Here's some travel advice to keep you informed and safe when it comes to travel to Sri Lanka...

Civil Unrest/Political Tension
Travellers are advised to defer non-essential travel to the north and east of Sri Lanka. An escalation in tensions between the Muslim, Tamil and Sinhalese communities in this region has resulted in increased violence in the districts of Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara, Jaffna, Mannar and Vavuniya. The incidence of politically motivated tit-for-tat or revenge assassinations between rival Tamil factions has also increased significantly. Communal tensions are high and the security situation is uncertain. Further violence is possible.

Travellers in Sri Lanka are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in the lead-up to presidential elections scheduled for 17 November 2005. The security situation throughout the country, including in Colombo, may deteriorate during the campaign period. Numerous violent incidents, including murder and assault, occurred in the lead-up to elections in 2001 and 2004. Incidents often occurred on roads as party officials and candidates travelled between campaign engagements. You should be vigilant and watch the media for information about possible new safety or security threats.

A 2002 ceasefire agreement between the Government and the LTTE has held despite remaining tensions. Sporadic politically motivated violence, including assassinations, including in Colombo, occurs. Although tourists have not been targets of politically motivated violence, the LTTE have undertaken attacks at locations frequented by tourists including the international airport in Colombo.

A State of Emergency was declared by the government of Sri Lanka following the assassination of the foreign minister on 13 August 2005 and remains in effect. The State of Emergency gives additional powers to security forces including the authority to establish road blocks and impose curfews.

Demonstrations and large public gatherings can turn violent.

Security personnel may impose curfews, roadblocks and security checks at short notice across the country, and may require proof of identification, such as a current passport.

Personal Security
Violent crime against foreigners continues to increase, including sexual assault and robbery at tourist sites. Policing in remote areas is often hampered by a lack of resources and poor infrastructure.

Local Conditions
The 26 December 2004 tsunami caused extensive damage to parts of the east and south coasts of Sri Lanka and the west coast, south of Colombo. Travellers intending to travel to these areas are advised to seek information on the current condition of infrastructure and facilities from tour operators.

Transport conditions throughout Sri Lanka are hazardous. There is a high number of road deaths and injuries, particularly on inter-city buses and three-wheeler taxis. The standard of driving and vehicle maintenance is poor. There have been a number of fatal accidents on Sri Lankan railways in recent years.

Marked and unmarked landmines are widespread in parts of the north and east, especially in Vanni, Jaffna and along the A9 road in the north.

There are no longer restrictions on tourist travel to Jaffna, but checkpoints on roads north of Vavuniya may cause delays.

Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Sri Lanka. This advice should be read in conjunction with our travel bulletin on piracy at sea.

The monsoon season is December to March in the northeast and May to October in the southwest. Flooding and landslides may occur. In the event of a natural disaster, local authorities will provide advice.

Local Law and Customs
Travellers are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. Local laws and legal processes can be very different from those at home. A violation of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or unjust by your standards.

Penalties for drug trafficking are severe and include the death penalty.

Homosexual acts are illegal in Sri Lanka.

Consistent with local custom, travellers should dress and behave conservatively.

Photography and videoing of government military installations is prohibited. Photographing people next to Buddha statues can cause offence.

Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa conditions are subject to change. For up-to-date visa information, travellers should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Sri Lanka, well in advance of travel.

A passport and onward/return ticket and proof of sufficient funds are required. A no-cost visitor visa, valid for 30 days, will be granted to tourists at the time of entry into Sri Lanka. Business travelers are required to have a visa prior to arrival. Visitors staying more than 30 days for any purpose must pay residency visa fees.

All travelers departing Sri Lanka (except diplomats and certain exempted travelers) must pay an airport tax, in cash. Sri Lankan law requires all persons, including foreigners, who are guests in private households to register in person at the nearest local police station. Individuals who stay in private households without registering may be temporarily detained for questioning. This requirement does not apply to individuals staying in hotels or guesthouses.

Health Issues
The standard of medical and ancillary treatment in Colombo is below that of Australia. Medical facilities outside of Colombo are limited with no reliable emergency services available.

Dengue, including the sometimes fatal haemorrhagic strain, occurs throughout Sri Lanka, including in Colombo. Rabies is widespread and is common in local cats, dogs, squirrels, monkeys and other animals.

Source: Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade