Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka in September: a practical guide for your trip
September is a good time to visit Sri Lanka. However, the island works differently than you might be used to. This guide helps you avoid four concrete problems: how to enter, how to get around, what to speak, and what to respect.
7 September 2026 · Wayloha editorial · 4 sources
Visa: arranging your ETA
You need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). You can get this online via the official website of the Sri Lankan government. Do this before you depart.
With an ETA, you may stay for 30 days. The visa itself is valid for six months. Usually, you receive approval within two days, sometimes in twenty minutes. You pay US$50 plus a US$2 processing fee (citizens of SAARC countries pay US$20). Citizens of the Czech Republic and Singapore do not need an ETA.
- Arrange your ETA online before your flight.
- Expect to pay US$50 plus a US$2 processing fee.
- Do you only need 48 hours? Apply for a free transit visa.
Tea grows under the rustle of the jungle, while temples stand still between mountains and sea.Sri Lanka
Transport: bus and train are the cheapest
Sri Lanka's buses and trains are old and sway from side to side, but they are the cheapest way to travel across the island. The trains also run through the most beautiful landscapes. You can see tea plantations, mountains and the coast from your seat.
Book your journey via 12Go or other travel websites. Bus tickets are more expensive than in other Asian countries, but still dirt cheap.
- Choose the train for the best views at the same price as the bus.
- Book via 12Go for clear timetables and prices.
Language: English will get you a long way
You do not need Sinhala. About ten per cent of Sri Lankans speak English fluently, and many more understand it. In tourist restaurants and on the street, signs and menus are always bilingual (English and Sinhala).
In villages off the tourist paths, it becomes harder, but even there someone will try to help you. Learn a few Sinhala words if you want to be respectful, but make sure you always have a translation app on your phone.
- English is sufficient in all tourist locations.
- Menus and signposts are always bilingual.
Respect and health: two things that really matter
Sri Lanka is deeply religious. Buddha statues and temples are sacred. If you have visible tattoos of Buddha or religious symbols, cover them with clothing. This is not a minor point: it can deny you entry to temples or cause unrest.
On health: do not drink tap water. Use filtered water or bottled water. The weather in September is unpredictable. It can rain suddenly anywhere in Sri Lanka, so do not count on dry weather. A raincoat in your backpack will save you a lot of trouble.
- Cover Buddha tattoos before you visit a temple.
- Drink only filtered or bottled water.
- Always take a raincoat with you, even in the dry season.
