Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Sri Lanka. Certain categories of travellers should review their security plan prior to departure.

 

Crime

 

Credit card fraud is the most common type of crime affecting visitors. Use cash wherever possible and only use ATMs attached to banks or major hotels. Don’t lose sight of your credit card if you use it. Some travellers experience problems using their cards on arrival in Sri Lanka when their banks’ automated fraud protection system blocks transactions. It may be possible to avoid this by informing your bank in advance of your intended travel arrangements. There are plenty of money-changers in tourist areas if you want to change cash.

 

Violent crimes against foreigners are infrequent, although there have been an increasing number of reports of sexual offences including on minors. When travelling around Sri Lanka, you should make arrangements through reputable travel companies and take care.

 

Western women continue to report incidents of verbal and physical harassment by groups of men. Such harassment- ranging from sexually suggestive or lewd comments to physical advances and sexual assaults - can occur any time or anywhere, but most frequently has taken place in crowded areas such as market places, railway stations, buses, public streets and sporting events. There has been an increase in sexual attacks against females in tourist areas. Women should take particular care when travelling alone or in small groups, and carry a personal alarm.

 

There have been reports of drinks being spiked with drugs in bars and restaurants in southern beach resorts. Be careful about taking drinks from strangers at bars and restaurants, and don’t leave drinks unattended.

 

There have been reports of thefts from hotels and guesthouses. You should take precautions to safeguard your valuables, especially passports and money.

 

Organised and armed gangs are known to operate in Sri Lanka and have been responsible for targeted kidnappings and violence. While there is no evidence to suggest that British nationals are at particular risk, gangs have been known to operate in tourist areas. A British national was killed during a violent attack by a gang in a tourist resort in December 2011.

 

Disputes between market traders and street hawkers can sometimes become violent. In 2010, an explosive device injured a number of people following a dispute in Pettah, Colombo.

 

The Sri Lankan justice system can be slower than in the UK.

 

Local travel - North

 

Foreign passport holders planning to travel to the north no longer need approval from the Ministry of Defence.

 

Military activities are ongoing. You should obey orders from the security forces and signs warning of the danger from land-mines.

 

Foreign media crews will still need prior permission to travel to the Northern Province. Travellers to the north may also encounter further restrictions, including around military establishments and areas where demining operations continue. For more information about the accessibility of a particular area, contact the Sri Lankan Military Liaison Officer on +94 11 2436 019.

 

Local travel - Jaffna Peninsula

 

There is free movement everywhere outside High Security Zones with fewer checkpoints around the Peninsula. Operations to clear mines continue, particularly in the heavily mined area towards Elephant Pass.

 

Local travel - Kilinochchi, Mullaittivu, Mannar and Vavuniya

 

There is a continued heavy military presence. It’s generally possible to move around freely, although some checkpoints remain (notably Omanthai). There was severe war damage to property throughout the northern region so accommodation options and infrastructure are limited. Some areas were heavily mined and operations to clear minefields continue. There are signs warning of mined areas but you should take care.

 

Local travel - East

 

Demining and weapons and ordnance clearance operations may still be ongoing in parts of the East. There are several areas, primarily former military and police locations that continue to be marked as minefields. Always obey orders from the security forces and look out for signs warning of landmines. Don’t leave the roads or cleared footpaths and, if in any doubt, contact the local security authorities for advice.

 

Local travel - South

 

Only ‘Block One’ of Yala National Park (also known as Ruhuna National Park) is accessible to the public. If you plan to visit the park, use a reputable tour company.

 

Swimming

 

Many beaches in Sri Lanka have dangerous surf or rip tides at certain times of the year. Always take local advice before entering the sea. A number of foreign nationals drown every year.

 

Road travel

 

You will need an International Driving Permit and a Sri Lankan recognition permit to drive in Sri Lanka. You can obtain a recognition permit at the AA in Colombo. A British driving licence on its own will not suffice. Always wear a seatbelt and make sure you’re insured.

 

Many roads, particularly outside the major towns are in a serious state of disrepair. Driving is erratic and there are frequent road accidents, particularly at night. Pedestrians and animals often appear in the road without warning. Vehicles don’t stop at pedestrian crossings. Riding a motorbike is 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.

 

Security checkpoints and roadblocks still occur in parts of the country. Take care when passing through them, and always obey the instructions of the police or army on duty. There have been cases where security forces have opened fire on vehicles that don’t stop when asked. Roads around Government and military sites in Colombo are regularly closed for security reasons (e.g. VIP convoys).

 

Buses are notorious for driving fast and rarely giving way. They are often poorly maintained. A number of serious bus accidents have occurred in recent years.

 

Taxis are inexpensive. 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. Most travellers report no difficulties, although there have been reports of harassment, particularly of lone female travellers at night. Change to a different rickshaw if you have any concerns about the driver or standard of driving.

 

Sea travel

 

Entry into Sri Lankan waters, at any point, requires prior permission.

 

You should avoid the coastline and adjacent territorial sea of the Trincomalee, Mullaittivu, Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mannar administrative districts in the north and east, which have been declared restricted zones by the Sri Lankan authorities.

 

Although no acts of piracy have been reported in the Sri Lankan Economic Exclusive Zone, piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, especially for shipping which does not take appropriate precautions or follow agreed shipping industry best practice guidelines.

 

See our Piracy in the Indian Ocean page.

 

Political situation

 

Presidential elections were held on 8 January 2015.

 

Political rallies and electoral periods in Sri Lanka have occasionally turned violent. Several meetings organised by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have also been disrupted in a violent manner recently. You should avoid any political gathering or rally and be wary of spontaneous large gatherings. Carry a form of official photographic identification with you at all times. You should follow local news closely in case a curfew or other restrictions are announced.

 

Since the end of the military conflict in May 2009, there has been an increase in nationalism including at times anti-western rhetoric. In the past, there have been 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.

 

Avoid military bases and buildings, which were the most frequent target of attacks and which now maintain high security in many districts in the north and east.

 

Local Laws and Customs

 

There are severe penalties for all drug offences and crimes related to the abuse of children. In some circumstances you can be held without charge indefinitely. Convicted offenders may face a lengthy jail sentence.

 

You must carry a form of official photographic identification with you at all times otherwise you may be detained. If you are detained, you should ask the authorities to contact your embassy.

 

Same-sex relations are illegal but we are not aware of any prosecutions.

 

Nude or topless sunbathing is generally not allowed.

 

Although Sri Lankan attitudes to informal styles of dress are generally relaxed, women travelling alone may feel uncomfortable if not dressed modestly. Cover your legs and shoulders, and take off shoes and hats if you are entering a Buddhist temple.

 

The mistreatment of Buddhist images and artefacts is a serious offence and tourists have been convicted for this. British nationals have been refused entry to Sri Lanka or faced deportation for having visible tattoos of Buddha. Don’t pose for photographs standing in front of a statue of Buddha.

 

Don’t take photographs of military bases, government buildings or vehicles used by VIPs (this includes numerous sites in central Colombo).

 

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

 

Alcohol and meat are not usually available on religious holidays. 

 

Money

 

Travellers’ cheques aren’t normally accepted. Most major banks will allow Visa and Mastercard cash withdrawals. There are ATMs in major towns and cities but not all of them accept international cards.

 

It’s relatively easy to send funds to Sri Lanka. However, money can’t be transferred out of the country without an exchange control permit issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka

 

Health

Emergency medical treatment 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 EU, particularly outside Colombo. Treatment in private hospitals can be expensive and the options for repatriation to your home country 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.

 

In 2013 there were 31,825 reported cases of suspected dengue fever, a common viral infection spread by mosquitoes. Further information can be found here.

 

Visas on arrival have been suspended for all travellers arriving from Ebola affected countries: Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 011 2691111 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment 

 

Tropical cyclones

 

Extreme weather episodes like tropical cyclones can occur. You can find updated weather warnings on the websites of the Sri Lanka Disaster Management Centre and the World Meteorological Organisation.

 

Monsoon rains

 

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

 

See Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre’s website for the latest updates on flooding and seek local advice about travelling conditions during the monsoons

 

Visas

 

You will need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. You can get a short stay visa online at: Electronic Travel Authority (ETA ). Although it is still possible to get a tourist visa on arrival, it is recommended that you do this before you travel. If you arrive in Sri Lanka without a visa, you could face delays. For the most up-to-date advice on visas check with the Sri Lankan High Commission in your home country.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry to Sri Lanka.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Sri Lanka.

 

Yellow fever

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers who are arriving from, or have transited through, countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.