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Please be advised that the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Travel Advice is now available at Ireland.ie/travel. Travel Advice on this webpage is no longer being updated. To ensure you receive the latest Travel Advice for Sri Lanka, please see Ireland.ie.

Sri Lanka

If you’re travelling to Sri Lanka, our travel advice and updates give you practical tips and useful information.

Security Status

  • Normal precautions
  • High degree of caution
  • Avoid non-essential travel
  • Do not travel
  • Overview
  • Safety and Security
  • Local Laws and Customs
  • Natural Disasters and Climate
  • Additional Information
  • Embassy Contact

Overview

Overview

Security status

High Degree of Caution

Latest Travel Alert

Sri Lanka is experiencing an economic crisis and  since 2022 there have been shortages of essential goods such as food, fuel and medicines. The supply of goods has stabilised, but could deteriorate again. Irish citizens should ensure that they:

  • Have appropriate travel insurance for their stay in Sri Lanka.
  • Take a sufficient supply of any necessary medication before travelling.

The security situation in Sri Lanka is also stable, but violent incidents occurred during demonstrations in 2022.  Irish citizens should remain vigilant and avoid protests, demonstrations and crowds.

While in Sri Lanka, you should follow the instructions of local authorities, carry relevant identification and travel documentation with you at all times, and inform yourself of any restrictions on movement put in place by closely following local media.

Irish citizens in Sri Lanka are encouraged to register their details with the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi.

General Travel Advice

Irish citizens require a visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka. 

A valid passport is required for travel to Sri Lanka. Irish passports should have a minimum validity of  six months. Passport cards cannot be used.

Visitors to Sri Lanka are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what's going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Citizens can also follow the Irish Embassy in India on social media (Twitter @IndiainIreland and Facebook) to ensure access to relevant updates and alerts.

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

You can contact the emergency services in Sri Lanka by dialling 118 or 119. Specific emergency numbers are:

  • Police: 118 or 119
  • Fire brigade: 110
  • Ambulance: 110

Our tips for Safe Travels:

  • Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities.
  • Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
  • Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
  • Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.

As there is no Irish Embassy in Sri Lanka, we are limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the Irish Embassy in New Delhi or the Honorary Consulate of Ireland in Colombo (see Contact Tab for details). 

Safety and Security

Safety and security

Terrorist Attacks

A number of explosions occurred in Sri Lanka on 21 April 2019, primarily targeting hotels and churches in the cities of Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa. The attacks caused the death of at least 250 people including foreign visitors.

There remains a risk of terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka. Irish citizens are advised to exercise caution in public places, to avoid large gatherings or demonstrations, to keep informed of local news reports and to follow the advice of local authorities.

Regional travel

Foreign nationals, with the exception of foreign media crews, no longer need to have permission from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence before travelling to the northern districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaittivu and Vavuniya.

However, there is still a heavy military presence in the north and north-east of Sri Lanka. Freedom of movement is possible, but if you’re travelling to the north, you may still come across access restrictions around military establishments and areas where demining operations continue. You can get up-to-date information on access to a particular village or area from the Sri Lankan Military Liaison Officer (tel: +94 11 2430 860).

Landmines

Unexploded mines and ordnances can be a hazard in the north and north-east of Sri Lanka so obey orders from the security forces and signs warning about the danger from landmines. Don’t stray off main routes, particularly in rural areas, and always check with local security authorities before travelling to affected regions.

Crime

While most visits to Sri Lanka are trouble-free, watch out for petty crime such as pick-pocketing, especially in crowded places. Although not very frequent, there have been reports of violent crime against foreigners so always take sensible precautions:

  • Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
  • Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
  • Credit card fraud has been reported in Sri Lanka so take care of your credit and ATM cards. Use cash wherever possible and only use ATMs attached to banks or major hotels. Don’t let your credit card leave your sight when you use it.

Reporting crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while in Sri Lanka, report it to the local police immediately. And you can contact us at the Honorary Consulate of Ireland in Colombo or the Irish Embassy in New Delhi in India if you need help.

Driving

If you’re planning to drive in Sri Lanka, you should be careful. Poor standards of driving and bad road maintenance lead to frequent traffic accidents. If you want to drive, an Irish or international licence alone will not suffice – you’ll need to bring your international driving permit and a Sri Lankan recognition permit to drive in Sri Lanka. You can get a recognition permit at the AA in Colombo. Make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance

Hiring a vehicle

Hiring a car is cheap in tourist areas. However, if you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Public transport

Buses and trains are particularly dangerous modes of transport in Sri Lanka. Consider taking taxis instead, as they’re cheap in tourist areas.

Water safety

Many beaches and coastal areas in Sri Lanka have strong currents, dangerous rip tides and big surf. Always seek local advice before entering the water and be alert to the dangers.

Local Laws and Customs

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Personal identification

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times, as Sri Lankan laws require persons to carry photo identification with them at all times.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, dealing and trafficking drugs are severe and include the death penalty. 

Homosexuality

Homosexuality is illegal in Sri Lanka. Caution and discretion are advised at all times.

Clothing

Be sensitive to local norms of dress and sensibilities. Nude or topless sunbathing is generally not allowed, and you should dress modestly when visiting religious shrines or temples.

Photography

You are not allowed to take photographs near government or military establishments. Be respectful when visiting religious shrines or temples. In 2012 three foreign nationals were sentenced to six months in prison with hard labour, suspended for five years, and given a fine for wounding the religious feelings of Buddhists by taking pictures that were deemed insulting. You should not pose for photographs with a statue of Buddha.

Natural Disasters and Climate

Natural disasters and climate

Rain and flooding

Inland flooding and landslides happen frequently in the rainy seasons. Be aware that there are two different rainy seasons in Sri Lanka. It is May to August in the South West, November to February in the North East.

During the rainy season you should consult your tour operator or accommodation provider before travelling and monitor local media for weather warnings.

Tsunami

The December 2004 tsunami killed more than 30,000 people and caused extensive damage in the south western, southern and eastern coasts of Sri Lanka. Be alert for tsunami warnings that may be issued by the authorities. You can also learn more about what to do in the event of a tsunami by checking out the International Tsunami Information Centre website.

Additional Information

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

All holiday travellers to Sri Lanka must have Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before entering to Sri Lanka. You can learn more about ETAs here

Passports should minimum have 6 months’ validity from the date you enter Sri Lanka. It’s advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to Sri Lanka and you should carry your passport at all times during your stay.

Health

Always check with your health care provider before you travel to Sri Lanka about vaccinations or other preventative treatments you may need.

Malaria and Dengue fever

Malaria and Dengue fever are risks in Sri Lanka. Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by covering up and using mosquito repellents.

Embassy contact

Embassy Contact

We do not have an Embassy in Sri Lanka; please contact Embassy of Ireland India.

Embassy of Ireland
C17 Malcha Marg
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110 021
India

Tel: +91 11 4940 3200
Fax: +91 11 4059 1898

Monday to Friday 09:00-13:30 and 14:30-17:00

Contact us

Honorary Consulate Contact

Mr. Manik Pereira
Honorary Consul of Ireland
Pership House (ONE)
No. 72C Bauddhaloka Mawatha
Colombo 04
Sri Lanka

Assistant: Ms. Nilima Ranaweerasinghe,
PA to Co-Chairperson (Pership)
Ireland Consulate – Colombo

Tel: +94 11 4523900 / +94 11 2587895
Tel: +94 773 936126
Fax: +94 112 598705

Email: Email us