This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information under Health Issues (Japanese encephalitis vaccine). The overall level of advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Sri Lanka at this time because of ongoing civil violence and the volatile security situation. Sri Lanka remains in a State of Emergency. Australians could inadvertently become victims of violence directed at others. You should pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media and other local information sources for information about possible new safety or security risks.

Conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has escalated. Since late 2007, there has been armed conflict in the north of the country, including regular air and ground attacks in the areas held by the LTTE. The number of serious incidents of politically motivated violence has increased significantly, including in the east and south of the country. Attacks on civilians and public transport in and around Colombo and elsewhere have also increased. Security forces frequently establish road blocks and have the authority to impose curfews.

Since the withdrawal by the Government of Sri Lanka on 16 January 2008 from the 2002 ceasefire agreement with the LTTE there have been more than a dozen major attacks in and around Colombo and against targets where tourists may be present.

Air raids have occurred in Colombo. The most recent attack occurred on 29 October 2008 targeting a power plant approximately eight kilometres from the city centre. In the event of an air raid, Australian High Commission staff have been advised to stay indoors, away from windows with all lights off until at least one hour after the attack has passed. Staff have been alerted to the dangers of falling projectiles and shrapnel.

Air raids have targeted military bases, including one close to the international airport, and infrastructure facilities. Discretion has been granted for Australian High Commission staff to use airlines that fly into and out of Colombo in daylight hours to the extent possible. Anti-aircraft batteries and their immediate surroundings, including high-rise buildings, should be avoided.

Sri Lankan government ministers have been the target of attacks, most recently on 9 October. The Sri Lankan government has announced that, for security reasons, road closures may occur from 21 October along main roads between central Colombo and Parliament during parliamentary sitting periods. You should exercise a high degree of caution and avoid non-essential travel along the main routes to Parliament during parliamentary sitting periods.

• On 9 October, a suicide bomber targeting a government minister, killed one person and injured at least five others as the minister’s convoy was passing through Borelesgamuwa, a town on the outskirts of Colombo.

• On 6 October, a suicide bombing in Anuradhapura targeting the opening of a political office killed 28 and injured over 80.

• In September, there were three bomb blast incidents in and around Colombo (Pettah, Mt Lavinia and Colombo 7) that resulted in injuries and damage to property.

• On 6 June, a bomb exploded on a public bus at Katubedda in greater Colombo killing 21 and injuring over 50. On the same day a bomb attack on a bus outside Kandy killed two and injured 20.

• On 26 May, a bomb on a public train at Dehiwela, greater Colombo, killed nine and injured over 50.

• On 16 May, a suicide bombing targeting a police bus near the Hilton hotel in the Fort area of Central Colombo killed 10 and injured more than 90.

• On 6 April, a bomb in the Gampaha district, approximately 20 km north east of Colombo, killed a Sri Lankan Government minister and 15 others, and injured more than 90 people.

• On 3 February, a suicide bombing at the Fort Railway Station in central Colombo killed 13 and injured more than 100, including a number of school children.

Further attacks, including air raids, could occur at any time and in any place. At particular risk are infrastructure associated with the Sri Lankan Government such as military and police establishments, public transport, airports, sea ports, oil depots and public buildings, as well as political offices of anti-LTTE organisations. Nearby locations could sustain collateral damage.

Other potential targets include shopping malls, clubs, hotels, restaurants, bars, movie theatres, schools, places of worship, embassies, tourist areas (including national parks), markets and outdoor recreation areas, major sporting events and religious festivals.

The security situation could deteriorate further without warning. You should comply with instructions issued by security personnel and carry proof of identification, such as your passport, at all times.

Sri Lankan Security Legislation and Emergency Regulations give authorities power to search, detain for the purpose of a search and arrest without a warrant anyone suspected of committing an offence under the regulations. People may be detained for up to 90 days without charge. Authorities can also search any premises, including private homes, if they suspect an offence has been committed under the regulations. Late night and early morning searches of homes have been reported.

Travellers should note that Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo’s main international airport, has been attacked in the past and is at risk of further attack. It could be closed without warning. In light of the increased threat, some airlines have, on occasions, suspended flights to Colombo or changed flight schedules. We recommend you contact your airline to confirm flight details. Security checks are frequently conducted on the road to the airport. You should maintain a high degree of security vigilance if diverted from the main road along the narrow local road system.

Events of political significance, including elections, could be catalysts for violence and civil unrest. You should avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings as they may turn violent or be a target for politically motivated attacks.

You should be particularly vigilant on and around anniversaries and days of national significance such as May Day (1 May), Vesak (which falls in May), the Kandy Esela Perahara Festival (which falls in August), Heroes’ Day (27 November), the Tamil and Sinhala New Year festivals (13-14 April), the anniversary of the 2002 cessations of hostilities (22 February), the first LTTE suicide bombing (5 July) and the July Riots (23 July), as militants have in the past used such occasions to mount attacks.

There have been incidents of violence against aid workers, including in Jaffna and Trincomalee. Journalists have been victims of violent assault and intimidation in Colombo, Jaffna and the Eastern Province.

You should avoid anti-aircraft batteries and their immediate surroundings, including high-rise buildings, especially during blackouts. Batteries have been established in central Colombo in areas frequented by tourists. In the event of anti-aircraft fire you should stay indoors in a secure location because of the risk of falling projectiles and shrapnel. You should also avoid travelling at night when anti-aircraft fire is more likely to occur.

Marked and unmarked landmines are widespread in the north and east, especially in the Vanni, Jaffna, Trincomalee and Batticaloa regions. You should avoid any travel off main roads in these areas.

Reports indicate that in January 2008 the Government of Sri Lanka placed sea mines in the waters surrounding the Jaffna peninsula.

LTTE attacks occur along the coast between Trimcomalee and Jaffna, and in the waters around Jaffna. Australians in Jaffna who wish to depart should do so by air.

Northern and north-central areas of Sri Lanka: We advise you not to travel to the north of Sri Lanka, including the area north of the highway between Puttalam, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, including Wilpattu National Park. Substantial parts of northern Sri Lanka, north of Vavuniya, are under the control of the LTTE. The Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE have engaged in significant battles in these areas in recent months.

Conflict has escalated in the Vanni region, particularly the Kilinochchi and Mullaittivu districts, in Northern Province. The Sri Lankan government has directed international organisations to relocate their personnel to more secure areas in the southern parts of the region. The Vanni region is part of the 'Do Not Travel' area.

Access to most areas in the North is restricted by the Sri Lankan military. While under Government control, the Jaffna peninsula remains subject to heavy security measures and a daily curfew. Wilpattu National Park is closed to the public.

East and south-eastern areas (including Yala National Park): We advise you not to travel east of Polonnaruwa on the A11 road or to points east of a straight line between Polonnaruwa and the south coast, passing through Badulla and including Yala National Park. The situation in the Eastern Province remains tense and unpredictable following provincial elections in May 2008. Tight controls continue to be implemented by the Sri Lankan security forces. An attack on a small hotel in Ampara on 9 May 2008 killed 11 people. Communal and inter-ethnic tensions in these regions are high and further violence is likely, particularly between Muslim communities on the east coast and pro-government Tamil groups.

If you are already in the "Do Not Travel" areas described above, including the Wilpattu or Yala National Parks, and concerned for your safety, you should consider departing if it is safe to do so.

Crime

There have been incidents of kidnapping for ransom in Sri Lanka, including in Colombo.

Incidents of violent crime occur in Sri Lanka, including sexual assault and robbery. Policing in remote areas is often hampered by a lack of resources and poor infrastructure.

Petty crime such as pick-pocketing and bag snatching occurs, particularly on public transport.

Local Travel

Due to the volatile security situation in Sri Lanka, security arrangements for Australian staff are at a high level at all times. Australian government officials and dependants have been advised to limit travel (particularly at night), maintain a high degree of awareness at roadblocks and checkpoints and avoid using public transport. Australian diplomatic and consular staff have also been advised to exercise heightened security vigilance and to avoid non-essential travel to locations that may be potential targets. Australian High Commission staff have also been advised to avoid non-essential travel along the main routes to Parliament during parliamentary sitting periods.

Travellers should allow adequate time for security checks on the road to the international airport in Colombo as there can be lengthy delays.

Transport conditions throughout Sri Lanka are hazardous. There are a high number of road deaths and injuries, particularly on inter-city buses and three-wheeler taxis. The standard of driving and vehicle maintenance is poor. For more information, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety. There has also been a number of fatal accidents on Sri Lankan railways in recent years.

All foreigners, including foreign staffs of diplomatic missions, international organisations and international non-government organisations, whether accredited or not accredited with the Sri Lanka Ministry of Foreign Affairs, must seek permission to travel to the north. Access to some areas in the east may be restricted by the military.

For advice on the location of areas where permission to travel is required, you can contact the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence on telephone number (+94 11) 243 3215.

The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including adventure and water sport activities, are not always met. Sufficient safety equipment may not be provided and recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed. You should use reputable companies when arranging travel and activities.

The waters around the northern and eastern coast of Sri Lanka are declared restricted zones by the Government of Sri Lanka.

Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Sri Lanka. See our travel advice on travelling by sea for more information. The International Maritime Bureau issues weekly piracy reports on its website.

Airline Safety

We recommend you contact your airline to confirm flight details.

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns this will be included in travel advice.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

The monsoon season is December to March in the northeast and May to October in the southwest. Flooding and landslides may occur.

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.

Information on natural disasters can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service. If a natural disaster occurs or a tsunami warning is issued, you should monitor local media and follow the advice of authorities.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

Australians are required to pay an additional fee to have their passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Sri Lanka, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Penalties for drug trafficking are severe and include the death penalty. The death penalty may also be applied for murder and rape.

Homosexual acts are illegal in Sri Lanka.

Photography and video taping in high-security zones (HSZs) is prohibited. All military establishments and some government buildings, including official residences, have been declared as HSZs. Some HSZs may not be signposted.

In August 2006 the Government of Sri Lanka announced restrictions on the use of satellite telephones in uncleared and operational areas (including territorial waters) north, north-east and north-west of Sri Lanka. Permission from the Ministry of Defence must be obtained before using satellite telephones in these areas (further details are available from the Additional Secretary (Technical) of the Ministry of Defence Tel:+94-11-243 0860/+94-11-238 9021).

Australian citizens of Sri Lankan origin are entitled to apply to have their dual nationality status recognised by the Government of Sri Lanka.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Local Customs

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Sri Lanka and you should take care not to offend.

You should seek local advice regarding customs and photography when visiting places of worship.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Sri Lanka, for the most up-to-date information.

Health Issues

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.

The standard of medical and ancillary treatment in Colombo is below that of Australia. Medical facilities outside of Colombo are limited with no reliable emergency services available. Private hospitals will require payment of a deposit or confirmation of insurance cover prior to admission. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities is recommended. Medical evacuation costs could be considerable.

A decompression chamber is located at the Sri Lanka Navy Base in Trincomalee which is currently a "Do Not Travel" area.

Malaria occurs in all areas of Sri Lanka except for the districts of Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Gampaha, Kegalle, Kalutara and Nuwara Eliya. Outbreaks of other mosquito-borne diseases (including dengue fever, chikungunya fever, Japanese encephalitis and filariasis) occur from time to time. We recommend you take prophylaxis against malaria where necessary and take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent at all times.

A Japanese encephalitis vaccine registered for use in Australia is currently unavailable. However, a non-registered vaccine is available for purchase by travellers through their travel clinics under a "Special Access Scheme" of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). For further information see the Therapeutic Goods Administration's website. The Department of Health and Ageing is working with vaccine suppliers to ensure a registered vaccine can be supplied in Australia as soon as possible. For further details see the Department of Health and Ageing's website or consult your travel health doctor.

Food-borne, water-borne and other infectious diseases (including typhoid, hepatitis, leptospirosis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We recommend you boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

In Sri Lanka, you can obtain consular assistance from the:

Australian High Commission
21 Gregory's Road
Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
Telephone (94 11) 246 3200
Facsimile (94 11) 268 6453
e-mail: austcom@sltnet.lk
website: www.srilanka.embassy.gov.au

If you are travelling to Sri Lanka, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the High Commission you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.