Sri Lanka travel advice

Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Sri Lanka’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.

If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

Around 90,000 British nationals visited Sri Lanka in 2022. Most visits are trouble-free.

Sri Lanka’s economic situation remains fragile. Should conditions worsen this may lead to the limited availability of certain products (for instance medical and food items). Fuel (diesel, petrol), is being rationed. Limited availability of fuel may affect transport, business and commercial services. Hospitals and other medical services may also be affected. There may be occasional power cuts to electricity supplies, but many tourist facilities have backup generators.

In 2022, protests about the economic situation led to violence, resulting in injuries and loss of life. In recent months, tear gas and water cannons have been used to disperse protesters. Protests, demonstrations, roadblocks and violent unrest could occur at short notice. Curfews and emergency regulations may also be imposed. You should be vigilant, avoid large gatherings and keep up to date with developments via this travel advice and local media.

See ‘economic situation’ and ‘Political Situation’ for more details.

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Sri Lanka. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. More than 250 people including tourists were killed on Easter Sunday in April 2019 in terrorist attacks that targeted churches and hotels. See Terrorism

Dengue fever occurs throughout the country. See Health

Sri Lanka can be affected by severe weather including tropical cyclones and monsoon rains. See Natural disasters

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.