Heavy rainfall during the inter-monsoon season has increased the risk of flooding and landslides across Sri Lanka. Disruption to transport and other services is possible. Check with your travel provider and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nSri Lanka Tourism’s 24-hour hotline is available on 1912.
\nEscalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.
\n\nYour travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:
\n\ncheck travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
\ncheck for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator
\nreview your travel insurance policy for coverage
\nmonitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts
\nSome flights from Colombo to the UK via Middle Eastern hubs may be delayed, postponed, or re-routed. British nationals in Sri Lanka should check the latest updates from their airlines and consider alternative carriers or routes where necessary.
\n\nFor further information, review Media Notice from the Department of Immigration & Emigration.
\n\nThe Government of Sri Lanka is limiting purchases of fuel in response to the situation in the Middle East. All vehicles will be allocated a weekly fuel quota. The Government has announced that special arrangements will be implemented for tour operators and hotels to minimise disruption to tourism.
\n\nAdditional assistance available: Sri Lankan Tourist Hotline: 1912
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance"},{"body":"This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Sri Lanka set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Sri Lankan High Commission in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Sri Lanka, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nTo enter Sri Lanka, you need to apply for an ‘Electronic Travel Authorization’ (ETA) which is a form of visa.
\n\nApply for a Sri Lanka ‘Electronic Travel Authorization’ (ETA) online. You should do this before travelling. ETAs are issued free of charge and will be valid for 30 days.
\n\nIf you plan to stay longer, you can apply for an extension online through Sri Lankas official Immigration portal. You do not need a visa if you are transiting through Sri Lanka by air, if the connecting flight is within 24 hours of your arrival. Check with your airlines about transit times.
\n\nFor more information on Sri Lankan visas, please visit Department of Immigration and Emigration.
\n\nIf you overstay the period of your ETA (30 days), you risk being subject to immigration procedures that may include temporary detention, a fine, deportation at your own expense, a travel ban or refusal of entry to Sri Lanka in the future.
\n\nTo enter Sri Lanka, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Sri Lanka guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Sri Lanka. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nMost major banks allow Visa and Mastercard cash withdrawals. There are ATMs in major towns and cities, but not all accept international cards.
\n\nYou cannot transfer money without an exchange control permit issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Sri Lanka.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nUK 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.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Sri Lanka cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals and tourists such as:
\n\nAvoid crowded public places. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nThe conflict in Israel and the Palestine has led to heightened tensions around the world. Terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida and Daesh, have called on their supporters to carry out terrorist attacks in response to the conflict. The conflict could also motivate individuals to carry out attacks.
\n\nTerrorist attacks could target Jewish or Muslim communities, or the interests of Israel and its allies. Attacks could also be indiscriminate and occur without warning.
\n\nOn 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.
\n\nProtests and demonstrations can happen anywhere across the island at short notice, and can become violent. Security authorities may use water cannons and tear gas to control protesters.
\n\nLarge-scale protests in 2022 resulted in violence and loss of life. Movement around the island was difficult due to restrictions such as curfews and roadblocks.
\n\nAvoid demonstrations, political protests or large gatherings. Monitor local media and sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
\n\nThere’s been an increase in incidents of low-level opportunistic crime. Store your belongings as safely as possible to avoid thefts from hotels and guesthouses. Minimise the number of personal items you carry with you.
\n\nOn 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.
\n\nViolent crimes against foreigners are rare. Gun crime is not uncommon, but usually it is due to a dispute between different criminal groups.
\n\nBank card fraud is common.
\n\nFraudsters can steal your card details without you noticing. Use ATMs inside banks or hotels if possible, and check ATMs on the street for signs of tampering. Keep cards in sight when paying in shops and restaurants. Read more about how to avoid bank card fraud.
\n\nBe alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs including GHB.
\n\nDo not take drinks from strangers or leave your drinks unattended. Victims of spiked drinks have been robbed and sometimes assaulted. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control. If you drink, know your limit. Drinks served in Sri Lanka are often stronger than in the UK as bars and hotels rarely use measures.
\n\nWomen continue to report incidents of verbal and physical harassment by men, ranging from sexually suggestive or lewd comments to physical advances and sexual assaults.
\n\nIncidents can happen anywhere, but the majority of reported cases take place in crowded areas including:
\n\nTake care when travelling alone or in small groups and consider carrying a personal alarm.
\n\nYou must always carry your passport as an official form of identification. A copy is usually acceptable, but in some situations you may have to produce the original at a police station within a specified time limit.
\n\nPolice could fine you if you ignore notices prohibiting alcohol in certain public areas.
\n\nAlcohol is not usually available on religious holidays. Drinking in public on these days could be culturally insensitive. Check locally for dates of religious holidays when this applies.
\n\nPolice could fine you if you ignore ‘no smoking’ signs in certain public areas.
\n\nIllegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
\n\nAirports in Sri Lanka use technology to detect illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nThere are severe penalties for drug offences, terrorism and all other serious crimes. The authorities could hold you without charge indefinitely. If convicted, you may face a lengthy prison sentence.
\n\nIf you’re arrested under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act, the authorities could detain you without charge awaiting a trial date.
\n\nDo not fly drones near, use binoculars to look at, or take photographs of:
\n\nCheck how to register and operate drones with Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Authority.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is illegal, but we are not aware of any prosecutions.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nNude or topless sunbathing is not allowed.
\n\nIf you enter a Buddhist temple:
\n\nDisrespecting 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 be refused entry to Sri Lanka or face deportation. Do not pose for photographs standing in front of a statue of Buddha.
\n\nSome Sri Lankan animals can be dangerous. If in doubt, follow advice from authorised guides or your travel operator. Wild elephants and crocodiles will attack humans on occasion. Venomous insects and snakes are found in many parts of the country – though not common in populated areas.
\n\nFeral dogs are common and sometimes carry rabies.
\n\nMany beaches in Sri Lanka have dangerous surf or rip tides at certain times of the year. Get advice from your hotel or tour operator before going in the sea.
\n\nSee water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Sri Lanka, see information on driving abroad. Tourists can hire cars, tuk tuks and motorbikes to drive. If you hire a vehicle, check that the company you rent the vehicle from is registered with the Sri Lanka Tourist Board and has a ‘Safe & Secure’ certificate. You should also:
\n\nYou need a 1949 international driving permit (IDP) and a Sri Lankan ‘recognition permit’ to drive a hire vehicle.
\n\nYou cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. Take your UK driving licence and your IDP along with 2 passport photos to:
\n\n\nAutomobile Association of Ceylon
40 Sir Mohomad Macan Markar Mawatha
Colombo 00300\n
They will verify your documents and issue a recognition permit. Your hire car company will usually help with this.
\n\nSome roads, particularly in more remote areas, may be in poor condition. Driving is erratic and there are frequent road accidents, particularly at night. Stay alert for pedestrians and animals on busy roads. Riding a motorbike can be especially dangerous.
\n\nIf 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 a local police station.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nPublic buses are often driven fast, rarely give way and are often poorly maintained leading to serious bus accidents in recent years. Tourist buses are usually driven more professionally and safely, but standards can vary.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nThere are occasional reports of harassment, particularly of women travellers at night. Change to a different tuk-tuk or taxi if you have any concerns about the driver or their standard of driving.
\n\nWhen travelling by train, make sure you stay within the train carriage while the train is moving. There have been fatal accidents 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.
\n\nYou need prior permission to enter Sri Lankan waters and the security zones in coastal areas.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nSee more advice on staying safe when travelling abroad by sea.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nMonsoon 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.
\n\nMonitor Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre and the Sri Lankan Department of Meteorology for updates and follow local advice.
\n\nThere is a risk of tropical cyclones. Monitor Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre and the World Meteorological Organization for updates.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"There is a visible military presence across the north. Follow local advice and instructions from the security forces and take seriously warning signs about landmines.
\n\nOperations to clear mines continue, particularly in the heavily mined area towards Elephant Pass. However, apart from High Security Zones, there is free movement.
\n\nThere is a visible military presence. There was severe war damage to property throughout the northern region, so accommodation options and infrastructure are limited. Follow any local advice about signs warning of mined areas.
\n\nDe-mining and clearance operations are ongoing in parts of east Sri Lanka. There are several areas, primarily former military and police locations, that continue to be marked as minefields. Follow the instructions of the local security forces and look out for signs warning of landmines. Do not leave the roads or cleared footpaths and, if in any doubt, contact the local security authorities for advice.
\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 1990 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nAlternatively, contact the Accident Service at Colombo General Hospital on 011 269 1111.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Sri Lanka, including:
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Sri Lanka. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nEmergency medical treatment outside main cities is not readily available and you may have to be brought to Colombo for treatment. Treatment in private hospitals can be expensive and the options for repatriation to the UK or neighbouring countries in an emergency are limited and very expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Sri Lanka where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 011 2691111 or 1990
\n\nFire and Rescue: 111
\n\nPolice: 118/119
\n\nEmergency Police Mobile Squad: 011 5717171
\n\nTourist Police: 011 2421052
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Sri Lanka on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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