Sri Lanka

You must always carry your passport as an official form of identification. A copy is usually acceptable, but in some situations you may have to produce the original at a police station within a specified time limit.

Police could fine you if you ignore notices prohibiting alcohol in certain public areas.

Alcohol is not usually available on religious holidays. Drinking in public on these days could be culturally insensitive. Check locally for dates of religious holidays when this applies.

Police could fine you if you ignore ‘no smoking’ signs in certain public areas.

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in Sri Lanka use technology to detect illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

There are severe penalties for drug offences, terrorism and all other serious crimes. The authorities could hold you without charge indefinitely. If convicted, you may face a lengthy prison sentence.

If you’re arrested under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Terrorism Act, the authorities could detain you without charge awaiting a trial date. 

Do not fly drones near, use binoculars to look at, or take photographs of:

• military bases
• government buildings
• vehicles used by VIPs

Check how to register and operate drones with Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Authority.

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal, but we are not aware of any prosecutions.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Nude or topless sunbathing is not allowed.

If you enter a Buddhist temple:

• cover your legs and shoulders
• take off shoes and hats

Disrespecting Buddhist images and artefacts, or making offensive remarks about religion, is a serious offence and can lead to arrest. If you have visible tattoos of Buddha, you can be refused entry to Sri Lanka or face deportation. Do not pose for photographs standing in front of a statue of Buddha.      

Some Sri Lankan animals can be dangerous. If in doubt, follow advice from authorised guides or your travel operator. Wild elephants and crocodiles will attack humans on occasion. Venomous insects and snakes are found in many parts of the country – though not common in populated areas.

Feral dogs are common and sometimes carry rabies.

Monsoon rains can cause flooding in many places in Sri Lanka. Floods can cause widespread displacement of people, injuries and occasional deaths. Heavy rains and landslips can also lead to road closures and affect local transport links.

Monitor Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre and the Sri Lankan Department of Meteorology for updates and follow local advice.

There is a risk of tropical cyclones. Monitor Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre and the World Meteorological Organization for updates.