Is Sri Lanka safe to travel? For the most part, Sri Lanka is a safe destination for international travelers. But there are some things to be aware of for your health and safety.

Staying Healthy in Sri Lanka

From being bit by a mosquito to drinking local tap water, there are plenty of ways you can inadvertently become sick while traveling in Sri Lanka . Here are some things to keep an eye out for to keep yourself healthy during your Sri Lanka visit.

Common Diseases Found in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has some serious diseases you should be aware of and take precautions against, including.

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  • Dengue fever
  • Typhoid
  • Chikungunya
  • Tuberculosis
  • Hepatitis A
  • Rabies

Required Sri Lanka Vaccinations for US Travelers

In addition to being up-to-date on your regular vaccinations, like flu, polio, shingles, and measles, the following are either required or recommended  by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for travel to Sri Lanka.

 

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  • COVID-19: Recommended
  • Hepatitis A: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one-year-old or older and infants ages 6-11 months
  • Hepatitis B: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers ages 60 or older
  • Yellow fever: Required if coming from known yellow fever-infected country or region
  • Japanese encephalitis: Recommended if coming from infected area
  • Measles: Recommended for infants six to 11 months old
  • Rabies: Recommended
  • Typhoid: Recommended

You should get any recommended or required vaccinations at least a month before your trip.

Medical Assistance

Sri Lanka is globally renowned for its free and universal health-care system, providing free health-care to all citizens. Along with Western medicine, it also has an Indigenous medical system and promotes Eastern medical practices too. However, the unstable government and economic crisis has impacted the health-care system in recent years with supply shortages.

If you need to seek medical attention during your time in Sri Lanka, you’ll have several options. You’ll find plenty of health-care options, medical services, and medical facilities in major cities and urban areas, but both the availability and quality of care in rural areas may be lacking. Many doctors at major hospitals also speak English due to training in other countries or at western universities, but you’ll have better odds of getting an English-speaking doctor at higher-tier medical facilities.

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  • Private hospitals: Private hospitals in Sri Lanka provide top-tier medical care and often have the best facilities and equipment. You’re also more likely to have an English-speaking doctor. The cost of care here will likely be higher but with shorter wait times and better-quality care.
  • Public hospitals: Sri Lanka’s public hospitals are owned by the Sri Lankan government and operated throughout the country. Due to Sri Lanka’s universal health-care system, the quality of care you’ll get at these hospitals is still quite good. However, you may have to deal with longer waits. Technically, public hospitals are only free for local Sri Lankans so you may have to pay some small but affordable fees.

If you’re having a medical emergency, call 110. This is the Sri Lankan emergency number and connects you to emergency resources like ambulances, police, and fire trucks.

Travel Insurance

It’s always recommended to purchase travel insurance before major trips, especially as you can get great coverage for affordable rates. Not only can travel insurance protect you from delays, cancellations, and if you get robbed, but it can also protect you from unexpected medical expenses if you need medical treatment while overseas.

Companies like battleface, Allianz, World Nomads, and HTH Worldwide all offer customizable travel insurance plans designed for your needs. Due to Sri Lanka’s current economic crisis, which is impacting food and fuel supplies, it’s highly recommended that you get comprehensive coverage for your trip.

Water and Swimming

It’s best to avoid drinking tap water in Sri Lanka as microorganisms can cause upset stomachs and lead to diarrhea. Still, it’s important to stay hydrated due to Sri Lanka’s extreme heat, so stick to drinking and using bottled water or water that has been boiled and treated, and avoid ice in drinks. You can use boiled water for things like brushing your teeth and cooking. Eating contaminated food that’s been washed in unsafe tap water can also cause issues, so choose foods that can be cooked, peeled, or boiled.

As an island nation surrounded by ocean, swimming is an integral part of Sri Lankan heritage and very popular, especially during the hot summers. In general, most beaches are safe for swimming. However, during the monsoon seasons (May to September in the southwestern parts of the country; October to December or January in the northern and eastern provinces), some beaches may be off-limits due to bad or unsafe weather.

Mosquitoes

Dengue fever is a serious issue in Sri Lanka, especially along the western coast and in Colombo, and monsoon season can exacerbate the problem due to the extra standing water.

Crucially, the mosquitos that can transmit dengue fever typically come out during the day, so you’ll need to take precautions when you’re out and about. That includes avoiding stagnant water, using mosquito or bug repellent, and wearing long sleeves and pants. At night, it’s safest to sleep under a bug net.

Mosquitos in Sri Lanka can also transmit chikungunya. Luckily, malaria was mostly eradicated from the island in 2016. But you should still take precautions against getting bit at night.

Air Quality

Sri Lanka mostly has good air quality, with some issues with vehicular emissions in major cities like Colombo.

Before going out exploring each day, use AQI to see what the air quality in your area is like for that day.

Staying Safe in Sri Lanka

Here’s what you as a traveler should know about staying safe in Sri Lanka.

Crime in Sri Lanka

Crime is an issue in Sri Lanka, ranging from petty theft and pickpocketing to violent crime and assault. The biggest issue for foreign travelers is petty crime, like pickpocketing, which can happen in major cities, such as Colombo, and at top tourist attractions. Be wary of pickpockets in large crowds or at major tourist sites. You should also be alert to common scams, like being sold fake gemstones or overcharged on auto rickshaws.

While violent crime, including assault, is a problem in Sri Lanka, it rarely involves foreign travelers. But you should still take precautions, as there’s been an uptick in reports due to the country’s ongoing economic situation.

Exercise common sense and keep yourself safe from crime in Sri Lanka by:

  • Staying in busy, well-lit areas
  • Avoid badly lit and unfamiliar areas at night
  • Don’t carry large amounts of cash or valuable personal belongings on you
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Be careful on public transport—don’t get onto empty buses or trains
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Crime Against Women

Sri Lanka can be safe for women and solo female travelers provided they keep a low profile, dress modestly, and take precautions for their own safety. Street harassment, physical assault, verbal assault, and even sexual assault is an ongoing issue, with reports of these happening to foreign travelers.

Women, especially those visiting Sri Lanka solo, should take precautionary measures to keep themselves safe. That includes avoiding going out at night, not drinking alcohol, dressing modestly, and being aware of their surroundings, especially on public transportation.

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LGBTQ+ Safety

Homosexuality has historically been illegal in Sri Lanka, although the government has been making moves to decriminalize it in recent years. For LGBTQ+ travelers, it’s best to avoid public displays of affection and keep a low profile, especially in more rural areas.

Civil Unrest

Due to a worsening economic crisis that’s been taking place since 2019, Sri Lanka is experiencing ongoing civil unrest in the form of protests and demonstrations, mainly in Colombo, the capital city. This has resulted in food and fuel shortages, as well as an increased police and military presence and curfews. Blackouts have also been known to happen.

For the most part, these demonstrations are peaceful but can be disruptive to travel plans. You can stay alert to potential civil unrest during your travels by reading local news. Monitor local media, and if strikes or riots do take place in the area you’re traveling, stay away from the affected areas and stay indoors. It’s also best to avoid demonstrations or protests, as Sri Lankan authorities could misinterpret your presence as participation, potentially leading to arrest and legal issues.

Terrorism

Due to past violent conflicts between the government and militant organizations, such as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, during the Sri Lankan Civil War, foreign travelers have likely heard of Sri Lanka’s terrorism issues. Suicide bombings and massacres have taken place and impacted civilians.

However, since the end of the civil war in 2009, there have been no terrorist attacks or incidents. All the same, the Sri Lanka military maintains a strong presence on the island, especially in the north. It’s there that you may encounter military roadblocks and checkpoints around high-security zones and military areas. Many areas in the north of the island still have unexploded landmines as well, so travelers should stick to major roads and avoid exploring on their own.

Even though terrorism is not a major concern in Sri Lanka at the moment, you should still be vigilant. Avoid terrorist attacks by:

  • Stay informed of local news and events
  • Avoid strikes, protests, demonstrations, and riots
  • Stay indoors and safe during attacks
  • Contact emergency services and your country’s embassy

Climate and Natural Disasters

Depending on where you’re traveling in Sri Lanka, you may encounter natural disasters.

Monsoon season happens from May to September in the southwestern parts of the country and October to December or January in the northeast, which can cause flooding and landslides in the respective parts of the country. Tropical cyclones do occasionally occur as well along the north, east, and southern coasts. In 2004 Sri Lanka was also severely impacted by the Indian Ocean tsunami.

While traveling around Sri Lanka, monitor local media and weather reports to try and avoid disaster areas. If you do find yourself experiencing a natural disaster, follow instructions from local authorities and contact your country’s embassy as soon as possible.

Local Laws in Sri Lanka

While traveling in Sri Lanka, it’s important to obey the local laws —including those regarding drugs, public smoking, purchasing alcohol, and topless sunbathing—to avoid getting fined, arrested, or deported. Tourists visiting Sri Lanka should also obey local traffic laws, which include getting an international driving permit and adhering to speed limits.

Embassies and Consulates in Sri Lanka

If something happens to you during your time in Sri Lanka, reach out to your country’s embassy or consulate for assistance. While they can’t provide legal aid, they can offer guidance and advice for next steps.

Stay Safe and Have Fun in Sri Lanka

Doing your research before traveling helps you avoid issues and be prepared in case of an emergency. For more information on other aspects of travel to Sri Lanka, including local customs and culture, banking, money, and currency, and traveling to Sri Lanka without a visa, visit our Sri Lanka content hub.

Obtaining the proper visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a Sri Lanka visa. Start your visa application process.