OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to this country. (IDW7)
You are advised against non-essential travel to Sri Lanka unless you have critical business or family reasons to do so. Travellers should be aware that violence is not restricted to the north and east of Sri Lanka; over the past weeks, there have been an increasing number of violent incidents in the south, including several bomb attacks in Colombo and one in Kandy. Such incidents can take place at any time without prior warning. Furthermore, roads in and around Colombo and in the North and East especially may be closed with little notice. Large public gatherings should also be avoided.
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. Canadians in the specified region(s) should leave. (IDW4)
You are advised against all travel to areas in the east and north of the country, including Kilinochchi, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara Districts, the Jaffna Peninsula, Mannar and Vavuniya. Fighting broke out between the Government's Security Forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), in Jaffna District on August 11, 2006, and in Trincomalee District in late July. Fighting included the use of ground forces, aerial and artillery strikes and mines. The security situation remains highly unstable and Canadians in the east and north should leave.
You are also advised against all travel to Wilpattu National Park in northwestern Sri Lanka where tourists were killed in a landmine explosion in May 2006.
There has been a rise in the number of incidents of violence involving the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), the Security Forces and other armed groups since late March 2006. In addition to clashes between these groups in areas close to the LTTE-controlled territory, there have also been a number of deadly attacks on military and civilian targets in Government-controlled areas of the north and east. Please be aware that not all targets are military and have included civilians and NGO staff and offices.
In December 2005, the Sri Lankan government announced new arrangements for foreigners seeking to enter the LTTE-controlled areas of the north and east. Foreign staff of diplomatic missions, international organizations and international NGOs accredited with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be allowed to cross entry and exit checkpoints into LTTE-controlled areas without restriction. All other foreigners, including visiting journalists, must seek approval from the Ministry of Defence before they will be allowed to enter LTTE-controlled areas.
State of Emergency
In August 2005, a state of emergency was declared by the President following the assassination of Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar. Although the state of emergency does not affect visitors directly, it does give additional powers to the security forces to set up road blocks, conduct searches without warrant and detain individuals. It also outlaws demonstrations. Caution should be exercised when travelling to Colombo. There has also been an increase in the number of security personnel patrolling the streets of the city.
Much of the north and east remains heavily mined. Travellers should pay attention to signs warning of mines and avoid travelling off the main A-9 road. Please note that as a result of the tsunami of December 2004, many of the landmines in the conflict-affected northeast have shifted and therefore it is difficult to know where they are now located. Although some of these mines have been cleared, an unknown number remains, and you are advised to exercise caution in these areas.
Although a cease-fire agreement was signed between government forces and the LTTE in February 2002, terrorist activity and unrest still remains. Sporadic acts of violence have occurred in the north and in the east of the country and in the capital, Colombo. Armed groups continue to operate in these areas and the security situation remains uncertain, with heightened risks of armed clashes between the LTTE, government security forces, and other armed groups. A split by an Eastern faction of the LTTE in 2004 has resulted in regular attacks and targeted killings between the two factions.
Civilian transport does not follow a set schedule and is at times sporadic, although commercial flights are now available locally. LTTE authorization is required to travel into the north and east LTTE-controlled territories; however, the request process is unclear.
Foreigners have not been specifically targeted, but in the past the LTTE has undertaken terrorist attacks against locations frequented by tourists, such as the international airport. Canadians should be vigilant at all times, avoid large crowds and demonstrations and monitor local developments closely. Curfew regulations should be strictly followed.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to this country despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.
Effective December 1, 2006, smoking and alcohol consumption in public places is prohibited. Penalties for such offences include a fine and/or imprisonment.
Homosexuality is illegal. Convicted offenders may face lengthy jail sentences. Photography and videotaping of government and military installations is prohibited. Penalties for all drug offences are severe.
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian High Commission in Colombo and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.
Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Colombo is 2430077, where a Canadian operator is always available. Outside Colombo, the Canada Direct access number is 011-2430077. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Sri Lanka. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of an onward or return ticket and proof of sufficient funds.
A tourist visa is required for stays of over 30 days and can be obtained, prior to departure, from the High Commission of Sri Lanka or one of its consulates. Canadian tourists can also be issued a 30-day visa free of charge upon arrival. However, to avoid the possibility of being refused entry or experiencing lengthy delays upon arrival, it is recommended that all travellers obtain appropriate visas prior to departure. Effective November 1, 2006, visas obtained at a port of entry can not be extended.
Tourist Visa: Not required (only for stays less than 30 days) Business Visa: Required Student Visa: Required Work Visa: Required
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.