Travel advice for Sri Lanka

Australia advises a high degree of caution for Sri Lanka.

Exercise caution when travelling to Sri Lanka, avoid demonstrations and large crowds, and follow local authorities. Fuel supplies may fluctuate, medical care outside major cities is not always assured, and power cuts, curfews and social media blocks can occur. In the north and northeast, do not leave marked paths because of former civil war minefields. Women are advised against solo travel, including in tourist areas, to avoid sexual harassment.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Sri Lanka because demonstrations, terrorist attacks and crime are risks. Demonstrations are frequent in Colombo and can turn violent, while fuel for personal vehicles is limited. The north and east, including the Jaffna Peninsula, have a strong security presence, and marked or unmarked minefields may remain. Avoid demonstrations, forested areas and abandoned properties, and protect valuables from theft and fraud.

Be especially careful because demonstrations can arise suddenly and become violent, and terrorism, theft, sexual assault, fraud and hacking are risks. Do not trek alone in mountains, and beware of landmines in the north and northeast. Flood and landslide risks occur especially in the northeast from December to March and the southwest from May to October; cyclones and tsunamis occur. Traffic is chaotic, so avoid night driving outside major cities.

Exercise caution and monitor the situation because large-scale demonstrations continue across Sri Lanka. Attend to personal safety, avoid large gatherings and follow local announcements. Communal violence and curfews have affected districts north of Colombo, while protests have caused injuries and a nationwide state of emergency has been declared.

Postpone travel to Sri Lanka if possible and exercise increased caution because airspace restrictions may cause flight cancellations and make returning difficult. Monsoon rain may cause floods and landslides in central and southwestern areas, close roads and railways in the central highlands, and restrict vessels and water activities along southern and western coasts. Take precautions against dengue and terrorist attacks, avoid protests, and guard against bag snatching and card scams.

Use a high degree of caution in Sri Lanka because fuel shortages linked to Middle East and Gulf conflict, economic crisis, protests and regional disruption create risks. Cyclone Ditwah caused flooding, landslides and disruption around Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and the wider Hill Country, where landslides and flooding remain possible. The south coast is largely unaffected and operating normally. Ensure insurance and medication, follow local authorities, and avoid protests and crowds.

Exercise sufficient caution throughout Sri Lanka because sporadic protests may occur. Although large scale organised terrorism is considered unlikely, avoid facilities likely to be targeted and crowded places. Guard against theft, scams, overcharging, sexual offences and illegal drugs. Be especially alert to landmines in parts of the Northern, North Central and Eastern provinces, and to flooding and landslides caused by heavy monsoon rain and cyclones.

Exercise caution in Sri Lanka because fuel is limited and terrorism, theft, robbery, corrupt policing and fatal traffic crashes are risks. Solo female travellers should take extra care in the south. In the north and east, avoid military zones, stay on main roads and never pick up metal objects because of landmines. Observe strict drug, LGBTQ+ and photography laws, and take precautions for monsoon flooding, rip currents, demonstrations and weather hazards.

Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka because spontaneous protests may bring road closures, emergency rules, curfews and opportunistic crime. Avoid demonstrations and crowded public places because terrorist attacks are possible, remain alert on public transport outside Colombo, and protect valuables. Military checkpoints remain in the north, while dengue cases have increased, especially around Colombo. Be prepared for possible fuel and medicine shortages, reduced hospital services and power cuts.

Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka because of civil unrest, terrorism and landmines. Avoid all gatherings because protests can turn violent without warning, and police may use water cannons and tear gas. Terrorist attacks may occur with little warning, while emergency services may be limited in remote areas. Landmines remain dangerous in some northern and eastern areas, particularly the northern districts of Northern Province.

Exercise increased vigilance when travelling in Sri Lanka. Travellers should ensure they have sufficient funds for emergencies and travel insurance providing broad international healthcare coverage, including repatriation.

Exercise normal precautions when travelling to Sri Lanka. Estonia has no embassy there, so consult other countries' travel information and alerts. Be especially careful during religious holidays, follow local instructions and movement restrictions, and avoid crowded places where possible. Monsoon rain may cause flooding and landslides; driving requires a valid Estonian licence with an international permit, or a temporary Sri Lankan permit.

Germany advises normal precautions for Sri Lanka.

Use normal precautions: carry identification, follow local instructions and monitor local news. Although the terrorism situation is stable, terrorist activity remains a global risk, particularly at places of worship, tourist attractions and airports; avoid crowded public places, gatherings and demonstrations. Credit-card fraud is prevalent; keep cards in sight, beware of scams and check ATMs for skimming devices. Drug offences carry heavy penalties; strict laws govern Buddhist images and artefacts.

Exercise normal precautions when visiting Sri Lanka. Have a valid travel document with at least six months’ validity and obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization before travel. Overstaying can lead to detention, fines, deportation, a travel ban or future entry refusal. Check yellow fever certificate requirements, customs rules and local healthcare and insurance arrangements before travelling.