for the south and west, May to September for the east. A private One Sri Lanka tour costs $270–$640 per person per day depending on tier, with meals, hotels, transport and guiding included.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between Silver, Gold, and Platinum tour tiers?
- One Sri Lanka offers three pricing tiers that recalculate based on your trip duration — you pay per day, not per fixed package. Silver ($270/day per person) covers comfortable air-conditioned transport, standard hotels, and guided entry to all key attractions. Gold ($390/day) upgrades to superior hotels with added amenities and premium transport. Platinum ($640/day) is full luxury — 5-star properties, private transport throughout, and VIP access. Every tour itinerary is available across all three tiers; the experience itself stays the same, the accommodation and transport level changes.
- Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?
- Most nationalities require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka. The ETA is obtained online at eta.gov.lk and costs approximately $35 USD for tourist visa (30 days, extendable). Citizens of some countries (e.g. Singapore, Maldives) receive free ETAs. We provide full step-by-step guidance on the ETA process once your booking is confirmed. We recommend applying at least 7 days before travel.
- When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
- Sri Lanka has two distinct monsoon seasons affecting different coasts. The west and south coasts (Galle, Mirissa, Colombo) are best from November to April. The east coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay) is best from May to September. The cultural triangle (Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Kandy) and hill country (Ella, Nuwara Eliya) are accessible year-round. Whale watching in Mirissa runs December to April. For a complete island circuit, November to March offers the most stable weather across all regions.
- Are your tours truly customizable, or are these fixed packages?
- Every tour at One Sri Lanka is fully tailor-made — there are no fixed departure dates and no group buses. The itineraries shown on our website are suggested frameworks only. You can adjust the duration, swap destinations, add or remove activities, choose your preferred hotel tier, and set your own pace. We build your itinerary from scratch based on your interests, travel dates, and group size. Contact us on WhatsApp (+94 77 739 1391) or email to start the planning conversation.
- What group sizes do you accommodate?
- We specialize in private tours for couples, families, and small groups (2–16 people). All tours use private transport — you will never be placed in a shared bus with strangers. For larger groups (17+), contact us directly so we can arrange appropriate vehicle capacity and guide allocation.
- What is included in every One Sri Lanka tour?
- All tours include: accommodation for the full duration (tier-appropriate hotels), all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee breaks, and snacks), air-conditioned private transport from airport arrival to departure, English-speaking professional guides, and entry tickets to all listed attractions. International flights, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included.
- Is Sri Lanka safe for international travelers?
- Sri Lanka is generally considered safe for tourists. The country has a low crime rate against visitors, and popular tourist areas are well-patrolled. Standard travel precautions apply: keep valuables secure, use reputable transport (which we provide), and stay updated on local advisories. Our guides are with you throughout the tour and are available 24/7 during your trip. The UK Foreign Office and US State Department currently rate Sri Lanka as a standard "exercise normal caution" destination.
- How quickly will I receive a quote after contacting you?
- We respond to all inquiries within 2–4 hours during business hours (08:00–20:00 Sri Lanka time, 7 days a week). For the fastest response, reach us on WhatsApp at +94 77 739 1391. Email inquiries are answered within 24 hours. For urgent bookings within 7 days of travel, please call or WhatsApp directly.
- What are your payment terms and cancellation policy?
- A 60% deposit is required to confirm your booking. The remaining 40% is due 7 days before your tour start date. We accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and international bank transfers in USD. Cancellations made 31+ days before the tour start date are eligible for a partial deposit refund. Cancellations within 30 days are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.
- Can I do a Sri Lanka liveaboard diving tour with One Sri Lanka?
- Yes. We offer liveaboard diving packages through our partner Serendib Scuba — a 2-night/3-day Southwest Liveaboard (Mirissa–Galle) and a 3-night/4-day extended version. Dives include the SS Rangoon and SS Orestes shipwrecks, Jungle Beach reef, blue whale watching cruises, and a Galle Fort city tour. The best diving season is December to April. These tours are priced separately from our standard tier system — contact us for current liveaboard rates.