Whether it’s surfing breaks off the beaten path, wildlife holidays in the dense jungle or a fly-and-flop in a luxurious resort, Sri Lanka has it all. But in recent years, many tourists have avoided the country. First it was the terror attacks on Easter Sunday 2019, then Covid. And in 2022, the dire economic situation following the pandemic led to protests throughout the country, some of which have turned violent and resulted in the loss of lives. Things have calmed down significantly since and the UK Foreign Office has updated its travel advice in April 2024 to reflect that.
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Is it safe to travel to Sri Lanka right now?
It’s generally safe to travel to Sri Lanka, but events in its recent history are worth bearing in mind.
For much of 2022, there were frequent, often violent, protests in Sri Lanka following the country’s severe economic crisis. Residents faced shortages of essentials such as fuel, medicine and food. The fuel shortage led to daily power cuts and services such as trains and buses being suspended. Emergency services were also affected. In July 2022, the country’s then-prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, now president, declared Sri Lanka bankrupt.
Things have calmed down since the start of 2023 and the country is on its way to recovery, with tourism playing a vital part in that. However, Sri Lanka’s economic woes continue. Separately, an election is due towards the end of 2024, which has sparked further protests, most recently in January and February 2024.
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The Foreign Office said: “Protests and demonstrations can happen anywhere across the island at short notice, and can become violent. Security authorities may use water cannons and tear gas to control protesters.” Travellers are advised to avoid demonstrations, political protests or large gatherings and to monitor local media.
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What is the Foreign Office travel advice?
The UK Foreign Office now considers Sri Lanka as safe to travel to. There are no travel warnings for any parts of the country.
However, it warns that terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Sri Lanka. The last terror attack was on Easter Sunday 2019, when over 250 people died as a result of bombings in three cities in the country, with churches and hotels targeted.
Its economic situation means that there has been an increase in opportunistic crime. Examples include thefts from hotels and guesthouses and bag-snatching in the streets. You should therefore take care of your valuables and stay vigilant. Violent crime is generally low.
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More generally, the Foreign Office warns travellers to be alert to the possible use of date rape and other drugs, including GHB. Buy your own drinks and always keep an eye on them to avoid them being spiked.
Credit card fraud is common in the country. Don’t let your card out of sight during transactions and only use ATMs attached to banks or major hotels.
You should also carry your passport with you at all times.
What are Sri Lanka’s entry requirements?
UK passport holders will need a tourist visa to enter Sri Lanka for a holiday. The fee for these starts from US$50, and you can apply for one online (eta.gov.lk/slvisa) before you travel. It’s also possible to obtain a visa on arrival, but this costs US$60 and you may experience additional delay depending on how many people apply on arrival.
You have two options when it comes to the tourist visa. The 30-day version gives you double entry into the country so you can combine your holiday in Sri Lanka with a visit to another country. There’s also a 180-day visa, which only allows single entry into Sri Lanka. You do not need a visa if you’re transiting through Sri Lanka with less than 24 hours airside.
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Three days before you travel to Sri Lanka, you should fill in your embarkation form online (eservices.immigration.gov.lk). This is free and may save you time on arrival.
In terms of passport validity, you’ll need at least six months left on your passport on the day you arrive in Sri Lanka.
Is Sri Lanka safe for female travellers?
Female travellers may find it uncomfortable to travel alone in Sri Lanka. While the country is largely safe, especially if you’re travelling as part of a group, women have reported incidents of verbal and physical harassment by men. These have ranged from sexually suggestive comments to sexual assaults, according to the Foreign Office.
Most incidents happen in crowded places such as marketplaces, railway stations, buses and sporting events. However, they can happen anywhere, including in tourist areas. The Foreign Office advises taking care when travelling alone or in small groups and consider carrying a safety alarm. You may also find it more comfortable to dress more modestly.
Is Sri Lanka safe for LGBT travellers?
Same-sex relations are illegal in Sri Lanka, so you should avoid any public displays of affection. However, an LGBT community does exist in the country, and it is also illegal to discriminate against someone based on their sexual orientation.
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