Sri Lanka

Recommended Vaccinations For Sri Lanka

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in Sri Lanka for more than 3 months.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Short-term travellers and those who restrict their visits to urban areas are at very low risk. Those at higher risk are travellers who visit or work in rural agricultural areas such as rice fields and marshland. Long-term travellers and expatriates are also at higher risk. Vaccination is recommended for persons at higher risk.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

The yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for this country. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 9 months of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Sri Lanka

There are no recommendations for Sri Lanka at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Sri Lanka

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Sri Lanka.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Sri Lanka through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

For Some Travellers

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Japanese encephalitis

All areas are affected except the mountainous regions. The transmission season is October to January, with a secondary peak from May to June.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Sri Lanka, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 9 months of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Sri Lanka. Travellers to Sri Lanka are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Sri Lanka. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Sri Lanka

Personal Safety

Petty crime presents the main concern for visitors. Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas, markets, public transport, and tourist locations. Thieves sometimes use knives to cut bags from tourists. Hotels and guesthouses occasionally report theft incidents. Drink spiking happens in bars and social venues, leading to robbery and sometimes assault. Never leave drinks unattended or accept them from strangers. Violent crime against tourists remains rare but increased slightly in recent years. Scams targeting visitors are common, especially in Colombo. Tuk-tuk drivers may suggest detours to shops or spice gardens where they earn commission. Negotiate taxi fares before entering vehicles without meters. Credit card fraud occurs, so use cards only at established businesses. False information about closed attractions or services often leads tourists into scams.

Extreme Violence

No terrorist incidents occurred in 2023. The 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, which killed more than 250 people at churches and hotels in Colombo, Negombo, and Batticaloa, remain the most recent major incident. Authorities strengthened counterterrorism capabilities since then. The government lifted restrictions on Muslim organizations previously designated after the attacks. Security forces maintain a visible presence, particularly in northern and eastern regions. Landmines from the 1983-2009 civil war still exist in approximately 23 square kilometers. Most mines have been cleared, but northern and eastern areas retain hazards. The highest concentration sits in northern districts with dense forests and rough terrain. Warning signs with skull and crossbones mark dangerous zones. White markers indicate cleared land. Avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths in these regions.

Political Unrest

Mass protests erupted in 2022 due to economic crisis, leading to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fleeing the country. The Aragalaya movement brought widespread demonstrations from March to July 2022. Protesters occupied sites in Colombo and briefly took over government buildings. Police used water cannons, tear gas, and force to disperse crowds. Over 150 people were injured and at least five died during clashes in May 2022. The government imposed states of emergency, curfews, and blocked social media during the unrest. President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who took office after Rajapaksa resigned, suppressed protests using security forces. Dozens of protesters were arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Protest leaders faced harassment and detention. By 2023, demonstrations decreased but continued sporadically. Union strikes occurred over economic policies, tax hikes, and IMF loan conditions. Banking, healthcare, education, rail transport, and port sectors saw walkouts. A new president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, was elected in September 2024. Demonstrations can happen at short notice and sometimes turn violent. Security forces may use tear gas and water cannons. Public emergencies and curfews can be declared suddenly.

Areas To Avoid

Northern and eastern provinces contain landmines and unexploded ordnance from the civil war. The Northern Province districts hold the highest concentration. Dense forests and rough terrain make these areas particularly dangerous. Military maintains a strong presence in the north and east, including the Jaffna Peninsula. Checkpoints and road closures can occur suddenly. Avoid off-road travel in these regions. In October 2024, a security alert warned of threats against tourist locations in Arugam Bay. Authorities increased military presence in response. Beach towns like Negombo and Hikkaduwa report higher crime after dark, especially targeting women. In Colombo, suburbs such as Nugegoda experience more crime. Avoid isolated areas, dark streets, and poorly lit locations at night. Demonstrations occur frequently in Colombo and occasionally elsewhere. Avoid government buildings during election periods and stay away from protests or large gatherings.