Sri Lanka Travel Vaccines and Advice
Sri Lanka is said to be the most beautiful country in the world, but you really realize it when you discover it. Lands of extraordinary natural landscapes reside on this pearl of the Indian Ocean. Its beaches and lagoons are a paradise and invite all for a few hours of tanning and swimming. Its lush tropical forests are not to be left out, as they contain various animal and plant species. Historically, this destination has long been under the influence of the Arabs, the Portuguese, the English and the Hollanders. They left footprints that can still be seen today. Amongst the ancient relics one can find in Sri Lanka, there are theBritish style houses in Nuwara Eliya.
Recommended travel vaccinations for Sri Lanka
| Vaccine | Disease Transmission |
|---|---|
| Traveler’s diarrhea | Contaminated water/food |
| Typhoid | |
| Hepatitis A | |
| Hepatitis B | Contaminated body fluids (blood, sex, razors, needles, etc.) |
| Rabies | Infected Animals |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito bites |
| Influenza | Airborne Droplets |
Recommended Medication for Travelling to Sri Lanka
| Medication | Additional Information |
|---|---|
| Acetazolamide or Dexamethasone | Recommended for prevention of acute mountain sickness |
| Azithromycin or Suprax | Antibiotic in case of traveler’s diarrhea |
Current Weather in Sri Lanka
Medical Care in Sri Lanka
Although the health care system in Sri Lanka is sufficient, it is difficult to receive treatment outside of Colombo, the capital. If you need hospitalization, you should seek treatment from The National Hospital. It is also possible to use services from Apollo Hospital Colombo or the Asiri Surgical Hospital which provide adequate emergency facilities.
You will be able to find basic drugs in Sri Lanka but will find it more difficult to locate more specific pharmaceuticals. Avoid relying on advice from pharmacists, as some have not undertaken sufficient training.
For medical assistance, dial 110 in Sri Lanka. You can phone 94 (11) 242 2222 for the fire department that can also aid in such queries. For more serious illnesses medical evacuation by plane will be necessary.
Is Sri Lanka Safe for Travel?
| Safety and Security | Descriptive |
|---|---|
| Crime | High risk |
| Demonstrations | Avoir large gatherings |
| Road safety | Caution required in rural areas |
| East and north areas | High degree of caution |
| Tourist facilities | Available; Quality varies |
| Women’s safety | Risk present |
| Swimming | Unsafe |
| Health | Dengue fever warning |
| Risk level | High degree of caution |
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Sri Lanka?
Prior to travel, make sure you check with your transportation company about any passport requirements. This is important as in some cases their regulations on passport validity may be more strict than those of the destination country.
Both, a visa (or an Electronic Travel Authority) and a passport are required to enter Sri Lanka for stays longer than 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure.
A proof of an onward ticket and sufficient funds to sustain your trip are also required.
Please click here for more information.
Embassy of Canada to Sri Lanka information
When travelling to another country, it is important to know where the Canadian embassy is located in the event of:
- A legal problem
- A lost passport
- The need to report a crime
It is advisable to make a copy of your original passport in case you lose it.
Canadian High Comission to Sri Lanka
Street Address:
33-A 5th Lane, Colombo 03,
Sri Lanka
Tel.: 94 (11) 532-6232 / 94 (11) 522-6232
Fax: 94 (11) 532-6299 or 522-6299
Email: [email protected]