Sri Lanka travel advice

Travel Summary

• We advise against all travel to the north of Sri Lanka. This includes all areas north of the A12 road connecting Puttalam in the west with Trincomalee in the east. It does not include Anuradhapura or the spit of land to Kalpitiya west of Puttalam.
  
  
• We advise against all but essential travel to most parts of eastern Sri Lanka, including the districts of Batticaloa (all areas), Trincomalee (rural areas), and Ampara (north and eastern areas). We do not advise against travel to the following areas in the east: Trincomalee Town, including the A6 road corridor to Trincomalee; Block One of Yala National Park; areas of Ampara District south of the A4 road including Arugam Bay; areas of Ampara District, west of the A25 and A27 roads.
  
  
• The conflict between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE, or “Tamil Tigers”) ended in May 2009. All territory in Sri Lanka is now under Government control. However, politically-motivated violence, abductions and criminality persist throughout the country, particularly in the north and east. The Government maintains its State of Emergency, under which it has extensive anti-terrorism powers. Heightened security measures including checkpoints are expected to remain throughout the country. Always carry formal photographic identification with you. Detentions do occur, particularly of people of Tamil ethnicity. If you are detained, you should ask the authorities to contact the British High Commission.
  
  
• The end of the military conflict has seen an upsurge of nationalism in Sri Lanka. As a result, anti-Western (particularly anti-British) rhetoric has increased, including from senior Government figures. This has led to violent protests against the British High Commission and other diplomatic premises. Although no protests have so far been directed at the British community more generally, you should be vigilant and avoid demonstrations.
  
  
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html as further details. You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu . Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk .
  
  
• The Government of Sri Lanka has introduced surveillance measures at Katunayake (Bandaranayake) International Airport. On arrival in Sri Lanka travellers from affected countries (including the UK) should be prepared to be asked questions or be checked for symptoms by medical staff. Travellers suspected of having A (H1N1) will be admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) in Angoda for compulsory quarantine, testing and treatment. Travellers should be aware that transfer from the IDH to a more modern and better equipped private facility will not be permitted for those with suspected or confirmed H1N1. Travellers should consult their healthcare provider before travelling to Sri Lanka.
  
  
• There is a high threat from terrorism in Sri Lanka. Although foreign tourists and visitors have not been targeted in the past, attacks have occurred in places frequented by foreigners. Attacks have continued in 2009 and have affected a variety of targets including government and military sites and public gatherings. Although the LTTE has suffered a military defeat further terrorist attacks may occur. See the Terrorism section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• The majority of visits are incident free, although there are an increasing number of incidents of credit card fraud, road accidents and drownings. You should wear a seatbelt when travelling by road and use credit or debit cards only in reputable establishments (e.g. major hotels). Take local advice before bathing in the sea. A number of tropical diseases are also prevalent, including dengue fever, Chikungunya and rat fever (Leptospirosis). Cases of dengue fever in particular have risen sharply in recent months.
  
  
• About 94,000 British nationals visit Sri Lanka each year (source: Sri Lanka tourism board). The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in 2008 were: replacing lost or stolen passports; deaths, mostly from natural causes; and arrests or detentions.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) page of this advice and the Travel Insurance page of the FCO website for more details. We also recommend that British nationals resident and/or working in Sri Lanka, or visiting for over one month, should register with the British High Commission in Colombo.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism in Sri Lanka. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. For more general information see the Terrorism Abroad page of the FCO website.

The conflict between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE, commonly known as the “Tamil Tigers”) ended in May 2009. The LTTE has traditionally combined guerrilla warfare with terrorist attacks on government and civilian targets. Although the military conflict has ended the LTTE is likely to retain some capability to mount terrorist attacks.

Although the conflict is over, the Government has extended the State of Emergency, under which it has extensive anti-terrorism powers. Heightened levels of security (e.g. checkpoints, road blocks) are therefore likely to be maintained for the foreseeable future. You should exercise a high level of vigilance. The risk for the most part is one of being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. In order to minimise this, you should avoid military, government and paramilitary locations. Always carry formal photographic identification with you. Stop and show your ID when asked to do so. If you are detained, you should ask the authorities to contact the British High Commission.

Fatal attacks have occurred throughout the country, including Colombo and other areas frequented by foreigners. Since the beginning of 2009 at least 50 civilians have been killed in terrorist attacks across Sri Lanka. Most attacks have been directed against Government and military targets though a number have been focussed on civilian targets such as crowded public places, public transport and market areas. Some of the most significant recent attacks include:

• On 10 March 2009 a suicide bomb attack at a political gathering in Akuressa, near Matara, resulted in 14 deaths and a number of injuries.
  
• On 21 February 2009 21 civilians were shot dead in a village in rural Ampara district.
  
• On 20 February 2009 an LTTE air raid on military targets in Colombo resulted in four deaths and injured a further 12.
  
• On 9 February 2009 a suicide bomb attack in an IDP centre in Mullaithivu district killed eight civilians and 20 soldiers.
  
• On 2 January 2009 a suicide bomb attack near the headquarters of the Sri Lankan Air Force in Colombo resulted in three deaths and injured a further six.
  
  

Crime

Credit card fraud is the most common type of crime affecting visitors. It is advisable to use cash wherever possible and to use ATMs attached to banks or major hotels. Do not let your credit card leave your sight when you use it. Some travellers experience problems using their credit / debit cards on arrival in Sri Lanka when their banks’ automated fraud protection system blocks transactions. It may be useful to inform your bank in advance of your intended travel arrangements. If your card is blocked, you will need to contact your bank to re-activate it. There are plenty of money changers in tourist areas if you want to change cash.

Violent crimes against foreigners are relatively infrequent, although there have been reports of sexual offences and muggings. When travelling around Sri Lanka, you should make arrangements through reputable travel companies (such as those identified in your guidebook or local listings information) and exercise appropriate caution. Women should take particular care when travelling alone and carry personal alarms. For more general inforamtion see Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad.

There has been an increase in the number of reported thefts from hotels and guesthouses. You should take sensible precautions to safeguard your valuables, especially passports and money.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

As stated in the Summary, the conflict between the Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) ended in May 2009.

Travellers should note that the end of the military conflict has seen an upsurge of nationalism in Sri Lanka. As a result, anti-Western (particularly anti-British) rhetoric has increased, including from senior Government figures. This has led to violent protests against the British High Commission and other diplomatic premises. Although no protests have so far been directed at the British community more generally, you should be vigilant and avoid demonstrations.

There have been a number of “hartals” (widely enforced general strikes) and curfews, particularly in the north and east. You should avoid political gatherings or demonstrations. You should follow local news and maintain a high state of vigilance during such events

Foreign nationals have been detained by the police after taking photographs of buildings or vehicles used by VIPs. These include numerous sites in central Colombo. Use of video and/or photography is prohibited near military bases and government buildings.

Local Travel

We advise against all travel to the north of Sri Lanka. The Government has recently concluded an intense military campaign against the LTTE in the north. Parts of this area are heavily land-mined and it is possible that pockets of LTTE cadres remain. Violence could break out in these areas with little or no warning. The High Commission is very limited in the assistance it can offer visitors to this area. For the purposes of this travel advice we consider the north to be all areas north of the A12 road (which runs from Puttalam in the west to Trincomalee in the east). This includes the Jaffna peninsula, but does not include Anuradhapura or the spit of land to Kalpitiya west of Puttalam.

We advise against all but essential travel to the eastern Sri Lankan districts of Batticaloa, Trincomalee, and Ampara. The security situation across the east is volatile. Violent incidents and paramilitary activity are frequently reported, especially at night. This includes incidents of shootings, abduction, and civil unrest. Foreigners have not previously been targeted, but there is a risk that British nationals could become involved in an incident through being in the wrong place at the wrong time. British Nationals of Sri Lankan origin or descent should exercise particular caution.

Travellers should note that we do not advise against travel to the following areas in the east: Trincomalee Town, including the A6 road corridor to Trincomalee; areas of Ampara District south of the A4 road, including Arugam Bay; areas of Ampara District, west of the A25 and A27 roads.

We do not advise against travel to the Yala National Park, but you should ensure that any visit is on an officially approved tour that visits only “Block one” of the park, (in practice, most organised tours only visit this area). A number of security incidents have occurred since 2007 in “Block two” to “Block five” of the Yala National Park (the outlying areas of the park) and these areas remain closed to visitors. You should not attempt to visit Blocks Two - Five.

Many rural areas in the north and east are heavily land-mined. Always obey signs warning about the danger from land-mines and do not step off main roads.

Road Travel

You need an international driving licence and a Sri Lankan recognition permit to drive in Sri Lanka. You can obtain a recognition permit at the AA in Colombo. A British licence or an international licence alone will not suffice. Erratic driving is common and as a result, road accidents are frequent. Pedestrians, animals, and a range of moving objects often appear in the road without warning. Vehicles do not stop at pedestrian crossings. Always wear a seatbelt. Be particularly careful when overtaking and when overtaking vehicles are coming towards you. If you drive, make sure you are comprehensively insured. Driving at night outside Colombo and driving by motorbike are particularly hazardous. 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.

Security checkpoints and roadblocks are common throughout Sri Lanka. Pay attention when passing through them, and always obey the instructions of the police/army on duty. In particular, stop if asked to do so. There have been cases where security forces have opened fire on vehicles that do not stop when asked. Roads around Government and military sites in Colombo are regularly closed for security reasons (e.g. for VIP convoys), so you should allow extra time for your journey if passing through these areas

Buses are notorious for driving fast and rarely giving way. They are often poorly maintained. A number of serious bus accidents have been reported over recent months. See also the Terrorism section of this advice for information on fatal terrorist attacks on public transport.

Taxis and hire cars are inexpensive in Colombo and tourist areas. Motorised rickshaws (tuk-tuks) are readily available for hire in towns and villages. Agree a price before you travel. Most drivers are reliable, although there have been reports of harassment, particularly of lone female travellers at night. You should exercise caution and change to a different rickshaw if you have any concerns about the driver or standard of driving.

For further information see Driving Abroad .

Rail Travel

There have been a number of terrorist attacks against trains over recent years. There have also been a number of derailments affecting both tourist and commuter trains.
See also the Terrorism section of this advice for information on fatal terrorist attacks on public transport.

Sea Travel

Few tourists arrive in Sri Lanka by sea. Entry into Sri Lankan waters, at any point, requires prior permission.

There have been attacks against ships in and around Sri Lankan waters. Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautions. The coastline and adjacent territorial sea of the Trincomalee, Mullaittivu, Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mannar administrative districts in the north and east have been declared restricted zones by the Sri Lankan authorities and should be avoided. The Sri Lankan navy has fired on unauthorised ships in these areas.

For more general information see River and Sea Safety.

Local laws and customs

You are subject to local laws in Sri Lanka and violating them may result in a jail sentence.

There are severe penalties for all drug offences and crimes related to the abuse of children. In some circumstances detainees can be held without charge, indefinitely and convicted offenders may face lengthy jail sentences.

Same sex relations are illegal.

Nude or topless sunbathing is generally not allowed.

Although Sri Lankan attitudes to informal European styles of dress are generally relaxed. Women travelling alone, especially after dark, may be made to feel uncomfortable if not dressed modestly. You should consider religious and other sensibilities. Do not enter a Buddhist temple wearing headgear or with bare legs or shoulders and always remove footwear. You should avoid posing for photographs standing in front of a statue of Buddha.

You can be fined if you ignore instructions not to smoke or drink in certain public areas.

Security checkpoints are common. You must carry a form of official photographic identification on you at all times.

Alcohol and meat are not usually for sale on religious holidays.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You

Entry requirements

Visas

Visas are required for trips to Sri Lanka. British Nationals receive a 30 day visit visa, free of charge, on arrival. All other visas, including for those undertaking voluntary activity and paid or unpaid work, should be obtained at a Sri Lankan High Commission or Embassy before you travel. You should contact your nearest Sri Lankan diplomatic representation for full details.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your intended stay.

Health

Emergency medical treatment in Sri Lanka is not easily available outside main cities, and you may have to be brought to Colombo for treatment. Medical facilities are not always of a standard expected in the UK, particularly outside Colombo. 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.

Various mosquito borne diseases, such as Dengue fever, Chikungunya and Malaria are common to Sri Lanka. The number of cases of dengue fever in particular have risen sharply so far this year. You are also advised to avoid stray animals, as rabies is also prevalent. There was a confirmed outbreak of Leptospirosis (rat fever) in 2008.

In the 2006 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 5,000 adults aged 15 or over in Sri Lanka were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at less than 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

A (H1N1) - Swine Flu

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at: www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html as further details. You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/swine-flu. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at http://www.dh.gov.uk.

The Government of Sri Lanka has introduced surveillance measures at Katunayake (Bandaranayake) International Airport. On arrival in Sri Lanka travellers from affected countries (including the UK) should be prepared to be asked questions or be checked for symptoms by medical staff. Travellers suspected of having A (H1N1) will be admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH) in Angoda for compulsory quarantine, testing and treatment. Travellers should be aware that transfer from the IDH to a more modern and better equipped private facility will not be permitted for those with suspected or confirmed H1N1. Travellers should consult their healthcare provider before travelling to Sri Lanka.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

There have been no reported cases of Avian Influenza (also known as Bird Flu) in Sri Lanka during the current series of outbreaks. But the World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed cases elsewhere in the region. You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Sri Lanka and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

Natural disasters

Monsoon rains have caused brief but swift flooding in many places in Sri Lanka, including in October 2008. These floods have caused widespread displacement of people, injuries and occasionally deaths. You should seek advice about travelling conditions during the monsoons.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See Travel Insurance for more details.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is How We Can Help.

Consular Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

ID

You must be able to show some form of official identification if requested by the security or police authorities.

Sea bathing

There are dangerous undercurrents and strong riptides in many coastal areas of Sri Lanka. A number of cases of drowning of foreign nationals have occurred in recent months. You should follow local advice, e.g. from your hotel, before bathing in the sea.

Money

You cannot change Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes in Sri Lanka. Most major banks will change US dollar travellers’ cheques as well as allow Visa and Mastercard cash withdrawals. There are (ATMs) in major cities but some do not accept international cards. (See also information above about credit card fraud.)