Pre-Trip Checklist: Sigiriya

Essential Preparations

Follow this chronological timeline for a smooth planning process.

Planning Milestones

Systematic steps for a well-organized journey to Sigiriya and beyond.

Three Months Prior

Passport & Visas

Validate your passport and research Sri Lanka's ETA requirements.

Flights & Insurance

Book international flights and arrange comprehensive travel insurance.

Health Consult

Visit a travel doctor for necessary vaccinations and health advice.

One Month Prior

ETA Application

Apply for your Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization online.

Accommodations & Tours

Secure guesthouses and pre-book any specific tours or train tickets.

Transfers & Permits

Arrange airport transfers and obtain an International Driving Permit if driving.

One Week Prior

Confirmations

Reconfirm all your flight, hotel, and tour reservations.

Financial Prep

Notify your bank about travel plans to avoid card issues.

Digital Ready

Download offline maps and essential apps for seamless navigation.

Pre-Departure Home Essentials

Secure your home and arrange care for pets and mail.

Household Checklist

Inform family or close friends of your itinerary.
Arrange for mail collection or pet care if applicable.
Ensure your home is secure: lock windows and doors.
Adjust thermostats and turn off unnecessary electronics.

Digital & Physical Docs

Prepare digital and physical copies of all travel documents.

Document Safeguards

Make photocopies of your passport and visa.
Store digital copies in cloud storage or email.
Save important numbers and confirmations on your phone.
Keep physical copies separate from originals.

Stay Organized

Maintain a clear overview of your preparations, making your trip stress-free.

Important Papers

Passport & Visa Documents
Travel Insurance Policy
Flight Confirmations
Accommodation Vouchers

Digital Readiness

Offline Maps (Google Maps, Maps.me)
Currency Converter
Translation App (Offline Sinhala)
VPN Service (NordVPN)

Local Insights

Local Customs to Respect
Negotiation Tips for Markets
Social Norms and Etiquette
Basic Sinhala Phrases

Final Check

Always double-check all critical documents and bookings prior to departure for peace of mind.

Arrival Checklist

Your initial steps upon landing in Sri Lanka.

Initial Steps in Sri Lanka

1
Clear Immigration:
Proceed through immigration with your passport and ETA approval notice.
2
Currency Exchange/Withdrawal:
Exchange currency or withdraw Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) from an ATM at the airport.
3
Local SIM Card:
Purchase a local SIM card at the airport for immediate connectivity.

Ground Transport & Orientation

Arrange Transportation:
Take your pre-arranged transport or find a taxi/bus to your accommodation.
Check into Accommodation:
Settle into your hotel or guesthouse upon arrival.
Acquire Local Map/Orientation:
Get a physical map or ensure offline digital maps are working; orient yourself.

Immediate Needs

Get Connected

Activate your local SIM card for data and calls.

Connect to your accommodation's Wi-Fi for communication.

Financial Setup

Exchange sufficient local currency for immediate expenses.

Locate nearby ATMs for convenient cash withdrawals.

Orientation

Review your offline maps to understand your surroundings.

Familiarize yourself with local transport options from your stay.

Seamless Arrival

Confirm your transport arrangements from the airport to your accommodation for a stress-free start.

Departure Preparation

Ensure a smooth exit from Sri Lanka.

Departure Logistics

Purchase last-minute souvenirs from reputable dealers.
Inquire about shipping options for larger items.
Plan ample travel time to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Allow 3.5-4.5 hours for the drive from Sigiriya to CMB, plus buffer time.

Final Checks

Reconfirm your international flight details.
Keep your passport and boarding pass readily available.
Ensure you have enough local currency for final expenses or tips.
Pack liquids according to airport security rules.

Departure Checklist

A concise overview for a smooth exit.

Items

Last-minute souvenir purchase:Complete
Check customs regulations for your home country:Done
Reconfirm airport transfer:Confirmed
All important documents accessible:Ready

Traveler's Exit

Final souvenir purchases.
Reconfirm international flight details.
Keep passport and boarding pass ready.
Ensure sufficient local currency for final expenses.

Travel Safely

Allow ample travel time to the airport, considering potential traffic delays.

Verify your baggage allowances and carry-on restrictions for your flight.

Pre-Trip Checklist