Please note that this information is subject to change. For the latest on Sri Lanka travel restrictions, always check government sites directly as noted below.
Before you visit Sri Lanka, it’s important to be aware of any travel advisories and restrictions around the country. Here’s everything international travelers should know about restrictions in Sri Lanka and where to find updated information and travel advice.
Sri Lanka Travel Restrictions
Health and Safety Warnings
In general, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends being up-to-date on all your normal vaccinations before traveling overseas. If you do need any new or specific vaccinations for your trip to Sri Lanka, get them at least a month in advance. If you’re arriving in Sri Lanka from a country with high cases of yellow fever, you will need to be vaccinated and provide proof.
On April 12, 2023, the CDC set a Level 1 health alert for travelers to Sri Lanka and other Southeast Asian countries, due to rising cases of dengue fever. At a Level 1 alert, you should exercise usual precautions to avoid infection. For dengue fever, that means avoiding bug and mosquito bites.
There are no COVID-19 restrictions currently in place—Sri Lanka doesn’t require foreign nationals to show proof of vaccination status or a negative COVID-19 test before arriving in the country.
While there are no COVID-19 travel restrictions or requirements to enter Sri Lanka at this time, the CDC recommends that travelers be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines.
Getting travel insurance to cover any potentially necessary medical services—and to avoid overseas medical costs—is highly recommended.
Due to a long history of armed conflict between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (which ended in 2009), Sri Lanka is known to experience demonstrations, protests, civil unrest, curfews, and terrorist attacks. The Sri Lankan military and security forces still exercise a strong presence in the north of the country, and travelers may need to pass through military checkpoints while traveling around the island.
Sri Lanka is currently experiencing civil unrest and fuel and food shortages due to an economic crisis and an unstable government. On October 5, 2022, the US Department of State issued a Level 2 Travel Alert for Sri Lanka due to fuel and medicine shortages, civil unrest, and terrorism. Additional alerts were set in May and June 2023 for planned protests and demonstrations.
The US State Department cautions Sri Lankan travelers to exercise increased caution due to these issues, and to take the following steps to avoid conflict:
- Avoid demonstrations and protests
- Follow instructions from local authorities
- Follow and monitor local media during your visit for updated news and warnings
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Carry photo identification with you (like your passport) at all times
The US State Department advises against travel to high-risk areas as they may be unable to assist you in case of emergency. Review the State Department’s guide to traveling in high-risk areas for more information.
Women's Safety
Due to high rates of physical and verbal harassment from men, as well as sexual assault, female travelers are advised to not travel alone and take precautions when traveling in remote areas or going out at night.
Where to Find Updated Sri Lanka Travel Restrictions
For the most recent and up-to-date information on Sri Lanka travel restrictions, visit the following:
- US Department of State: Sri Lanka Travel Advisory
- US Embassy & Consulates in Sri Lanka: Alerts for US Citizens
For other countries, please check your country’s Sri Lanka embassy website or official state department website for updated travel advisories and restrictions.
What to Do in Case of Emergency
Due to an ongoing economic crisis, unstable government, and a long history of civil unrest and terrorist attacks, entering Sri Lanka does come with some risks. Many foreign travelers report no issues, but food and fuel shortages, as well as demonstrations and protests, can interfere with travel plans. It’s crucial to follow local laws to avoid run-ins with the police .
If you find yourself in trouble while traveling through Sri Lanka, reach out to your country’s embassy to seek local advice and assistance. You can also enroll in the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Signing up delivers travel alerts right to your phone or email, and it makes it easier for local authorities to find and contact you in case of emergency.
Prepare for Your Sri Lanka Trip
Obtaining a 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.
For more information on other aspects of travel to Sri Lanka, including culture and customs and banking, money, and currency, visit our Sri Lanka content hub.