Sri Lanka Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

Visitors should be able to show the immigration officials proof of sufficient funds for their stay in Sri Lanka (minimum US$15 per person per day). Passengers must also hold return or onward tickets and all documents needed for the next destination. Visa-exempt nationals should have a passport valid for three months beyond period of stay, otherwise passports should be valid for two months after expiry date of visa. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

Visa is required - issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for tourist purposes, it is possible to get a visa extended for a maximum of 90 days. A return or onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel and sufficient funds are required.

UK Nationals

Visa is required - issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for tourist purposes, extensions are available for a maximum of 90 days. A return or onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel and sufficient funds are required.

Canadians

Visa is required - issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for tourist purposes, extensions are available for a maximum of 90 days. A return or onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel and sufficient funds are required.

Australians

Visa is required - issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for tourist purposes with extensions available for a maximum of 90 days. A return or onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel and sufficient funds are required.

South Africans

Visa is required - issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for tourist purposes, visa extensions are available for a maximum of 90 days. A return or onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel and sufficient funds are required.

Irish Nationals

Visa is required - issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for tourist purposes, with extensions of up to 90 days available. A return or onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel and sufficient funds are required.

New Zealanders

Visa is required - issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days for tourist purposes. Extensions are available for a maximum of 90 days. A return or onward ticket, all documents needed for further travel and sufficient funds are required.

Healthcare

Food and waterborne diseases are a primary cause for ill health in Sri Lanka. Visitors should only drink bottled water, avoid ice in drinks, and take care to eat well-cooked food. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travelers to Sri Lanka. Cholera is regarded as a serious risk and precautions are advised, while typhoid is more of a problem in rural areas. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required by travelers coming from infected areas. Malaria, Chikungunya fever, Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever are a risk and protection against mosquito bites is essential. Prophylactics for malaria are also strongly recommended. There is also a particular danger from contaminated seafood. Travelers are strongly advised to take out good travel insurance, and seek medial advice at least three weeks before leaving for Sri Lanka.

Safety

There is a risk of terrorism in the country, and although foreigners have not been the targets of previous attacks, there is a risk of being caught up in incidents. There has been a dramatic increase in political violence, and visitors should avoid public gatherings and political demonstrations. The Sri Lankan Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have been involved in long-standing conflict which has resulted in indigenous terrorism, particularly in the north and northeast of the country, with attacks and abductions occurring almost daily, and fighting between the rebels and the government. Visitors should keep themselves informed of developments and remain vigilant. As a result of the conflict much of the north and east remains heavily mined, particularly around the A9 road to Jaffna; foreign governments are advising against travel to the north or east of the country. Fatal attacks in Trincomalee continue almost daily. Attacks have also taken place in central and southern Sri Lanka, in areas popular with tourists, and civilians have been targeted. Attacks have also occurred in the south, including the tourist town of Galle. Yala National Park is currently closed due to security concerns; there have been a number of attacks since October 2007. Security has been increased in the south of the country, particularly in Colombo, and road check points are common. There have been recent bomb explosions on public transport in central Colombo. Violent crime against foreigners is infrequent, but there have been cases of sexual assault and robbery in rural areas and women are advised to take care when traveling alone.