Common menu bar links
|
Last Updated:
November 15, 2007 16:38
EST
Still Valid: November 15, 2007 20:42 EST |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1. RECENT UPDATES The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Sections 2 (avoid all travel to Yala National Park) of this Travel Report has been updated. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Sri Lanka
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to Conflict between the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the Sri Lanka Army has lead to a number of violent attacks throughout the country. In 2006 and 2007, there have been an increasing number of violent incidents in the south, including several bomb attacks in On Recent attacks resulted in a disruption to airline travel and the cancellation of some flights. Due to sporadic violent events, roads in and around Regional Warning
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to areas in the east and north of the country, including Kilinochchi, Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara Districts, the During the summer of 2006 in the districts of Trincomalee and There has been a rise in the number of incidents of violence between LTTE, the Security Forces and other armed groups since 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. Attacks have not been limited to military targets, both civilians and NGO staff and offices have been affected. Foreigners seeking access to the LTTE-controlled areas of the north and east may require special permission, please see Section 4 for details. On OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY It is the responsibility of individual travellers to make informed travel choices. The Government of Canada takes very seriously the safety and security of Canadians abroad and provides credible and timely advice in its Country Travel Reports. Situations vary from country to country, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. State of A state of emergency has been in effect since August 2005. It 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 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. 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, in practice there has been a resumption of fighting. Acts of violence have occurred throughout the country. Armed groups continue to operate and the security situation remains uncertain. 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. Crime Violent crime occurs. Tourist facilities and tourists are generally not targeted, but isolated incidents have occurred. Politically motivated violence is common, particularly during elections. Petty crime such as purse snatching and pickpocketing occurs, especially on public transportation. Ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times. Travel to remote areas should be arranged through a reputable travel agency. Tourist facilities are widely available in Sri Lankan defence regulations restrict travel in much of the north, including Wilpattu and Gal-Oya national parks. Access to There has been an increase in kidnapping for ransom of foreign nationals in Violence against aid workers has increased. On Attacks against ships around Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, see the Weekly Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the authorities of Sri Lanka and was valid on August 30, 2007. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the High Commission for the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements. 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. 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. 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. 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 A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. 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. BACK TO TOP 5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address: Sri Lanka - COLOMBO, High Commission of Canada Address: 6 Gregory's Road, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 7 Postal Address: P.O. Box 1006, Colombo, Tel.: 94 (11) 532-6232 or 522-6232 Fax: 94 (11) 532-6299 or 522-6299 E-Mail: clmbo-cs@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.srilanka.gc.ca For emergency assistance after hours, call the High Commission of Canada in Colombo and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885. BACK TO TOP 6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. 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. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY Traffic drives on the left. Both vehicle and driving standards are poor and as a consequence numerous traffic accidents occur resulting in death and injuries. Serious accidents involving Sri Lankan railways have occurred. Buses are not well maintained and crashes occur often. Curfews, roadblocks and other security measures may be imposed by local authorities on short notice. Travellers may be required to show identification at any time. Canadians should obey all instructions. Police and military forces conduct security sweeps throughout the country. Canadians of Tamil origin have experienced difficulties, including arrest and/or detention. Canadians of Sri Lankan origin may wish to bear this in mind when considering travel to Due to the on-going conflict, Canadians should be aware the airport could close on short notice and flights may be cancelled or postponed. Travellers may experience lengthy delays while travelling to the airport due to the possibility of checkpoints or detours set up by local authorities. It is recommended that travellers confirm their flight details prior to their departure. Road access between An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The currency is the Sri Lankan rupee. Most major banks will change U.S. dollar traveller's cheques as well as permit Visa and MasterCard cash withdrawals. Credit cards are widely accepted in major urban and tourist centres. There are automated baking machines in major cities but some do not accept international cards. Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine ( BACK TO TOP 8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE The monsoon season extends from December to March in the northeast and June to October in the southwest. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. See our Current Issues page for information on typhoons and monsoons. BACK TO TOP 9. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site. 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. BACK TO TOP 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION Medical facilities outside BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist Health and Travel Insurance: 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. See Canada's Health Portal. 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. Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
