VoyaggoraTravel LiveGovernment advisories for Sri Lanka
US State Department
US L2 · Increased cautionExercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to civil unrest , terrorism , and landmines . Read the entire Travel Advisory. Demonstrations Protests over the economic and political situation in Sri Lanka can happen at any time. Police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters. Avoid all gatherings, even peaceful…
Official notice Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (travel.state.gov) · updated Oct 14, 2025
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)
UK · no warningsNo FCDO travel warnings
Latest change: Addition of information about heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides (‘Warnings and insurance’ page)
Official notice Source: gov.uk · updated Sep 21, 2026
Local scams and street crime
- Protecting yourself and your belongings: There’s been an increase in incidents of low-level opportunistic crime. Store your belongings as safely as possible to avoid thefts from hotels and guesthouses. Minimise the number of personal items you carry with you. On the street, criminals may ride past on mopeds or motorbikes and try to snatch your bag. Take care…
- Bank card fraud: Bank card fraud is common. Fraudsters can steal your card details without you noticing. Use ATMs inside banks or hotels if possible, and check ATMs on the street for signs of tampering. Keep cards in sight when paying in shops and restaurants. Read more about how to avoid bank card fraud .
- Drink spiking: Be alert to the possible use of ‘date rape’ and other drugs including GHB. Do not take drinks from strangers or leave your drinks unattended. Victims of spiked drinks have been robbed and sometimes assaulted. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control. If you drink, know your limit. Drinks…
Official notice Source: UK FCDO travel advice (Open Government Licence v3.0) · updated Sep 21, 2026
Government of Canada
CA 2 · High degree of cautionExercise a high degree of caution
Latest change: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
Official notice Source: travel.gc.ca · updated Sep 24, 2026
German Foreign Office
DE · no travel warningNo travel warning
Official notice Source: Auswärtiges Amt · updated Jul 20, 2026
Dutch Foreign Ministry
NL · yellowYellow: be alert, safety risks
De kleurcode van het reisadvies voor Sri Lanka is geel. U kunt erheen reizen. Maar let op: er zijn bijzondere veiligheidsrisico’s.
Official notice Source: Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Nederland Wereldwijd (open data, CC0) · updated Sep 14, 2026
New Zealand SafeTravel
NZ · level 2Exercise increased caution
Official notice Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, SafeTravel (CC BY 4.0) · updated 03 July 2026
Italian Foreign Ministry
IT · latest alert- SRI LANKA: stagione intermonsonica.
Tra ottobre e novembre, durante la stagione intermonsonica, gran parte del Paese - inclusi Colombo, Galle, Mirissa e gli altopiani centrali - può essere interessato da forti rovesci e temporali. Già in passato si sono verificate frane e inondazioni, che hanno compromesso sensibilmente la viabilità e i servizi. Si raccomanda di verificare regolarmente la situazione meteo, anche per il tramite dei Tour Operator e delle
Official notice Source: Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale, Unita di Crisi, Viaggiare Sicuri (Italian, as published) · updated Sep 22, 2026
Japan Foreign Ministry
JP L1 · Exercise cautionHighest level: Exercise caution
Level 1 in 1 area. Areas can differ; the highest level applies only where the ministry says so.
スリランカの危険情報【危険レベル継続】（内容の更新）
Official notice Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas Safety Homepage · updated Dec 19, 2024
Each government uses its own scale. Read the full advisory before you book or travel; regional differences inside a country can matter more than the headline level.
Entry requirements for Sri Lanka
🇬🇧 British passport holders
- Visa: To enter Sri Lanka, you need to apply for an ‘Electronic Travel Authorization’ (ETA) which is a form of visa.
- Passport: To enter Sri Lanka, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive.
Read the full UK entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Sri Lanka set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Sri Lankan High Commission in the UK.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Sri Lanka, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Dual nationals
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
Visa requirements
To enter Sri Lanka, you need to apply for an ‘Electronic Travel Authorization’ (ETA) which is a form of visa.
Applying for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Apply for a Sri Lanka ‘Electronic Travel Authorization’ (ETA) online. You should do this before travelling. ETAs are issued free of charge and will be valid for 30 days.
If you plan to stay longer, you can apply for an extension online through Sri Lankas official Immigration portal. You do not need a visa if you are transiting through Sri Lanka by air, if the connecting flight is within 24 hours of your arrival. Check with your airlines about transit times.
For more information on Sri Lankan visas, please visit Department of Immigration and Emigration.
Overstaying your visa
If you overstay the period of your ETA (30 days), you risk being subject to immigration procedures that may include temporary detention, a fine, deportation at your own expense, a travel ban or refusal of entry to Sri Lanka in the future.
Vaccine requirements
To enter Sri Lanka, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Sri Lanka guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Sri Lanka. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Taking money into Sri Lanka
Most major banks allow Visa and Mastercard cash withdrawals. There are ATMs in major towns and cities, but not all accept international cards.
You cannot transfer money without an exchange control permit issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
Official notice Source: UK Foreign Office · updated Sep 21, 2026
🇨🇦 Canadian passport holders
- Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 30 days
Read the full Canadian entry requirements
Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.
The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Sri Lanka.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Passport with “X” gender identifier
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Useful links
- Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
- Canadian passports and other travel documents
Visas
Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 30 days
Business visa: required
Student visa: required
Work visa: required
You must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before travelling for tourism or business purposes.
An ETA allows for stays of up to 30 days. Carry a copy of your ETA approval when you go through immigration upon arrival.
If you plan to visit Sri Lanka for purposes such as medical treatment, investment, employment or long-term residence, you will need to apply for a residence visa.
Visas and ETAs may be extended at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo.
You cannot convert a visa status once in Sri Lanka. Non-compliance with visa restrictions may result in deportation.
You will also need to fill out an online arrival card. You can complete the online form 3 days before arriving in Sri Lanka.
Electronic Travel Authorization form – Department of Immigration and Emigration
Special permissions
Journalists and media crews need permission to travel to some northern districts.
Entry into Sri Lankan waters, at any point, requires prior permission.
Other requirements
Customs officials will ask you to show them:
- a return or onward ticket
- proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
Children and travel
Learn about travelling with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Official notice Source: Government of Canada · updated Sep 24, 2026
Other passports
Rules depend on your nationality, so we do not guess. Before you book:
- Read your own government's travel advice first (US travellers: State Department page for Sri Lanka).
- Not sure what your passport needs? Check the visa rules for your nationality (eVisas visa checker) or compare with VisaHQ. These are affiliate links: if you use their application service we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Official government sites are usually cheaper and are linked above where we have them.
- Check your passport: many countries want it valid for 6 months after arrival and with blank pages.
- Check for an e-visa, travel authorisation or digital arrival card, and any vaccine rules (yellow fever is the common one).
- Ask your airline: they can refuse boarding if your documents do not match the rules.
Entry rules are set by each government and change without notice. This summary is for planning only and is not legal or immigration advice. Confirm on the official government website and with your airline before you book or travel. Voyaggora is not a government agency and does not process visas.
Weather forecast, next days
Colombo, Sri Lanka
| Day | Sky | Low / high | Rain | Peak wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 29 Sep | Partly cloudy | 26° / 28° | 0.6 mm | 19 km/h |
| Wed 30 Sep | Partly cloudy | 28° / 29° | 2.6 mm | 23 km/h |
| Thu 01 Oct | Light showers | 26° / 29° | 3.5 mm | 21 km/h |
| Fri 02 Oct | Clear | 26° / 28° | dry | 12 km/h |
| Sat 03 Oct | Light showers | 26° / 28° | dry | 10 km/h |
Live feed Forecast data: MET Norway (Locationforecast, CC BY 4.0), city local time. Forecasts change; for severe weather follow the official warnings above · updated
Essentials for travelers
Police 119 Ambulance 1990 Fire 111 CONFLICT: Wikipedia lists ambulance/fire 110. FCDO lists ambulance 1990 (Suwa Seriya) and fire 111.
- Plugs: type D, G, M
- Power: 230 V, 50 Hz
- Traffic drives on the left
- Tap water: not recommended
- Calling code: +94
Compiled by Voyaggora from IEC World Plugs, government and consular sources. Confidence: medium. Check with your embassy or hotel before you rely on it in an emergency.
Local language
ශ්රී ලංකාව Sinhala · இலங்கை Tamil
Country names come from the Unicode CLDR. Phrases are short standard translations; show them on your phone to ask for help.
More live hazards and notices
- In the news, last 24 hours:
- 5 articles about natural disasters
Live feed News signals: The GDELT Project, counting English-language news articles from the last 24 hours. Headlines belong to their publishers and are not verified by Voyaggora. Newest data .
- Sri Lanka Police (news), recent posts:
- Implementation of the Digital Motor Insurance Card.
- Special Traffic Plan in Colombo in Connection with the Official Visit of the Indian Defence Minister
- Renovated Training Centre and New Canteens Opened at Kalutara Police College
Live feed Sources: NOAA / NWS (ash advisories from the ICAO Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres, aurora from the Space Weather Prediction Center), USGS, GeoNet New Zealand (CC BY 3.0 NZ) · checked
Health and vaccines
Vaccines, malaria and yellow-fever certificate rules: TravelHealthPro country pages (UK Health Security Agency), CDC destination pages, UK Foreign Office health advice. Ask a travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before you go.
Money
1 US dollar ≈ 330.38 LKR · 1 euro ≈ 376.62 LKR
Central-bank reference rate for Sep 28, 2026. Your card or exchange desk will differ.
Live feed Source: Frankfurter · checked
Voyaggora guides in Sri Lanka
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Voyaggora summarises official sources and is not a government service; always confirm with the official advisory before you travel.