The British High Commission can help you if you run into trouble in Sri Lanka.

We cannot

• get you out of prison, prevent the local authorities from deporting you after your prison sentence, or interfere in criminal or civil court proceedings;
• help you enter a country, for example, if you do not have a visa or your passport is not valid, as we cannot interfere in another country’s immigration policy;
• give you legal advice, investigate crimes or carry out searches for missing people, although we can give you details of people who may be able to help you in these cases, such as English-speaking lawyers;
• get you better treatment in hospital or prison than is given to local people;
• pay any bills or give you money;
• make travel arrangements for you, or find you work or accommodation; or
• make business arrangements on your behalf.

General Tips: Laws & Customs

Laws & Customs

• Do read the current travel advice with the latest advice on travelling to the north and east of the country before travelling. Reading these do's and don'ts is not a substitute for looking at the travel advice;
• Do make sure you have the correct visa. British Nationals visiting for tourism for 30 days or less, can obtain a visa on arrival. This is now unlikely to be extended. If you stay longer than allowed you are liable to face detention and a fine. If you are intending to undertake voluntary activity or paid and unpaid work, you must obtain the correct visa from a Sri Lankan High Commission / Embassy before you travel;
• Do carry photo identification with you at all times and obey security forces and police at checkpoints;
• Do not video or take photographs of military or government buildings or buildings and vehicles used by VIPs. You could face detention;
• Same sex relations are illegal so if you are travelling with your partner do be sensitive to local laws;
• Do not get involved with drugs. The penalties for possession, use and smuggling are severe;
• Do consider religious and other sensibilities when it comes to dress. Do not enter a Buddhist temple wearing headgear or with bare legs and shoulder. Do remove your footwear and do not pose for photographs in front of a Buddha statue.

Driving

• Never drink and drive;
• Ensure you know the local driving laws; a British driving licence is not valid in Sri Lanka;
• Driving in Sri Lanka can be erratic, if you hire a vehicle ensure it is well maintained.

Cultural Awareness

• Buy a good travel guide that includes basic information on local laws and customs;
• Respect local customs and behave and dress appropriately, particularly when visiting religious sites;
• Travel guides, tour operators and hotel staff are always useful sources of information;
• In some places, behaviour that would be acceptable elsewhere can lead to serious trouble.