Visitors are strongly urged to use the online system to avoid lengthy delays at the port of entry. The Electronic Travel Authorization System is available online or at the port of entry. citizens intending to visit Sri Lanka for purposes of tourism or transit require an approval notice from Sri Lanka’s Electronic Travel Authorization System, onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. citizens visiting Sri Lanka must have either an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Please read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Sri Lanka for additional information. Visitors can travel to all provinces former prohibitions on visiting some provinces no longer exist. list of designated terrorist organizations. There have been no terrorist attacks since the end of the conflict, and the government has authority throughout the island. During the war, the LTTE had a history of attacks against civilians, though none were directed against U.S. On May 18, 2009, more than 26 years of conflict ended with the Sri Lankan government defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The capital city of Colombo, the Cultural Triangle (Dambulla, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa), the cities of Kandy and Galle, and many southern beach towns have good tourist facilities, and the roads connecting many of those destinations are generally good and improving. Sri Lanka's beaches, hill country, and archaeological sites attract visitors from around the world. Sri Lanka is a presidential parliamentary democracy with a developing economy. Last Update: Reissued with updates to COVID-19 information. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Crime and Safety Report for Sri Lanka.Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.Follow the instructions of local authorities.Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S.
Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting 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. Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 and related restrictions and conditions in Sri Lanka.
Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC's specific recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Sri Lanka due to COVID-19, indicating a high level of COVID-19 in the country. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to terrorism. Reconsider travel to Sri Lanka due to COVID-19.