Travel Advisory
SRI LANKA
Flights to Sri Lanka
Currently, there are four major airlines operating from Malaysia to Sri Lanka, namely, Malaysia Airlines, Sri Lanka Airlines, Air Asia and FitsAir.
Visa Requirement
Malaysian citizens need a visa to visit Sri Lanka. Visa exemption or visa-free access does not apply to Malaysia. A visa allows a stay of up to 30 days. You can get a short stay visa online at Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/diplo.jsp?locale=en_US Tourist visas are normally issued for a maximum period of 30 days. Although it's still possible to get a tourist visa on arrival, it's better to get one before you travel and your passports must be valid for at least 6 months on the date of entry. To obtain a Residence Visa, it is necessary to arrive in Sri Lanka on an Entry Visa issued by a Sri Lankan Mission abroad with the concurrence of the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration. The fact that you wish to apply for Sri Lankan Residence Visa has to be mentioned when obtaining the entry visa and necessary supporting documents has to be submitted. Visit Visas can't be considered for conversion into Residence.
Immigration Requirements
Malaysians entering Sri Lanka are required to fill Immigration Arrival Card upon arrival.
Tourist, Social & Business Trips
Please find details of the visa requirement at the following link http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/center.jsp
Customs
Visitors may find that the system is quite simple, however it does not preclude anyone from being checked by the Custom authorities.
As normal procedures and security reason, firearms and other offensive materials or equipment are subject to strict regulations. Visitors are advised to check with Sri Lanka High Commission in Kuala Lumpur for further clarification.
Medical Treatment
Medical care, and its cost, is hugely variable in Sri Lanka. Colombo has some good clinics aimed at expats. Elsewhere in Sri Lanka, hotels and guesthouses can usually steer you to a local doctor for at least initial treatment. Before buying medication over the counter, always check the use-by date and ensure the packet is sealed. Colombo and larger towns all have good pharmacies; most medications can be purchased without a prescription. Visitors are advised to get International medical insurance for emergency treatment at the local Hospitals.
Safety and Security
Sri Lanka is generally a safe place for visitors. However some precautions should be taken such as:
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Upon arrival at the airport take care of your belongings and use only officially recognized porter services. Similarly, use only transport services recognized by the airport
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Do not hesitate to obtain information at the Tourist Information/Airport Information counters. Not to leave bags or personal belongings unattended.
Personal Documents & Belongings
Personal documents such as passport and other documents should be kept at the Hotel safe. Visitors may bring along photocopies of passport and Malaysian identity card if needed for emergency cases. It is also advisable to keep these copies separately from the original documents.
In the event of loss of personal documents & belongings, Malaysians are advised to make a police report at the nearest police station. This will facilitate any insurance claim and replacement of relevant documents.
A copy of the police report should be attached with the application of Emergency Certificate if in case of loss of travel documents. Malaysians are advised to be in contact with the High Commission of Malaysia in Colombo, Sri Lanka for further inquiries.
Accidents and Deaths
Accidents or deaths should be reported to the High Commission of Malaysia for further action.
Security Advice
Sri Lanka is generally low in crime rate. The local police are responsible for keeping the cities safer. By following their advice, visitors will avoid placing themselves in situations of higher risk.
MALDIVES
Visa Requirement
Tourist visa is granted for all nationalities on arrival to the Maldives. As such, Malaysian travelling to Maldives as a tourist does not require pre-approval for the visa. However, the person must satisfy the basic entry requirements to get immigration clearance upon arrival.
The basic entry requirements are as follows;
- A passport or a travel document with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) with at least 1 month validity. (Passengers with an extended validity in their passports are not allowed to enter.)
- A complete travel itinerary including return journey confirmed tickets, with a prepaid confirmed hotel booking at a registered hotel, or provide proof of financial means for sufficient funds to support the stay in Maldives, or hold a pre-approved visa sponsorship Maldives Immigration.
- Entry requirements to their onward destinations; for example, the visa and passport validity.
- Traveller Declaration must be filled in and submitted by all travelers travelling to and from Maldives, within 96 hours to the flight time. The form has to be submitted electronically via IMUGA - https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/