When deciding your next travel destination, one of the first questions that come to your mind is, “is it safe to travel there?” Well, if it is Sri Lanka that you are planning to travel to, we can safely say that on a generic note, it is a safe country to travel to.
Even though travel advisories restricting unnecessary travel to Sri Lanka were issued in the past due to the civil war that lasted over two decades, the Easter attacks in April 2019, the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020, the political unrest, and the economic crisis that followed at the beginning of 2022, the governments of many countries such as UK, France, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, Spain and Netherlands have now relaxed such travel restrictions to Sri Lanka. Following this, Sri Lanka is experiencing a growing increase in tourist arrivals, and we are thrilled to say that hotels and all tourist zones are currently operating on a full scale.
The sun is out, the ocean is calling, the waterfalls are soaring, and Sri Lanka is now ready for you to have the best holiday of your life!
As you get on with exploring this paradise island, here are a few safety checks and concerns you may have we would like to bring your attention to.
Civil War: It is history now.
The civil war in Sri Lanka fought between the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, also known as Tamil Tigers) lasted 25 years from 1983 to 2009. The war that was fought in the northern and eastern provinces of the island, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives from both sides ended with the defeat of the LTTE army in mid-2009. And since then, most parts of the north and east have been cleared for visitors and are now enjoyed by the locals and tourists alike.
Easter attacks: An isolated act of terrorism
Sri Lankan government has surged security across the island following the Easter Sunday attacks by Islamist extremists in 2019, which bombed several targets in Colombo that resulted in a sudden halt in tourism then. With tightened national security, Sri Lanka has not experienced such acts of terrorism since.
Covid-19: Vaccinated & all safety measures are in place
Since the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020, the government of Sri Lanka has taken necessary health and safety measures to vaccinate the local population. Following vaccination and other preventive measures, Sri Lanka now reports a minimum number of cases. Hence safety restrictions for traveling are now eased.
Political unrest, demonstrations, and economic crisis: Stable and steerable
Even though Sri Lanka experienced a phase of political unrest in early 2022, the country is now politically stable and is working on a path to economic recovery. The government of Sri Lanka is currently managing the previously experienced severe fuel and gas crisis by large, and locals can be seen traveling again.
Is it safe for solo and female travelers?
Sri Lankans with their welcoming nature and incomparable hospitality, make Sri Lanka a safe country to travel for a solo or female traveler. However, following general safety precautions such as keeping your valuables and passport safe and avoiding unlit, unsafe, and lonely places at night will keep you out of trouble.
Is it safe to travel to Sri Lanka in 2022?
Yes, yes, and yes! With security measures in place, health and safety measures in place, and all travel restrictions being relaxed, Sri Lanka is fully open for tourists and is ready to welcome you with warm smiles and open arms. In fact, your visit to this beautiful island will help with their economic recovery.
On a closing note, for a safer and more fulfilling experience, we recommend you plan your trip to Sri Lanka with a travel agent. We look forward to seeing you in the pearl of the Indian Ocean soon!
