Melissa Carey
As of August 2024, the US government advises its citizens to exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to civil unrest and terrorism. US citizens travelling to Sri Lanka must have either an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a visa. Most visitors from the US, regardless of their vaccination status, can enter Sri Lanka without needing to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result and without needing to quarantine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Travel Advisory Level | Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution |
| Reason | Civil unrest and terrorism |
| Upcoming Event | Presidential elections on September 21, 2024 |
| Advisory for U.S. Citizens | Avoid all gatherings, be aware of surroundings, follow local authorities' instructions, monitor local media, avoid demonstrations and crowds |
| Recommended Enrollment | Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) |
| U.S. Embassy Colombo | 210 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka |
| U.S. Embassy Colombo Contact | Telephone: +(94) (11) 202-8500, Fax: +(94) (11) 202-7345, Email: [email protected] |
| Vaccinations | Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, MMR, Tdap, Chickenpox, Shingles, Pneumonia, COVID-19, Influenza |
| Entry Requirements | ETA or visa, ETA approval notice, onward/return ticket, proof of sufficient funds, passport valid for six months from the expected date of departure |
| Currency Restrictions for Entry | Declare foreign currency over USD 15,000 |
| Currency Restrictions for Exit | Declare if exiting with foreign currency over USD 5,000 |
What You'll Learn
- US citizens must have a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka
- US citizens should be aware of the risk of civil unrest and terrorism in Sri Lanka
- US citizens should monitor local media and avoid all gatherings and demonstrations
- US citizens should be aware of the possibility of scams and petty crime in Sri Lanka
- US citizens should be aware of the possibility of infectious diseases, such as dengue fever, in Sri Lanka
US citizens must have a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka
US citizens travelling to Sri Lanka must have either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The ETA was introduced to simplify and speed up the visa application process. It allows US citizens to obtain a short-stay visa on arrival. The ETA can be applied for online and involves answering some basic questions and paying a fee. Most applications are processed within minutes, but it is recommended to apply at least two business days in advance. The ETA is initially limited to 30 days from the date of arrival, though it can be extended for up to six months.
US citizens must meet all the requirements to be able to apply for an ETA. In addition to completing the application form, visitors need to possess a valid US passport with at least six months of validity left, pay a fee using a credit or debit card, and provide a current email address to receive the ETA. When entering Sri Lanka, US passport holders need to provide the following documentation: a printed copy of the approved ETA, proof of sufficient funds to cover the trip, and a return or onward ticket.
US citizens intending to visit Sri Lanka for short-term business activities such as business meetings, negotiations, or conferences are required to obtain a business ETA. These are not available online and must be obtained from the nearest Sri Lankan Embassy or Consulate before arrival, or at the port of entry in Sri Lanka.
US citizens intending to visit Sri Lanka for religious or volunteer work, or for local employment, must obtain entry visas from the nearest Sri Lankan Embassy or Consulate before their arrival. These visas are not available at the port of entry or through the online system.
It is important to note that the US State Department currently recommends that US citizens exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to civil unrest and terrorism.
Conjunctivitis: Travel Abroad Safely?
You may want to see also
US citizens should be aware of the risk of civil unrest and terrorism in Sri Lanka
The US State Department currently advises US citizens to exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to the risk of civil unrest and terrorism. The country is set to hold a presidential election on 21 September 2024, and demonstrations could occur before, during, or after the election. In the past, police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters, and such gatherings can turn violent with little or no warning.
Terrorist attacks have also occurred in Sri Lanka with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, and other public areas. Terrorist groups are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack, including knives, firearms, and vehicles, to target crowds more effectively. The last terrorist attack in Sri Lanka occurred on 19 April 2019, when terrorists carried out coordinated bombings of hotels and churches in Colombo and Batticaloa, killing more than 250 people and injuring over 500.
US citizens travelling to Sri Lanka should be aware of their surroundings when visiting tourist locations and crowded public venues. They should follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for breaking news, and avoid all demonstrations and crowds. US citizens should also enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency.
In addition to the risk of civil unrest and terrorism, there are several other considerations for US citizens travelling to Sri Lanka. These include health and safety concerns, such as the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever, Chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis; the lack of safety inspections and hazardous areas/activities in the tourism industry; and the limited availability of medical facilities and supplies outside of Colombo. US citizens should also be aware of local laws and customs, including restrictions on photography in certain areas and the requirement to carry passports at all times.
The Enchanting Journey Through Vietnam: A Must-Experience Travel Adventure
You may want to see also
US citizens should monitor local media and avoid all gatherings and demonstrations
The US State Department currently advises US citizens to exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to civil unrest and terrorism. The country is set to hold a presidential election on 21 September 2024, and demonstrations could occur before, during, or after the election. US citizens are advised to monitor local media and avoid all gatherings and demonstrations, even peaceful ones, as they can turn violent with little or no warning.
Sri Lanka has a history of civil unrest and terrorism, and police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters. Terrorist attacks have targeted tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, hospitals, and other public areas. As such, US citizens travelling to Sri Lanka are advised to be aware of their surroundings when visiting tourist locations and crowded public venues, and to follow the instructions of local authorities.
It is important for US citizens to monitor local media for breaking news and adjust their plans accordingly. They should also enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency. Additionally, they should follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter for updates.
US citizens travelling abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations and review the Traveler's Checklist. They should also visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to their destination.
Duffle 42 Delta Travel Companion
You may want to see also
US citizens should be aware of the possibility of scams and petty crime in Sri Lanka
The US State Department recommends that US citizens exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to civil unrest and terrorism. Terrorist attacks have occurred in Sri Lanka, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, and other public areas. These attacks can occur with little or no warning, so it is important to be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.
In addition to the risk of terrorism, US citizens should also be aware of the possibility of scams and petty crime in Sri Lanka. Most crimes against US citizens in the country are petty crimes and crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing, hotel room thefts, and fraud. There are occasional reports of credit card fraud, and authorities have arrested foreign nationals and organized groups for financial crimes. To avoid credit card fraud, it is important to always keep your card in sight when making payments and to get a transaction receipt.
Another common scam in Sri Lanka involves tuk-tuk or taxi drivers offering "special" tours or access to festivals or gem shops. In this scam, tourists are heavily pressured to buy "gems" that are either cut glass or worth much less than the asking price. A similar scam involves surf schools, where renters are falsely accused of damaging surfboards and are demanded exorbitant prices for repairs.
Street hustlers are also common around popular hotels, shopping areas, and other tourist sites. There are occasional reports of snatch-and-grab thefts of purses or jewelry, but no recent reports of armed robberies. To avoid these types of crimes, it is recommended to only carry small amounts of money and to keep your passport in a safe place, such as a hotel safe or hostel reception.
US citizens should be aware of the possibility of infectious diseases, such as dengue fever, in Sri Lanka
The US State Department currently recommends that US citizens exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to civil unrest and terrorism. US citizens who travel to Sri Lanka should be aware of the possibility of infectious diseases, such as dengue fever, in the country.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease that is widespread in Sri Lanka's Western Province, where the capital Colombo is located. The disease is caused by a virus transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms of dengue fever typically include fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and a rash. In some cases, the disease can progress to a more severe form called severe dengue, which can be life-threatening.
To prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of dengue fever, US citizens travelling to Sri Lanka should take measures such as using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and staying in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens. It is also important to reduce mosquito breeding sites by emptying, cleaning, or covering containers that can hold water, such as buckets, flowerpots, or tyres.
In addition to dengue fever, other mosquito-borne diseases present in Sri Lanka include Chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis. The CDC and WHO recommend several vaccinations for travellers to Sri Lanka, including those for Japanese encephalitis and yellow fever. It is important for travellers to be up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations and to consult with a healthcare professional for specific advice based on their individual needs and travel plans.
US citizens travelling to Sri Lanka should also be aware of other health considerations, such as the quality of local medical facilities, which may vary, and the availability of ambulance services, which may have response times and standards below those in the United States. It is recommended that travellers purchase medical evacuation insurance and carry any necessary prescription medications with them.
Travel Abroad: Worth the Hassle?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, US citizens can travel to Sri Lanka. They will need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the country.
US citizens need a valid passport, an approval notice from Sri Lanka's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) System, an onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. The ETA system is available online or at the port of entry, but visitors are strongly urged to use the online system to avoid lengthy delays.
The US Department of State advises US citizens to exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to civil unrest and terrorism. Terrorist attacks have occurred in Sri Lanka, with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, and other public areas.
