Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
Sri Lanka is a welcoming and rewarding destination, but use normal caution. Petty theft and scams occur around popular tourist spots like Colombo, Kandy, Sigiriya and Galle.
- Overall
- Generally safe and friendly for travellers
- Main risks
- Petty theft, overcharging and tourist scams
- Traffic
- Drives on the LEFT
- Most visits are trouble-free, but stay alert in crowded areas and keep valuables secure.
- Roads can be chaotic and vehicles drive on the left, so take care as a pedestrian and when hiring transport.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no widespread no-go areas for tourists. Take normal care around some parts of Colombo at night. The country has recovered from the 2022 economic protests.
- No-go zones
- None widely for tourists
- At night
- Take care in some Colombo areas
- Recovery
- Stable after 2022 protests
- Popular routes through Kandy, Sigiriya, Galle and the hill country around Ella are well travelled and generally safe.
- Use registered transport at night and keep an eye on local news for any localised disruption.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
Monsoons bring heavy rain and flooding, with occasional cyclones. Some beaches have rough seas and rip currents, and heavy rain can trigger landslides in the hill country.
- Monsoon
- Flooding and occasional cyclones
- Beaches
- Rough seas and rip currents
- Hill country
- Landslides during heavy rain
- Two monsoon seasons affect different coasts at different times, so check forecasts and swim only where it is supervised.
- In the hill country around Ella and the tea estates, avoid steep areas during prolonged downpours.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Dengue fever is a real risk, so use mosquito repellent. Tap water is not recommended, so drink bottled or boiled water. Stomach upsets, sun and heat are also common.
- Dengue
- Use repellent, cover up at dawn/dusk
- Water
- Drink bottled or boiled, not tap
- Sun & heat
- Hydrate and use sun protection
- There is no vaccine for dengue, so mosquito bite prevention is the main defence, day and night.
- Be careful with street food and unpeeled fruit to avoid stomach upsets, especially early in your trip.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Watch for overcharging, gem scams and tuk-tuk fare scams. Fake "guides" and temple donation pressure are common at popular sites. Violent crime against tourists is rare.
- Gem scams
- Avoid "investment" gem deals
- Tuk-tuks
- Agree fare first or use metered apps
- Fake guides
- Decline unsolicited "guides"
- Be firm and polite with touts around temples and tourist spots, and never buy gems as an "investment".
- Confirm prices before any ride or service, and use recognised ride-hailing apps where available.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
The situation is calmer now after the 2022 economic crisis and protests. Occasional demonstrations still occur, so avoid gatherings and monitor local news.
- Status
- Calmer since the 2022 crisis
- Demonstrations
- Occasional; avoid crowds
- Advice
- Monitor local news and updates
- Political protests can appear with little warning and may disrupt transport in Colombo.
- Steer clear of rallies and large gatherings, even peaceful ones, as they can turn unpredictable.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Buddhism is deeply respected. Cover shoulders and knees at temples, never turn your back to a Buddha statue for photos, and do not pose disrespectfully with Buddha images. Drugs are strictly illegal.
- Temples
- Cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes
- Buddha images
- Buddha tattoos can cause serious problems
- Drugs
- Strictly illegal, severe penalties
- Posing with your back to a Buddha statue, or having a visible Buddha tattoo, has led to tourists being detained or refused entry.
- Penalties for drug offences are severe, and it is polite to dress modestly away from beaches.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
In an emergency, call 119 for police, 1990 Suwa Seriya for an ambulance, and 110 for the fire service. Save these numbers before you travel.
- Police
- 119
- Ambulance
- 1990 (Suwa Seriya)
- Fire
- 110
- The 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service is free and widely available across the country.
- Keep a note of your accommodation address and your embassy contact for emergencies.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended, including medical cover. Make sure it covers activities like surfing, hiking and diving if you plan to do them.
- Medical
- Include full medical and evacuation cover
- Activities
- Cover surfing, hiking and diving
- Documents
- Carry policy number and helpline
- Private clinics in Colombo are good but can be costly, so ensure your policy covers hospital treatment.
- Check adventure activity clauses carefully, as standard policies may exclude diving or trekking at altitude.