Foreign travel advice

Sri Lanka

Safety and security

Terrorism  

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. 

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad

Terrorism in Sri Lanka 

Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Sri Lanka. 

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners such as hotels, tourist sites and places of worship. Avoid crowded public places, large gatherings and demonstrations, and follow the advice of local authorities. 

On Easter Sunday in April 2019, more than 250 people, including 8 British nationals, were killed in terrorist attacks against 3 churches and 3 hotels in Sri Lanka: in Colombo, Negombo and in Batticaloa. 

Security was stepped up across the island. The Sri Lankan authorities made a number of arrests in relation to the attacks. 

Political and economic situation 

In 2022, large-scale protests resulted in violence, injuries and loss of life.

Protests, demonstrations, roadblocks and violent unrest can happen anywhere across the island at short notice, and security authorities may use tear gas and water cannons against protesters. The authorities may impose restrictions, including curfews, with little or no notice. 

Avoid demonstrations, political protests or large gatherings. Monitor local media and sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated

Sri Lanka’s economic situation may limit the availability of some products, including food and medicines. Hospitals and other medical services may also be affected. There may be occasional power cuts.

If you have a health condition, speak to your healthcare provider before travelling to Sri Lanka. Make sure you have adequate supplies of any medicines you need with you. 

Crime 

Protecting yourself and your belongings 

There’s been an increase in incidents of low-level opportunistic crime because of the current economic situation. Store your belongings as safely as possible to avoid thefts from hotels and guesthouses and minimise the number of personal items you carry with you.  

On the street, criminals may ride past on mopeds or motorbikes and try to snatch your bag. Take care of your passport and money by keeping them in a body-belt. Carry bags on the side of you that is furthest from the road and do not place bags in the front basket of bicycles. 

If your bag has a shoulder strap, do not wrap the strap around your arm or shoulder and do not try to hold on to your bag. People have been injured by being pulled to the ground by their bag straps. 

Violent crimes against foreigners are rare. Gun crime is not uncommon, but usually it is due to a dispute between different criminal groups. 

Using bank cards safely 

Credit card fraud is common. Do not let your card out of your sight during transactions. Only use ATMs attached to banks or major hotels.  

Drink spiking 

Visitors have reported spiked drinks in bars and restaurants in southern beach resorts after accepting drinks or food from strangers or leaving drinks unattended.

Sexual assault 

Women continue to report incidents of verbal and physical harassment by men, ranging from sexually suggestive or lewd comments to physical advances and sexual assaults. 

Incidents can happen anywhere, but the majority of reported cases take place in crowded areas including: 

  • markets 
  • bus and railway stations, or on buses 
  • sporting events 
  • tourist sites 

Take care when travelling alone or in small groups, and consider carrying a personal alarm. 

Laws and cultural differences  

Personal ID 

You must carry an official form of identification at all times. Your passport is an acceptable form of identification. If you do not have it with you and are stopped or detained by the authorities, ask them to contact the British High Commission. 

Alcohol laws and bans 

You could be fined if you ignore instructions not to drink in certain public areas. 

Alcohol is not usually available on religious holidays. Drinking in public on these days could be culturally insensitive. Check locally for dates of religious holidays of when this would apply. 

Smoking and e-cigarette bans 

You could be fined if you ignore signs not to smoke in certain public areas. 

Detention and prison sentences 

There are severe penalties for drug offences, terrorism and all other serious crimes. You could be held without charge indefinitely. If convicted, you may face a lengthy jail sentence. 

If you’re arrested under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act, you could be detained without charge awaiting a trial date.  

Using cameras, binoculars and drones in secure areas

Do not fly drones near, use binoculars to look at, or take photographs of: 

  • military bases 
  • government buildings 
  • vehicles used by VIPs  

Check how to register and operate drones with Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Authority

LGBT+ travellers 

Same-sex relations are illegal, but the FCDO is not aware of any prosecutions. 

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers

Laws on clothing 

Nude or topless sunbathing is not allowed. 

Sri Lankan attitudes to informal styles of dress are generally relaxed, but women travelling alone may feel uncomfortable if not dressed modestly. If you enter a Buddhist temple: 

  • cover your legs and shoulders 
  • take off shoes and hats 

Religion 

Disrespecting Buddhist images and artefacts, or making offensive remarks about religion, is a serious offence and can lead to arrest. If you have visible tattoos of Buddha, you can been refused entry to Sri Lanka or face deportation. Do not pose for photographs standing in front of a statue of Buddha. 

Wildlife 

Some Sri Lankan animals can be dangerous. If in doubt, follow advice from authorised guides or local authorities. Wild elephants and crocodiles will attack humans on occasion. Though not common in populated areas, venomous insects and snakes are found in many parts of the country. Feral dogs are common and sometimes carry rabies. 

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism  

Swimming safety 

Many beaches in Sri Lanka have dangerous surf or rip tides at certain times of the year. Seek advice from your hotel or tour operator before going in the sea. 

Transport risks  

Road travel  

You need a 1949 International Driving Permit and a Sri Lankan recognition permit to drive a hire car or motorcycle. 

You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. Find your nearest post office branch that offers this service.  

Before you start driving, take your UK driving licence and your IDP along with 2 passport photos to the office of the Automobile Association of Ceylon at 40 Sir Mohomad Macan Markar Mawatha, Colombo 00300, to verify your documents and get a recognition permit. Your hire car company may be able to help with this. 

Road safety 

Some roads, particularly in more remote areas, may be in poor condition. Driving is erratic and there are frequent road accidents, particularly at night. Pedestrians and animals often appear in the road without warning. Riding a motorbike can be particularly dangerous.

If you have a collision, stay at the site of the accident with your vehicle as long as it is safe to do so. If it is not safe or if you feel threatened, report to the local police station. 

There are still security checkpoints on main roads in parts of the country. Follow the instructions of the police or army officers on duty. Security forces have opened fire on vehicles that have not stopped when asked. Roads around government and military sites in Colombo are often closed for security reasons, such as access for VIP convoys. 

Buses 

Public buses are often driven fast and rarely give way. They are often poorly maintained. There have been serious bus accidents in recent years. Tourist buses are usually driven more professionally and safely, but standards can vary. 

Taxis 

You can book taxis using local and international taxi apps. There is less availability outside tourist areas. Motorised rickshaws (tuk-tuks) are available for hire in towns and villages. Agree a price before you set off or look for one with a working meter.

There are occasional reports of harassment, particularly of female travellers at night. Change to a different tuk-tuk or taxi if you have any concerns about the driver or their standard of driving. 

You may have difficulty getting a taxi or tuk-tuk if there are fuel shortages. There may be limited or no service during curfews. 

Rail travel 

When travelling by train, make sure you stay within the train carriage while the train is moving. There have been fatal accident when visitors have hung out of open doorways or windows of trains. Take care of your personal possessions at all times. There have been incidents of theft and pickpocketing. 

Sea travel 

You need prior permission to enter Sri Lankan waters and the security zones in coastal areas. 

The threat of piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean remains significant. The combined threat assessment of the international Naval Counter Piracy Forces is that all sailing yachts under their own passage should stay out of the designated High Risk Area or face the risk of being hijacked and held hostage for ransom.

See more advice on piracy and armed robbery at sea

Extreme weather and natural disasters 

Monsoon 

Monsoon rains can cause flooding in many places in Sri Lanka. Floods can cause widespread displacement of people, injuries and occasional deaths. Heavy rains and landslips can also lead to road closures and affect local transport links. 

Monitor Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre and the Sri Lankan Department of Meteorology for updates and follow local advice. 

Tropical cyclones 

There is a risk of tropical cyclones. Monitor Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre and the World Meteorological Organisation for updates.