Sri Lanka
Summary
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka, due to the impact of the current economic crisis. This advice does not apply to airside transit through Sri Lanka’s international airport.
From 9pm on 8 July, a police curfew was declared in 7 areas in the city centre of Colombo and its outskirts: Colombo North, Colombo South, Colombo Central, Negombo, Mount Lavinia, Nugegoda, and Keleniya.
Sri Lanka is experiencing a severe economic crisis which has led to shortages of basic necessities including medicines, cooking gas, fuel and food. There is a major shortage of fuel (diesel and petrol) affecting transport, businesses, and emergency services. There are daily power cuts due to electricity rationing. This has led to protests and violent unrest. Further protests, demonstrations, roadblocks and violent unrest could occur at short notice. Protests are planned for 8 July, in Fort area of Colombo, and 9 July, across the country and in Colombo including Fort area, Galle Road and Galle Face Green. You should avoid political gatherings or protests and be wary of spontaneous large gatherings. See ‘Shortages’ and ‘Political Situation’ for more details.
COVID-19 entry restrictions for Sri Lanka
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.
Travelling from and returning to the UK
Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
If you’re planning travel to Sri Lanka, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section. You should also check the Entry requirements section for details on COVID-19 tests and how to demonstrate evidence of your vaccination status.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, 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.
For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see the Coronavirus page.
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 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.