Source document checked 2026-11-01T18:49:53Z · version b0b4d79ea949.
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 ones.
Protests could turn violent with little or no warning.
Terrorism
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Sri Lanka. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Terrorist attacks have occurred in Sri Lanka, with little or no warning.
They may target:
Tourist locations
Transportation hubs
Markets and shopping malls
Government buildings
Hotels, clubs, and restaurants
Places of worship
Parks
Major sporting and cultural events
Schools and hospitals
Airports
Other public areas
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in remote areas.
Land mines
Approximately 23 square kilometers of Sri Lanka have land mines left from its civil war. Most land mines have been cleared, but some areas in northern and eastern Sri Lanka are still dangerous. The highest concentration is in the northern districts of the Northern Province. This territory has dense forests and rough terrain. Warning signs with the international land mine symbol mark the areas of greatest risk. The symbol shows a skull and crossbones in a red, upside-down triangle. White markers indicate cleared land.
Source: U.S. State Dept — View full advisory ↗. Text extracts from the linked U.S. Department of State advisory. This site is independent; third-party materials retain their own rights.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
No whole-country FCDO warning — read the full advice; FCDO does not publish a numeric level · Updated 2026-09-21
Source document checked 2026-11-01T18:50:03Z · version 7583704c7a40.
Heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides
Heavy rainfall during the inter-monsoon season has increased the risk of flooding and landslides across Sri Lanka. Disruption to transport and other services is possible. Check with your travel provider and follow the advice of local authorities.
Sri Lanka Tourism’s 24-hour hotline is available on 1912.
Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East
Travel
Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.
Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:
check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator
review your travel insurance policy for coverage
monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts
Some flights from Colombo to the UK via Middle Eastern hubs may be delayed, postponed, or re-routed. British nationals in Sri Lanka should check the latest updates from their airlines and consider alternative carriers or routes where necessary.
For further information, review Media Notice from the Department of Immigration & Emigration.
Fuel
The Government of Sri Lanka is limiting purchases of fuel in response to the situation in the Middle East. All vehicles will be allocated a weekly fuel quota. The Government has announced that special arrangements will be implemented for tour operators and hotels to minimise disruption to tourism.
Additional assistance available: Sri Lankan Tourist Hotline: 1912
This is a partial extract. Read the full official advisory for all warnings and locations.
Safety and security
This section comes from the same source document as the advisory above.
This guide also has safety advice for regions of Sri Lanka.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Sri Lanka
Terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka cannot be ruled out.
Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals and tourists such as:
hotels
bars, restaurants and night clubs
beaches
tourist sites
places of worship
large public gatherings, including major events, public holidays, religious occasions
Avoid crowded public places. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
The conflict in Israel and the Palestine has led to heightened tensions around the world. Terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida and Daesh, have called on their supporters to carry out terrorist attacks in response to the conflict. The conflict could also motivate individuals to carry out attacks.
Terrorist attacks could target Jewish or Muslim communities, or the interests of Israel and its allies. Attacks could also be indiscriminate and occur without warning.
On Easter Sunday in April 2019, more than 250 people, including 8 British nationals, were killed in terrorist attacks against 3 churches and 3 hotels in Sri Lanka: in Colombo, Negombo and in Batticaloa.
Partial safety extract; read the full official section.
There is a visible military presence across the north. Follow local advice and instructions from the security forces and take seriously warning signs about landmines.
Jaffna Peninsula
Operations to clear mines continue, particularly in the heavily mined area towards Elephant Pass. However, apart from High Security Zones, there is free movement.
Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar and Vavuniya
There is a visible military presence. There was severe war damage to property throughout the northern region, so accommodation options and infrastructure are limited. Follow any local advice about signs warning of mined areas.
Eastern Sri Lanka
De-mining and clearance operations are ongoing in parts of east Sri Lanka. There are several areas, primarily former military and police locations, that continue to be marked as minefields. Follow the instructions of the local security forces and look out for signs warning of landmines. Do not leave the roads or cleared footpaths and, if in any doubt, contact the local security authorities for advice.
中国外交部领事安全提醒 · China MFA consular notices
For Chinese citizens and organisations. Published notice records; no site numeric mapping. Destination risk assessments are not included.
Global Affairs Canada — Travel Advice and Advisories
For Canadian travellers and residents abroad. Official Canadian four-level scale; source wording is retained separately from the site summary.
Older data retained · last successful check 2026-10-17T01:47:56Z
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Official level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution · Updated 13 October 2026 14:26 ET
Source document checked 2026-10-17T01:47:56Z · version bbf661d65201.
Sri Lanka travel advice · Author: Global Affairs Canada. Text extracts from the linked official version; this site is independent of the Government of Canada.
Risk level
Sri Lanka - Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Sri Lanka due to demonstrations, the threat of terrorist attacks and crime.
Safety and security
Availability of fuel and public services
Fuel availability for personal motor vehicles in Sri Lanka is limited.
Special arrangements are in place to ensure fuel access for service providers within the tourism sector.
If you are in Sri Lanka:
Monitor local media and government announcements for updates
In case of emergency tourism-related assistance, contact the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority hotline at 1912
Useful links
Fuel purchase registration system – Government of Sri Lanka
Demonstrations occur frequently in Colombo, and occasionally elsewhere in the country. Security forces may use tear gas and water cannons during violent protests.
Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
Follow the instructions of local authorities
Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Partial safety extract; read the full official document.
来源:中国领事服务网 · Source: China MFA · destination risk assessments
How the sources compare
Published advice and official update dates
Source
Published advice / scope
Updated
This site (summary)
Level 2 · Exercise Increased Caution
2025-10-14
U.S. State Dept
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
2025-10-14
UK FCDO
No whole-country FCDO warning — read the full advice
2026-09-21
China MFA · consular notices
Chinese consular notices · no site numeric mapping
Published 2022-07-15
Canada · Global Affairs
Exercise a high degree of caution
2026-10-13
China MFA · risk assessments
中国外交部评估:黄色(中风险)
Official update date not provided
This site shows the higher available whole-country level. Missing data and regional advice are never treated as Level 1. UK FCDO does not publish a 1–4 numeric level — the level shown for it is our mapping of its published advice, not an official UK grading.