Sri Lanka

Emergency numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services. 

• Dial 119 for police 
• Dial 118 for emergency services 

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad. 

Terrorists may target: 

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) 
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants 
• Places of worship 
• Schools  
• Parks 
• Shopping malls and markets 
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights) 

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.  

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.   
• Past demonstrations have turned violent. Police may use water cannons or tear gas in response to violent protests.  
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. 

In general, demonstrations in Sri Lanka are peaceful, resulting only in traffic congestion. However, some protests have turned violent. This includes clashes between protesters, police, and opposing groups.  

Crime

Most crimes against U.S. citizens are petty and opportunistic, like pickpocketing, hotel room thefts, and fraud.  

• Drug-related crimes and gang violence occur. But, this rarely affects foreign travelers. 
• Credit card fraud happens sometimes. Some employees at reputable businesses, like restaurants or grocery stores, have used hidden devices to steal credit card information.  
• ATM skimming is a risk. Always keep your card with you, check ATMs for tampering, and cover the keypad when entering your PIN. 
• Street hustlers are common near hotels, shopping areas, and tourist sites.  
• Snatch-and-grab thefts of purses or jewelry happen sometimes.  
• Armed robberies are rare.  
• Tuk-tuk and taxi drivers might try to sell “special” tours. They may also push access to festivals or gem shops. Tourists could feel pressured to buy fake or overpriced "gems." 
• Surf schools sometimes scam renters. They claim customers damaged boards and demand high repair fees. Take photos of your surfboard before using it. 

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams. 

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.    

Financial scams and internet romance scams are common in Sri Lanka. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money.  

Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.  

Tuk-tuk scams are frequent. Drivers may claim their meter is broken and charge inflated prices using third-party apps. If the tuk-tuk has no meter, agree on a price before the ride.  

Carry exact cash to avoid needing change. Ride apps are available in Sri Lanka for tuk-tuks and other vehicles. 

Common scams include:  

• Romance and online dating  
• Contracts with promises of large commissions 
• Work permits and job offers 
• Broken taxi meters 

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. 

• Dial 119 to report crimes to the local police. 
• Contact the U.S. Embassy in Colombo at ColomboACS@state.gov.  
• Dial 011-242-1451 for the tourist police or email them at dir.tourist@police.gov.lk or dptd@srilanka.travel.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:  

• Replace a stolen or lost passport. 
• Help you find medical care.   
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.  
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.  
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.   
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.  
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.  
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.  
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home. 

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.  

• Sexual harassment is widespread in Sri Lanka.  
• Women, both locals and foreigners, often report catcalling and physical harassment in crowded areas and on public transportation. 
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the nearest U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad 

SIM cards and virtual SIM cards can be purchased at the airport upon arrival.    

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices: 

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.  
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.   
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.  
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest. 
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens. 
• Drones are restricted in certain areas, such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy and military installations. 

Tourism safety 

The tourism industry is not well regulated: 

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.  
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.  
• Staff may not be trained or certified.  
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for medical care.  
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.  
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.  
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel  

Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Criminal penalties 

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.  

• At police and military checkpoints, you may be detained if you do not have your passport with you.  
• In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings, such as military and certain government buildings. Restrictions are not always posted. 
• When you arrive in Sri Lanka, do not bring prohibited items. This includes e-cigarettes, vaping devices, weapons, ammunition, explosives, gold, narcotics, and pornography.   
• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in Sri Lanka are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and big fines. 
• The unlicensed export of antiques from the country is considered a criminal act. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad. 
• Before you start a business or a profession in Sri Lanka seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.   

Military checkpoints 

The Sri Lankan police and military maintain several checkpoints throughout the country.  

• Always carry identification such as your passport while in Sri Lanka.  
• Photography is prohibited in designated high security zones. It is also illegal near many government facilities such as offices and military installations. 

Religious laws  

• Tourists must respect rules and customs when visiting religious sites such as:  
  • Buddhist or Hindu temples  
  • Mosques 
  • Churches 
  • Other sacred places important to locals  

Posing for a photograph with your back to a Buddha statue is a serious offense in Sri Lanka. It’s punishable with fines or arrest.  

Avoid displaying religious images, such as Buddha tattoos, while in the country. Some foreign visitors have been arrested or denied entry to Sri Lanka due to these tattoos

Arrest notification 

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.   

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations. 

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.   
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers 

Same-sex sexual relationships and marriages are criminalized and carry maximum penalties of 10 years imprisonment and an unspecified fine.  

Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with disabilities and or accessibility needs 

• The law in Sri Lanka prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The law is enforced.  
• Even though there are rules about making buildings accessible, expect accessibility to be limited in most buildings.  
• Potholes and sidewalks in poor repair can make movement very difficult.  
• The roads in Sri Lanka are improving, but many remain in medium to poor condition.  
• Sidewalks and road crossings in most major towns tend to be busy with vendors, stray dogs, and groups of people loitering on street corners.  
• Cultural norms/General public sentiment around disabilityare evolving but characterized by significant stigma  
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs. 

Students

Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers

Sexual harassment is widespread. Women, both locals and foreigners, often report catcalling and physical harassment in crowded areas and on public transportation.

• Review our information for Women Travelers.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health resources

• CDC Sri Lanka Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 1990 for emergency medical services
• Dial 1912 for tourist police  

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are widely available. However, training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. 

• Ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment. 
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.  

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Government-run hospitals provide free healthcare services to any walk-in patient.
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

• Yellow fever vaccine: Required for travelers over 9 months of age arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission risk. Also, travelers transiting for more than 12 hours in a yellow fever-infected airport.
• Other recommended: Japanese encephalitis, typhoid, chikungunya and for some travelers, rabies (pre-exposure prophylaxis).

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice
• Sri Lanka Traveller’s Guide
• Sri Lanka Heath Protection Agency

Healthcare facilities

There are 6 large hospitals in the Colombo area, including 4 facilities with emergency medical and trauma services:

• Asiri Surgical Hospital
• Lanka Hospital
• Asiri Central Hospital
• Government-run National Hospital of Sri Lanka

Medical facilities outside Colombo are limited.

Serious medical conditions can require evacuation to the United States or to a nearby country with more advanced medical facilities.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

• Prescription medications Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. 
• If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.
• The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy (ART)

Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Sri Lanka.

• There are no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents.
• Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Sri Lankan courts.

Water quality and food safety

• In many areas, tap water is not safe to drink.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to ask for no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Sri Lanka. Pakistan
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Common diseases

Several mosquito-borne diseases in Sri Lanka include:  

• Dengue fever: Widespread in Sri Lanka’s Western Province, where the capital Colombo is located.
• Chikungunya
• Japanese encephalitis

Use mosquito protection to prevent serious illness.

Road conditions and safety

Road conditions differ significantly from those in the United States.

• Traffic in Colombo can be congested with narrow two-lane highways. 
• Roads are often crowded with trucks, buses that are not driven well, and many other types of vehicles.
• You might see ox carts, bicycles, and newer 4-wheel-drive cars all sharing the same road.
• Unexpected roadblocks and 1-way streets are common and may not be clearly marked with signs.

Traffic laws

Visitors generally do not drive. Drivers in Sri Lanka drive on the left-hand side of the road.

• Many visitors hire cars and drivers for longer trips. If you decide to hire a “tuk-tuk” or similar 3-wheeled vehicle, make sure to use one with a meter. Cell phone meters are not reliable. Otherwise, agree on the price before the ride.
• If you are renting a vehicle, you should specifically request one with working seatbelts.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Ride apps are available in Sri Lanka for tuk-tuks and other vehicles.
• Beware of tuk-tuk or taxi drivers offering “special” tours or access to festivals or gem shops. These may be scammers. 

Public and commercial transportation

• The embassy recommends avoiding using public buses due to safety concerns.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Sri Lankas’ Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.  

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Sri Lanka should check the following: 

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings

U.S. citizens who arrive by yacht or private boat should be aware that all marine harbors are high security zones. Travelers arriving by sea should be prepared for Sri Lankan navy officials to inspect their vessels and should always wait for radio clearance before coming into port. 

Monsoonal rainfall
Sri Lanka experiences two distinct monsoon seasons:

• Southwest Monsoon (Yala Season): May to September. It affects the western, southern, and central regions.
• Northeast Monsoon (Maha Season): October to January. It impacts the northern and eastern areas.

Flooding

• Heavy rainfall during the monsoon periods can lead to localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas and river basins.
• Flash floods and landslides are common during intense rainfall.

Cyclones and tropical storms
Sri Lanka is occasionally affected by cyclones and tropical storms, particularly during the inter-monsoonal periods:

• April to May
• October to November

Storms bring heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas. They cause damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and coastal areas. The northern and eastern regions are most vulnerable to cyclones.

Landslides
Landslides are a frequent natural disaster during the Southwest Monsoon (May to September). Or, during periods of prolonged heavy rainfall.

• The central highlands, including areas like Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, and Kandy, are prone to landslides. This is due to steep terrain and deforestation.
• Landslides can block roads, disrupt transportation, and endanger lives.

Helpful resources:

• Department of Meteorology: Provides weather forecasts, flood warnings, and cyclone alerts.
• Disaster Management Centre (DMC): Coordinates disaster preparedness, response, and relief operations.
• National Building Research Organization (NBRO): Monitors landslide risks and issues advisories.

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
•  Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.