Travel Vaccines and Advice for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a gorgeous tropical island full of exotic flora and fauna. Its mountainous inner country has stunning vistas and panoramic views.
Its popularity in tourism is due to its versatility. For the outdoor adventurer, Sri Lanka offers endless natural beauty. For the cultural tourist, there are delicious local dishes and historical sites to explore.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Sri Lanka?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Sri Lanka
Do I Need a Visa for Sri Lanka?
What Is the Climate Like in Sri Lanka?
How Safe Is Sri Lanka?
Meeting Elephants in Udawalawe National Park
What Should I Pack for Sri Lanka?
Canadian Embassy in Sri Lanka
Do I Need Vaccines for Sri Lanka?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Sri Lanka. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Sri Lanka: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Required if arriving from a region with polio transmission. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Japanese Encephalitis –
Mosquito –
Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travellers, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Throughout country, except mountainous regions. Peaks with monsoon rains. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Sri Lanka |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Required if arriving from a region with polio transmission. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Mosquito | Recommended depending on itinerary and activities. May be given to short- and extended-stay travellers, recurrent travellers and travel to rural areas. Throughout country, except mountainous regions. Peaks with monsoon rains. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Sri Lanka |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is a serious illness transmitted through contaminated food and water. Prevention strategies include vaccination as well as practicing strict hygiene and safe food handling.
- Hepatitis A – Contagious hepatitis A, caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), spreads through contaminated food, water, or close contact. Prevention involves vaccination and practicing good hygiene, particularly when travelling to high-risk areas.
- Japanese Encephalitis – Japanese encephalitis is a viral brain infection spread by mosquito bites, mainly in rural parts of Asia. It can cause neurological damage and is potentially fatal. The Japanese encephalitis vaccine, given in a series of injections, effectively prevents the disease by stimulating the immune system to produce protective antibodies against the virus.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral disease affecting mammals, including humans, primarily transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is key to preventing rabies, with pre-exposure shots effectively preventing infection.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B prevention relies on vaccination as the most effective measure, recommended for all travellers and critical for healthcare workers. Practicing safe sex and using sterile equipment for body modifications are also key in reducing transmission risks.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) are viral infections with distinct symptoms. They spread through respiratory droplets and close contact. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent MMR infections, with the MMR vaccine offering protection against all three diseases.
In the capital city of Colombo, there are six hospitals, including four with emergency trauma care. But, outside of Colombo, medical care can be more difficult to get. You should bring any necessary special medication with you.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Sri Lanka
Prevent Bug Bites in Sri Lanka
Safeguard against bug bites by dressing appropriately and using EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE. If bitten, cleanse the area, refrain from scratching, and mitigate discomfort with OTC treatments. Seek medical aid for serious reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Sri Lanka
Safeguard your health during international travels by eating fully cooked, hot meals, at reliable dining establishments. To minimize the chances of travellers’ diarrhea, follow these precautions: choose safe foods, avoid untreated water, practice frequent hand-washing, consider probiotics, and exercise caution when indulging in unfamiliar cuisines.
Altitude Sickness in Sri Lanka
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), stems from inadequate oxygen at high elevations, causing symptoms like headaches and nausea. Preventing AMS involves gradual ascent, hydration, and potential medication use. Should AMS symptoms develop, swift descent to lower altitudes, rest, and medical evaluation are essential for recovery and safety.
Infections To Be Aware of in Sri Lanka
- Dengue – Aedes mosquitoes spread dengue to millions globally, prevention is the best defense. The disease can strike multiple times due to its four strains, underscoring the need for mosquito bite prevention like netting and repellents.
- Leishmaniasis – Infected sand flies are the primary vectors of leishmaniasis. Preventive measures include the use of insect repellents, protective clothing and staying indoors during sand fly peak hours.
Do I Need a Visa for Sri Lanka?
Yes, a passport and visa are required for visiting Sri Lanka. A visa, or Electronic Travel Authorization, must be obtained before arrival. These are generally granted for up to 30 days.
Sri Lanka Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Sri Lanka? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
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| Tourist Visa | |
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| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
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Sources: Embassy of Sri Lanka and Canadian Travel and Tourism
You should have a return ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses in Sri Lanka. You will also need a passport with both six months’ validity from your expected departure date from Sri Lanka, and one blank page for the entry stamp.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is a tropical country that generally has a warm and humid climate. The coastal areas are often warmer and more humid. Temperatures in the upland middle of the country can be a bit cooler, though still fairly warm.
Sri Lanka experiences monsoon seasons, but different regions are affected at different times. The northern and eastern regions of the country experience monsoons from October to January. The southern and western areas are affected from May to September.
The best time to travel to the country is during a dry season in the area you plan to visit. Because monsoon seasons differ in different areas, Sri Lanka can be visited year-round depending on where you plan to stay.
How Safe Is Sri Lanka?
Travelling to Sri Lanka entails some safety risks. Crime in the country is common. Although most violent crime is not directed at foreigners, reports of assault and harassment are increasing. Travel in pairs or groups whenever possible to reduce the likelihood of harassment. Petty crime is also common, and travellers should always be aware of their belongings.
Protests and demonstrations are common in Sri Lanka, especially in Colombo. While most protests began peacefully, violence is possible. The best course is to avoid demonstrations and other large gatherings of people.
The northern areas of Sri Lanka have a military presence and un-exploded landmines. When travelling in the north, stay on main, heavily traveled roads. Do not wander through forests or fields, and avoid any areas roped off for clearing landmines.
Meeting Elephants in Udawalawe National Park
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A few hours’ drive upcountry from the southern coast lies the Udawalawe National Park. This sanctuary for wild animals was established in 1972. This park is a haven for dozens of different species, including the Sri Lankan elephant.
The Sri Lankan elephant, one of three subspecies of the Asian elephant, is an endangered elephant native to Sri Lanka. Visitors to the Udawalawe National Park have a chance to see this rare and beautiful animal up close. If you visit the park’s Elephant Orphanage, you may even be able to assist with feeding or bathing one.
Many tour operators offer half-day or full-day safaris. Accommodation are available within the park itself for easy access.
What Should I Pack for Sri Lanka?
When packing for a trip to Sri Lanka, it is important to pack for the warm and humid climate. Pack lightweight and breathable clothes like cotton or linen. You should also pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent to protect against the strong sun and mosquitoes.
Comfortable shoes are recommended for trekking and walking on uneven terrain. Pack a rain jacket or umbrella for the heavy rainfall during monsoon season. Bring a travel adapter for charging electronics and medications including over-the-counter and prescription medicines.
Cash and credit cards are widely accepted in Sri Lanka, so it is a good idea to carry both. Finally, bring travel documents such as your passport, visa, and flight tickets in a waterproof bag.
Canadian Embassy in Sri Lanka
Before travelling to Sri Lanka, all Canadians are advised to enroll in the Smart traveller Enrollment Program to share your travel plans with the relevant embassy and to receive updates about any emergencies that may interfere with your travel plans.
The Canadian Embassy in Sri Lanka is located in Colombo, the country’s capital. Its address and contact information are as follows:
Canadian Embassy Colombo
33-A 5th Lane,
Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
Tel.: 94 (11) 532-6232
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Sri Lanka
“We had attended a different travel clinic for past travels. Our experience with Passport Health far and away surpassed the other clinic. Passport Health provided us with very detailed information not only about immunizations and other medications recommended, but also other helpful tips and information to help us while we are in Sri Lanka. The nurse was helpful and friendly and cost was very reasonable. I would highly recommend Passport Health of all travellers.”
“Passport Health provided me with the information I required for my upcoming trip to Sri Lanka. The nurse consultant who worked with me was thorough in assessing my background, the potential medical issues at my destination and the options for dealing with these issues. She also dealt directly with the pharmacy to organize the required medications. I would not hesitate to use Passport again.”
“I am confident I am well protected for my trip to Sri Lanka. The nurse viewed my itinerary and helped me to select the best course of action to take while respecting budgetary concerns.”
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