Sri Lanka Travel Insurance Guide
Sri Lanka requires comprehensive travel insurance due to Level 2 terrorism advisory, dengue fever risks (45,000+ cases in 2025), common tourist scams, and potential civil unrest. Medical evacuation coverage is essential as emergency services are limited outside Colombo, and landmine areas remain in the north and east.
- What there is to do in Sri Lanka Travel Insurance Guide
- Cultural experiences & natural wonders
- Seasonal attractions & adventure activities
- Quick profiles of major cities
- Hotel cost ranges
- Visa & entry requirements
- Healthcare costs & detailed insurance breakdown
Safety Ratings and Resources
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.
Tourist areas are relatively safe, but economic crisis, protests, and harassment/assault cases mean elevated caution.
View Women's Travel Safety Guide →Same-sex acts criminalized; social stigma and sporadic police harassment; reforms debated but uneven.
View LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Guide →Visa & Entry Requirements
- Valid passport required
- Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or visa required for stays up to 30 days
- US/UK/Canada/Australia: Visa-free policy announced July 2025 for 30 days (verify current status as policy was temporarily revoked in October 2025)
- If ETA required: Apply online at eta.gov.lk before travel (limited facilities at Colombo airport)
- Business travelers need Business ETA from Sri Lankan embassy/consulate before arrival
Additional visa information
- Visa/ETA policy has changed recently - verify current requirements before travel
- July 2025: Visa-free policy announced for US/UK/Canada/Australia/UAE/Iran/Pakistan for 30 days
- October 2025: Mandatory ETA requirement announced then revoked - status unclear
- If ETA required: Apply online at eta.gov.lk with required fee, confirmation usually sent via email within minutes/hours
- Apply before travel as limited facilities exist at Bandaranaike International Airport Colombo
- Business travelers require Business ETA from nearest Sri Lankan embassy/consulate before arrival
Healthcare & Medical Information
Healthcare overview
Sri Lanka has a universal healthcare system providing nearly free treatment at public facilities, though non-Sri Lankans must pay for medicines. Public healthcare features long wait times and queues, while emergency services are limited to Colombo. Private hospitals in major cities like Colombo offer high-quality care at significantly lower costs than Western countries. Top Colombo hospitals include Nawaloka Hospital (Sri Lanka's #1 private hospital, founded 1985, first corporate private hospital, won first Sri Lanka Quality Award 1998), Lanka Hospital, Asiri, Durdans, and Hemas. User reviews describe these as 'close to UK quality' for those who can afford them. Lanka Hospital and Nawaloka are among the top five players accounting for nearly 45% of private-sector bed capacity. All doctors at major hospitals speak English, and many graduated from Western universities. Medical care is readily available in cities with many English-speaking doctors. Treatment costs are a fraction of Western hospitals. However, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation is essential, as you may need evacuation for serious illness/injury. The British High Commission cannot provide financial assistance to hospitalized British nationals - treatment costs are the individual's responsibility.
Typical medical costs
- Public/government hospitals: Free treatment for most ailments, but non-Sri Lankans must pay for medicines
- Private clinic consultation: ~6,000 LKR (~$20 USD)
- Private hospitals: Fraction of Western hospital costs but significantly more expensive than public
- Medical evacuation: Essential for serious illness/injury - $50,000-$150,000 to US
- Note: Emergency services limited to Colombo; private hospitals much cheaper than US/Europe
- Public hospitals have long wait times and serpentine queues
Travel Insurance Recommendations
While travel insurance is not always required, it's recommended for international travel to protect against unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other travel-related issues.
Common travel issues to consider
- Dengue fever treatment (45,422 cases reported in 2025, increased during monsoon season, especially western coast and Colombo)
- Tuk-tuk scams and overcharging (most common scam)
- Bar/drink scams with inflated bills (befriended then stuck with large bill)
- Gemstone scams targeting tourists
- Credit card fraud and overcharging
- Medical evacuation from outside Colombo
- Trip cancellations due to civil unrest/protests (can turn violent with little warning)
- Terrorism-related disruptions (Level 2 advisory, attacks can occur with little warning at tourist destinations)
- Severe flooding and landslides (November 2025 alerts issued)
Recommended providers
Consider comparing policies from multiple providers to find coverage that matches your travel needs.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services
112
Police
119
Ambulance
110
US Embassy Colombo - 24/7 Emergency
011-202-8500 (within Sri Lanka)
US Embassy from outside Sri Lanka
+94-11-202-8500
US Embassy Alternative After-Hours
+94-11-249-8888
US Embassy Address
210 Galle Road, Colombo 03