2025 Status
Some countries state that you should exercise caution when visiting Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Travel Advice
Where from?
Where to?
Dates
Passengers & Class
1 Adult, Economy/Coach
Sri Lanka's Current Situation
- After the Sri Lanka Easter Bombings of 2019 that killed 269 people, Sri Lanka has upped its vigilance and security.
- Sri Lanka's economic crisis of 2021 to 2022 has left nearly 25% of its population in poverty, increasing the amount of protests.
- Sri Lanka's crime rate is 41.92, giving it a moderate score. Corruption, bribery, vandalism, and robbery are its biggest legal issues.
- Sri Lanka is highly safe to walk around during the day and moderately safe at night.
US Department of State on Sri Lanka
As of October 2024, the US Department of State has designated Sri Lanka a level 2 location, meaning you should exercise increased caution.
Tourists are advised to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid large gatherings, even peaceful ones, due to the risk of potential terrorist attacks. Radical groups like ISIS have previously targeted public spaces, including popular tourist spots, restaurants and hotels.
Due to Sri Lanka's increasing poverty rates, protests may occur. If they do, police are authorised to use water cannons and tear gas, which can result in injury.
The US advises to:
- Monitor the news and cancel your plans if there are any recent attacks or increased political tensions.
- Avoid very crowded areas.
- Avoid any protests.
- Listen to authorities.
The FCDO on Sri Lanka
Since February 2025, the UK has removed any warnings about travel to Sri Lanka. However, no travel can be guaranteed safe.
Sri Lanka has had a rocky past, going from being a do not travel unless essential destination to where it stands today, where travel is deemed safe.
This is due to the lack of terrorist attacks in the last couple of years, as well as the country's relatively low violent crime rate.
The UK advises to:
- Stay alert.
- Get travel insurance.
- Do thorough research on Sri Lanka before you visit.
What do other governments say?
- The United Arab Emirates - exercise increased caution.
- Canada - exercise a high degree of caution.
- Australia - exercise a high degree of caution.
- India - safe, but remain alert.
- Singapore - exercise caution.
Will I be safe in Sri Lanka?
Solo female travellers
Sri Lanka is safe for solo female travellers. However, as with any destination, you should always remain alert, as instances can occur. Things like avoiding isolated areas and not travelling alone at night can help ensure your safety during your trip to Sri Lanka.
People of colour
The majority of Sri Lankans are of one ethnicity, so if you're from somewhere else, you may attract stares. However, you are unlikely to experience any hostility. The people of Sri Lanka are known for being very welcoming, and although they may be curious about you, you won't be in any danger.
LGBTQ+ travellers
No. Homosexuality is illegal in Sri Lanka. Intercourse between two members of the same sex can result in 10 years imprisonment. While LGBTQ+ travellers do visit Sri Lanka, you'll have to be careful and avoid any public displays of affection.
Sri Lanka emergency numbers
If you get injured or fall victim to a crime, alerting the authorities as soon as possible is essential in ensuring you recover and the assailants are caught.
Although it may be nice to travel technology-free, having a phone somewhere nearby is important in case the worst occurs.
These are the emergency numbers of Sri Lanka:
- Ambulance - 011 2691111 or 1990
- Fire and Rescue - 111
- Police - 118/119
- Emergency Police Mobile Squad - 011 5717171
- Tourist Police - 011 2421052
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Sri Lanka Travel Advice Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sri Lanka safe?
Yes, although different governments have varied ideas on how safe it is. Places like the UK and India regard it as a safe location but state that you should remain alert, as you would with any country. Others, like the US and the UAE, say that you should be cautious about travelling, however, don't outright not recommend it. In recent years, there have been fewer violent incidents; nevertheless, after the horrific terrorist attack of 2019, people are still nervous.
How to stay safe while visiting Sri Lanka?
To stay safe in Sri Lanka, you should be aware of your surroundings, avoid large gatherings, stay away from any protests, avoid being out when it's dark, stay away from isolated areas, check the news for any recent incidents and research where you'll be staying thoroughly. While doing these things cannot 100% guarantee safety, they lower the risk of you falling victim to a crime.