Most travellers to the island say that they consider Sri Lanka to be much safer than London. That is probably an accurate statement because the level of violent crime is much lower in Sri Lanka than in the UK. Nevertheless, it is always advisable for travellers to exercise the same degree of caution as they would in any other unfamiliar destination.

In the past ten years there has been only one incident affecting travellers. The group responsible was similar to those who carried out attacks in London, Paris, Turkey, Bali, Boston, Sydney and other cities around the world.

The motives for the attacks had been the issues in the middle east and nothing whatsoever to do with Sri Lanka. It is believed that the suspects have all been either killed or arrested. The authorities have increased security and no further incidents have been reported since.

Sri Lanka has a free at the point of use health service which is similar to the National Health Service of the United Kingdom. So many infectious diseases such as Malaria that are commonly found in many holiday destinations have been eradicated. However, Sri Lanka is not yet free of Dengue Fever and Rabies. While there has not been any reports of travellers being affected, it is important to be aware of the issue.

Dengue Fever

This mosquito-borne disease is becoming increasingly problematic across many tropical countries. As there is no vaccine available, it can only be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites at all times. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache and body, sometimes a rash and diarrhoea. Treatment is rest and paracetamol – do not take aspirin or ibuprofen as it increases the likelihood of haemorrhaging. If affected make sure you see a doctor to be diagnosed and monitored.

Rabies

This fatal disease is spread by the bite or possibly even the lick of an infected animal – most commonly a dog or monkey. You should seek medical advice immediately after any animal bite and commence post-exposure treatment.

Having pre travel vaccination means the postbite treatment is greatly simplified. If an animal bites you, gently wash the wound with soap and water, and apply iodine-based antiseptic. If you are not vaccinated you will need to receive rabies immunoglobulin as soon as possible, and this can be expensive and tricky to find in some areas.

Food

There are many unregulated eateries and street food vendors in all parts of the island. The hygiene standards appear to be casual at best and bad at worst in many such places. The safest option is to avoid such establishments.

Nevertheless, many travellers continue to eat street food and insist that it is delicious, healthy and cheap. We have not heard of a case where a traveller has died from eating street food in Sri Lanka but it is important to be aware that poor hygiene is a matter of concern.

Water

Sri Lankan tap water is chlorinated and is considered safe to drink by the local population. However, it is not as safe as in wetern Europe. Therefore travellers should not drink tap water or consume ice made from tap water in Sri Lanka. Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available.

We have not heard of any traveller who has died from drinking tap water in Sri Lanka but it is important to be aware that the water may be potentially dangerous.

Typhoid

TRAVELers risk catching typhoid via contaminated food and water. The disease progresses slowly with a high fever and headache, along with stomach pain, muscle pain, dehydration, diarrhea, fatigue and skin rash.

Hepatitis A

Like typhoid, it's transmitted via contaminated food and water but also through poor hygiene practices. It's a condition which affects the liver, however, most who are infected tend to recover without lasting liver damage. Avoid unpasteurized dairy, make sure hot food is cooked thoroughly, avoid ice cubes and icy drinks, ensure fruit and veg is washed in safe, clean water or peel it yourself. Observing good hygiene also helps to prevent potential infection.

BEFORE YOU GO

Before travelling to new destinations always consult your doctor or travel clinic and get advice.

Vaccination Certificates

A vaccination certificate is required to enter Sri Lanka for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Failure to produce the required documentation may result in the traveller being held in quarantine and deported from Sri Lanka.

There is no Yellow Fever in Sri Lanka and they wish to keep it that way so they deporting tourists who may be infected