Keep up to-date with travel advice with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) before travelling to Sri Lanka as travel updates changes from time to time.
Travel Vaccinations for Sri Lanka
Situated in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka sits at the bottom of the tip of India.The table below provides a general guide as to the Travel Vaccinations that may be advised to you for travel to Sri Lanka. The Vaccinations and Medications that are needed for travel vary from person-to-person.
| Vaccination | All Travellers | Most Travellers | Some Travellers | Major Risk Factors | Course | Price Per Dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMR | Yes | Person-to-Person | Measles, mumps, rubella, Course of Two | £50 | ||
| DTaP | Yes | Person-to-Person | Tetanus, Diptheria, polio, Single Dose | £40 | ||
| Typhoid | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Typhoid, single dose | £50 | ||
| Hepatitis A | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Hepatitis A, Single Dose | £80 | ||
| Cholera | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Cholera, for course of 2 | £35 | ||
| Hepatitis B | Yes | Body Fluids, Medical Intervention | Hepatitis B, Course of Three | £55 | ||
| Japanese Encephalitis | Yes | Mosquitoes | Japanese encephalitis, Course of Two | £90 | ||
| Rabies | Yes | Infected Animals | Rabies, Course of Three | £65 |
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Risk of Malaria in Sri Lanka
Malaria is a viral illness spread by Mosquitoes that bite from dusk to dawn throughout the tropical world. It causes high fever and severe joint and muscle pains. In serious cases, malaria can be fatal. For more information, please see Malaria.
Malaria Prevention
Travellers to areas where there is a Risk of Malaria should get advice regarding Malaria Medication which can be taken to help stop the illness from developing. The type of medication required depends on your destination, itinerary, length of stay and current medical condition. Further reduce the risk of by practising mosquito Bite Avoidance by using Insect Repellent such as DEET 50% and covering exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers.
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Yellow Fever Risk and Certification Requirements for Sri Lanka
Yellow Fever is a serious viral illness spread by mosquitoes in the tropical regions of Africa and South America. For further information, please see Yellow Fever Vaccination.
Additional Travel Health Risks for Sri Lanka
Travel around Sri Lanka on a three wheeled tri-shaw or tuk-tuk and see the sights or travel on the countries extensive railways system. Pay a visit to the botanical gardens or one of the many tea estates. If something more serene is your style then why not try some whale and dolphin watching at Mirissa or Kalpatiya. Alternatively, just sit back, grab a cool beverage and watch the crowds go by.
Heat and Humidity
Sri Lanka is tropical so come prepared to avoid sunburn and heatstroke. There are also monsoons here, depending on when you travel. This is an island so the weather can change quite dramatically. Check the weather for the period you are travelling, as you will need to pack adequately and take reasonable precautions.
Insects
Insect Bites expose travellers to many diseases including Dengue Fever, Malaria and Japanese Encephalitis. Take steps to avoid Insect Bites including wearing insect repellent such as DEET 50% and covering areas of exposed skin with long sleeves and trousers.
Food and Drink
Sri Lankan cuisine is quite similar to South Indian cuisine so sit back, order and enjoy. Food is inexpensive with rice and curry in abundance. You might want to go easy for the first few days if you have a delicate tummy. Try eating your meal the Sri Lankan way – with the tips of the fingers of your right hand.
Drinking Water
Tap water is not considered safe so stick to the bottled stuff that is inexpensive and readily available. Don’t forget to also be mindful of foods washed in water and of ice cubes.
Personal Safety
Be sensible when travelling through Sri Lanka. Violent crime against tourist have been known to happen, especially against female tourists so be aware of your surroundings and try to travel in a group, especially at night. Some areas, due to past conflicts still contain land mines – so please check.
Travel Insurance
Make sure you have adequate and comprehensive travel and health insurance in place that will cover the full range of activities you plan to undertake while you are in Sri Lanka.
Travellers Diarrhoea
Travellers to Sri Lanka are at risk of Travellers Diarrhoea. Try to wash your hands regularly and monitor the food that you are eating and practise good personal hygiene.
In the Neighbourhood, South Asia
If you are travelling further afield throughout South Asia make sure you check out the vaccination injections that you need for every country that you are going to.
