Is Sri Lanka Safe to Visit? An Insider's Guide

Nestled in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a vibrant tapestry of cultural riches, natural wonders, and warm hospitality.

But for many travelers, a key question arises: Is Sri Lanka safe to visit? While this enchanting island has faced challenges in the past, the good news is that with some sensible precautions and awareness, you can enjoy a secure, fulfilling journey through Sri Lanka.

Table of Content

Understanding the Current Safety Situation
Essential Safety Guidelines for Travelers
Women’s Safety
Common Scams
Areas to Avoid here
Local Helpline Numbers to keep in mind
Why Choose OneVasco?
FAQs

Understanding the Current Safety Situation

The crime rate is relatively low by international standards, and the authorities place a strong emphasis on maintaining security, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for both residents and visitors.

Compared to global cities, Sri Lanka still ranks favourably on safety indexes. According to the Crime Index by Numbeo, Sri Lanka scored moderately well relative to other cities on safety indexes:

Crime Index Score	Safety Scale Rating
42.2 (Moderate: slight incidence of crime)	57.8 (high level of safety)

In comparison, the USA has a crime index score of 49.2! These numbers prove that Sri Lanka is a safer city than most others, especially among Asian countries.

Essential Safety Guidelines for Travelers

To ensure a smooth, incident-free trip, here are some key safety tips for travelers in Sri Lanka:

Respect Local Customs and Norms

Dress modestly, especially at religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees.
Avoid photographing locals or official buildings without consent.
Refrain from discussing sensitive religious or political topics.
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon.
Avoid taking selfies or posing with statues of the Buddha in a way that disrespects their sanctity (e.g., turning your back to the statue).

Navigate Traffic and Transport Safely

Choose reputable taxis, trains, buses overcrowded private vehicles.
You need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Sri Lanka, so obtain one before your trip.
Before signing any paperwork, thoroughly inspect the car for any scratches, dents, or other damage and report any issues to the rental company.
Familiarize yourself with Sri Lanka’s road rules, like driving on the left side and mandatory seatbelt use.
When renting a car in Sri Lanka, it’s essential to choose a reputable provider that aligns with your travel needs. Here are some notable car rental companies operating in Sri Lanka:
Europcar: Offers a wide selection of vehicles with convenient pick-up and drop-off locations
SIXT: Provides a premium fleet of up-to-date vehicles, with branches at major locations
Casons Rent A Car: A leading local company boasting over 500 vehicles, including 4WD jeeps, vans, and luxury coaches

Carry Adequate Protection from the Climate

Stay Hydrated: Humidity is high; drink plenty of water.
Pack for Rain: Monsoons hit different regions at different times, so carry a raincoat or umbrella.
Wear Sunscreen: The tropical sun is strong year-round.
Layer for Highlands: Cooler evenings in places like Nuwara Eliya need a light jacket.
Check Weather Alerts: Avoid flood-prone areas during heavy rains.

Women’s Safety

Ensuring women’s safety in Sri Lanka requires a comprehensive approach that includes addressing violence, providing accessible support services, and strengthening law enforcement measures.

Women’s Helpline: The Ministry of Women and Child Affairs operates a helpline for distressed women.

Emergency Hotline: 1938
Office Contact: +94 11 2186055
Address: 5th Floor, Sethsiripaya Stage II, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka

While specific statistics on CCTV coverage are limited, urban areas like Colombo have implemented surveillance systems to enhance public safety.

Here are some general tips for women to stay safe in Sri Lanka:

Stick to reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps like Uber or PickMe.
Stick to well-lit and populated areas if you need to walk after dark, and avoid isolated streets or parks.
In places like hotels or public transport, consider opting for women-only spaces when available for extra comfort and security.
If you face any harassment or feel unsafe, immediately report it to the local authorities or your accommodation.

Common Scams

Here are specific scams to watch out for in Sri Lanka:

Overpriced Tuk-Tuk Rides: Some tuk-tuk drivers may overcharge tourists or take longer routes.
- Tip: Always agree on a fare beforehand or use ride-hailing apps like PickMe for fair pricing.
Gem Scams: Sellers may offer “authentic” gemstones at extremely low prices, which are often fake.
- Tip: Purchase gems only from certified shops with proper receipts and certifications.
Fake Tour Guides: Individuals may offer guide services and mislead you or overcharge for their assistance.
- Tip: Hire only licensed guides from trusted agencies or official counters at tourist sites.
Hotel Booking Tricks: Drivers or agents may claim your hotel is “fully booked” and suggest another option.
- Tip: Confirm your booking directly with the hotel before trusting third parties.
Beach Massage Offers: Unsolicited massage offers often result in hidden charges.
- Tip: Book massages through your hotel or trusted spas only.
Fake Wildlife Tours: Cheap safaris offered by unlicensed operators may be unsafe or poorly managed.
- Tip: Book wildlife tours with licensed operators or reputable travel agencies.

Areas to Avoid here

When traveling in Sri Lanka, it’s important to be aware of certain areas and situations that may pose safety risks.

Colombo Suburbs: While Colombo is generally safe, certain suburbs, such as Nugegoda, have higher crime rates. Exercise caution and avoid these areas, especially after dark.
Beach Areas After Dark: Coastal towns like Negombo and Hikkaduwa are popular during the day but can become less safe at night. It’s recommended to avoid walking on the beaches after dark due to the risk of violent crime

General Safety Tips:

Stay Informed: Regularly check travel advisories from reliable sources for the latest information on safety and security in Sri Lanka.
Avoid Large Gatherings: Political rallies or protests can occur and can become unpredictable. It’s best to avoid such events.
Respect Local Customs: Being aware of and adhering to local customs can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure a respectful interaction with locals.

Discover the breathtaking natural wonders of Sri Lanka

Local Helpline Numbers to keep in mind

Here are the key local helpline numbers to contact in case of trouble while in Sri Lanka:

Emergency Police: Dial 119 for immediate police assistance.
Ambulance & Medical Emergency: Dial 1990 for Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service.
Tourist Police: Dial 1912 for assistance specifically for tourists.
Women’s Helpline: Dial 1938 for help related to women’s safety and concerns.
Child Helpline: Dial 1929 for assistance related to child protection.
Fire and Rescue: Dial 110 for fire emergencies.
General Emergency Services: Dial 112 to connect to the general emergency response system.

It’s a good idea to save these numbers on your phone before traveling to ensure quick access in case of any trouble.

Why Choose OneVasco?

OneVasco makes visa applications effortless. Our expert team manages the entire process, allowing you to focus on your journey. Enjoy stress-free travel with fast visa approvals.