Sri Lanka travel advice

Visas are required for trips to Sri Lanka. British Nationals receive a 30-day visit visa, free of charge, on arrival.

Although the conflict is over, extensive military operations are still ongoing, clearing minefields, unexploded ordnance and locating LTTE weapon caches (hides). The security forces are also involved in the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Always obey orders from the security forces or signs warning about the danger from land-mines.

There have been a number of political rallies and protests in relation to Presidential elections which took place on 26 January 2010, some of which have turned violent. Campaigning has begun for Parliamentary elections, expected in April. Travellers are advised against all travel to the northern districts of Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaittivu and Vavuniya.

There is a high threat from terrorism. Since the start of 2008, fatal attacks have been increasingly frequent. They can be indiscriminate and have occurred in Colombo and throughout Sri Lanka, including places frequented by expatriate and foreign travellers.

On 4 February 2008, a bomb killed 12 people at Welioya, 120 kilometres north-east of Anuradhapura in northern Sri Lanka. A further 17 people were injured in the blast. On 3 February 2008, a bomb at the Fort railway station killed ten and injured more than 100 people. There was also a small explosion at Dehiwella zoo in greater Colombo that injured at least four people. On 2 February 2008, a bomb on a Kandy to Anaradhapura bus killed more than 20 and injured many more while it was stopped at a bus stand in the town of Dumballa in central Sri Lanka. On 8 January 2008, two bombs exploded in the greater Colombo area, killing a Sri Lankan government minister and injuring at least 10 other people. Methods used in these attacks have included suicide bombers, roadside bombs and timed devices. There were other significant attacks in Colombo throughout 2006 and 2007.

There is heightened security, particularly in Colombo and southern Sri Lanka. There have been detentions, particularly of people of Tamil ethnicity. Travellers should ensure that they carry some form of identification at all times. If you are a British national and are detained, you should ask the authorities to contact the British High Commission. It is strongly advised to comply with government and security force instructions.

There are reports of continuing fighting between the Sri Lanka government forces and the Liberation Tigers Eelam (LTTE) throughout the north and east. This has included the use of ground forces, artillery fire, mines, air and naval attacks. Further fighting could occur with little or no warning. On 22 October, the LTTE attacked a Sri Lankan military base on the outskirts of Anuradhupura, with ground and air forces. The police have announced a curfew in the city, requiring non-military personnel to stay indoors.

We do not advise against travel to the city of Anuradhupura, that straddles the A12 road, but you should exercise caution and seek the advice of your tour operator or the local authorities before travelling there.

Sri La suffered from severe flooding in mid-January 2011. The eastern districts of Batticoloa, Ampara and Trincomalee were the worst affected with some access to the region cut-off. Central Sri Lanka also  experienced landslides due to heavy rain, particularly in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Badulla areas. As of 18 January floods in the heavy rain have stopped and flood waters are receding. All main roads to the east are now passable.

It is strongly recommended that all overseas nationals who are resident and/or working in Sri Lanka, or visiting for over one month, register with their high commission or embassy in Colombo.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel