Sri Lanka

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

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Sri Lanka at this time because of the high risk of politically motivated violence. 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.

You should avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings as they may turn violent or be a target for politically-motivated attacks. Police have used tear gas in response to protests.

Conventional conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the north of the country ended in May 2009 with the military defeat of the LTTE. A general terrorist threat remains and isolated attacks are possible. You should avoid military and government installations, which have been the most common targets for previous attacks. Attacks also occurred in the past against infrastructure, in markets and on public transport. Post-conflict security forces activity, including de-mining and recovery of cached weapons, is ongoing in parts of the north and east of the country.

Security measures remain at a high level throughout the country. Military/Police checkpoints are established along some main roads and armed security forces have a visible presence throughout the country. Road blocks may be established without warning. Due to the State of Emergency, the security forces have wide-ranging powers, including the authority to impose curfews, detain without charge for extended periods of time and to search individuals, vehicles, residences and commercial premises. You should comply with instructions issued by security personnel and carry proof of identification, such as your passport, at all times.

Non-Sri Lankan citizens of Sri Lankan heritage have been detained on occasion by Sri Lankan Police or security forces. Australians are encouraged to keep their passports with them at all times and to ask to contact the Australian High Commission if detained.

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

Northern Province of Sri Lanka: We advise you not to travel to Mannar, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Jaffna Districts in the north.

Post-conflict security forces activity is ongoing in the north. Marked and unmarked landmines and unexploded ordnance are widespread in some areas. Foreign passport holders, including diplomats and international and local non-government organisation personnel, no longer require approval from the Ministry of Defence to travel to the north of Sri Lanka. However, individuals and groups intending to visit military establishments or high security zones or to meet military officials still require specific approval from the Ministry of Defence. There continues to be a heavy presence of military and security forces. Paramilitary activity also occurs.

Camps for internally displaced persons in the Vavuniya area are subject to tight security and access is limited. If you visit Vavuniya or the camps, you should exercise extreme caution.

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

Eastern Province of Sri Lanka: While most of the Eastern Province has been cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance, some isolated areas are yet to be cleared. If travelling in the Eastern Province you should stay on main roads and pay close attention to signs warning of danger from landmines. Communal and inter-ethnic tensions have been high in the east in the past and isolated incidents of violence can occur with little warning.

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. Thefts in hotels and guesthouses have been reported. Travellers should take precautions to safeguard valuables and personal effects.

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

There have been frequent incidents of credit card fraud. Travellers should seek advice from their credit card provider on how to best protect themselves against credit card fraud.

A number of air services operate between Colombo and the north, including services run by the Sri Lankan Air Force. Safety and maintenance standards may not be certified in accordance with international commercial airline standards.

Please refer to our travel bulletin for information about Aviation Safety and Security.

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. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and 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.

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.

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

Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

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.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

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.