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Most visitors need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). It's simple — apply online before you fly. Fill in your passport details, pay about USD 50, and you'll usually get approval by email within 24–48 hours. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a return ticket, and a hotel address.

It depends on your style. Budget travelers spend about USD 25–40 per day (guesthouses, local food, buses). Mid-range travelers spend USD 50–90 per day (3-star hotels, tuk-tuks, some tours). Luxury travelers spend USD 150+ per day (5-star resorts, private drivers, fine dining). Flights are separate.

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons, so there's always a sunny side. West and south coasts (Colombo, Galle, Mirissa): best from December to March. East coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay): best from May to September. Hill country (Kandy, Ella, Nuwara Eliya): nice all year, but cooler.

Yes, Sri Lanka is generally very safe. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The main things to watch: road traffic (drive carefully or hire a driver), strong ocean currents at some beaches (swim between flags), and occasional scams in busy tourist areas. Use registered guides and licensed tuk-tuks.

Pack light, breathable clothes for the hot lowlands. Bring a light jacket for the hill country (Nuwara Eliya can drop to 10°C). For temples, cover shoulders and knees. Don't forget reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a reusable water bottle, and comfortable walking shoes.

It's not required by law, but it's strongly recommended. Good insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and adventure sports (surfing, hiking, safaris). Make sure it includes emergency evacuation, because some rural areas are far from big hospitals.

The two official languages are Sinhala and Tamil. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and by most drivers and guides. Learning a few words helps: 'Ayubowan' (hello/welcome), 'Istuti' (thank you in Sinhala), 'Nandri' (thank you in Tamil).

Options include trains (scenic and cheap — the Kandy to Ella route is famous), buses (very cheap but crowded), tuk-tuks (short trips, negotiate or use PickMe app), and private drivers (most comfortable, about USD 50–70 per day). For long distances, trains and private cars are best.