Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Status
WATCH
Travel to Sri Lanka continues, with international flights and major airports operating. However, current heavy rainfall has increased the risk of flooding, landslides and transport disruption, while fuel purchases are being limited. Travellers should also check the current ETA requirements before departure.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
Heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides
Current heavy rainfall has increased the risk of flooding and landslides in parts of Sri Lanka. Roads, public transport and other services can be disrupted. Travellers should check local weather and road conditions, particularly before travelling through mountainous or flood-prone areas.
Fuel restrictions
Fuel purchases for private vehicles are currently limited under a weekly quota system. Special arrangements have been announced for tourism operators and hotels to reduce the effect on visitors, but travellers planning to hire or drive a vehicle should check local fuel availability.
Electronic Travel Authorization
Most short-stay foreign visitors should obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization before travelling to Sri Lanka. From 25 May 2026, tourists from 40 specified countries became eligible to receive a 30-day ETA free of charge. Travellers should still apply for the ETA before arrival.
Flights and airports
Bandaranaike International Airport remains open and international flights are operating. Travellers using Middle Eastern hubs should check their airline because regional aviation disruption can affect some connecting journeys.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations can occur in Sri Lanka and may occasionally affect roads or public transport. Travellers should avoid large political gatherings and follow instructions from local authorities.
Latest Travel Changes
Current heavy rainfall
Heavy rainfall has increased the risk of flooding and landslides, and transport or other services may be disrupted in affected areas. Travellers moving around Sri Lanka should monitor local conditions rather than assuming roads will remain accessible.
Fuel purchases currently limited
Sri Lanka is currently limiting fuel purchases through weekly quotas. Special arrangements are being made for tourism businesses to minimise disruption to visitors.
Free ETA expanded to 40 countries
Since 25 May 2026, nationals of 40 countries have been eligible for a free 30-day tourist ETA. Eligible travellers still need to obtain the ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka.
Before You Travel
Check your ETA or visa requirement and obtain the required authorization before departure.
Check your airline and flight status, particularly if connecting through a Middle Eastern airport.
Monitor current rainfall, flooding, landslide and road conditions if travelling outside major cities.
If hiring a vehicle, check current fuel availability and restrictions with the rental company.
Avoid demonstrations and follow instructions issued by Sri Lankan authorities.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.