Travel Summary

• From 1 January 2012, British nationals require a visa for trips to Sri Lanka. The Government of Sri Lanka launched an online visa scheme, the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), to replace the existing procedure of granting visas on arrival.  The ETA was introduced from 1 October on a trial basis and became mandatory from 1 January 2012. See Entry Requirements - Visas.
  
  
  
• The Government of Sri Lanka has announced that foreign nationals, with the exception of foreign media crews, no longer need to have permission from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence before travelling to the northern districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaittivu and Vavuniya. See Safety and Security - Local Travel - North.
  
  
• Political rallies in Sri Lanka have on occasion turned violent. British nationals should avoid any political gatherings or rallies and beware of spontaneous large gatherings.
  
  

• There is an underlying threat from terrorism in Sri Lanka. Although the LTTE or “Tamil Tigers” suffered a military defeat in May 2009, the Government maintains extensive anti-terrorism powers and increased security measures including checkpoints. A highly visible military presence remains throughout the country. See Safety and Security - Terrorism.
  
  

• Extensive military operations are still ongoing, clearing minefields, unexploded ordnance and locating LTTE weapon caches (hides).  Always obey orders from the security forces or signs warning about the danger from land-mines. Do not venture from the roads or cleared footpaths and if in any doubt, contact the local security authorities for local advice.
  
  
• The majority of visits to Sri Lanka are incident free, although there are an increasing number of incidents of credit card fraud, road accidents and drownings. See Safety and Security - Crime, Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel, Safety and Security - Local Travel - Sea Travel, Health and General - Consular Assistance Statistics.
  
  
• You should get comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance. British nationals resident and/or working in Sri Lanka, or visiting for over one month, should register with the British High Commission in Colombo.