Logo_Light_2x_232764ec21_2cdfe5e3fd

Vaccines required to travel to Sri Lanka

vaccines_required_sri_lanka_12615c20c9

Researching the required vaccinations for Sri Lanka and other health advice for the country is a necessary step to ensure a smooth time abroad. The island nation is a tropical country with much to offer and it is advisable to do so safely and avoid taking unnecessary risks.

Foreigners should make sure to have their documents in order, including relevant vaccination certificates and their Sri Lankan ETA visa waiver, before departure. Useful vaccination information for international visitors can be found on this page.

Why do I need vaccines to travel to Sri Lanka?

For travellers from most Western countries, there are no compulsory vaccinations for Sri Lanka by law, although it is advised to get relevant injections before travelling because of the several infectious diseases present in the region.

Visitors from Africa and Latin America should check whether they need to obtain a yellow fever vaccination certificate (more information on this below.)

Malaria was previously a problem in Sri Lanka. However, in 2016, the World Health Organisation announced that it has all but been eradicated in the country and doctors presently advise that antimalarial drugs are not necessary.

However, some other dangerous insect-borne illnesses are still present in the country, such as Dengue fever and Japanese B encephalitis. A vaccine is only available for the latter, so it is important to try to avoid mosquito bites in Sri Lanka as much as possible.

Standards of hygiene can also be low-to-average in parts of the country, so it is important to follow guidelines to avoid catching diseases such as Hepatitis A or E, or Typhoid, through contaminated food and water in Sri Lanka.

However, the best way to prevent infection for many of these diseases is to get vaccines before travelling to Sri Lanka.

What vaccines are needed to travel to Sri Lanka?

The only compulsory shots needed to travel to Sri Lanka by international regulations is the yellow fever vaccination. However, this is only required of visitors who have recently visited an at-risk area.

Although not mandatory, all short-term travellers are advised to be up-to-date with the following vaccinations for Sri Lanka:

  • Tetanus
  • Diphtheria
  • Poliomyelitis
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella
  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis A

Vaccines against the following are also advised for those planning to explore the Sri Lankan countryside or stay for longer periods:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Japanese B encephalitis
  • Rabies
  • Tuberculosis

Yellow fever vaccination certificate for Sri Lanka

The yellow fever mosquito vector (Aedes) is present on Sri Lankan territory and represents a risk of contagion. The government has taken measures to keep the disease outside the country, including compulsory vaccination.

For certain passengers, the yellow fever vaccination certificate is a mandatory requirement to enter Sri Lanka. These visitors must present a paper copy of the certificate upon arrival to be let into the country.

Certificates that meet the standards set by the International Health Regulations (IHR) remain valid for the entire life of the vaccinated individual.

Yellow fever vaccination certificate for Sri Lanka: Requirements

To abide by IHR rules, the certificate must be written in English or French, or in any other language plus English or French.

The certificate must have been issued at least 6 days before arrival in Sri Lanka.

Who needs a yellow fever vaccination certificate for Sri Lanka?

All individuals aged 9 months and over who have been in a high-risk country for 12 hours or longer need to obtain the yellow fever vaccination certificate before travelling to Sri Lanka.

Yellow fever endemic country list

Those wondering what the yellow fever endemic countries are can find a list below, as indicated by the WHO:

  • Angola
  • Argentina
  • Benin
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Cameroon
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Colombia
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Ecuador
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Ethiopia
  • French Guyana
  • Gabon
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Guyana
  • Ivory Coast
  • Liberia
  • Mali
  • Mauritania
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • Panama
  • Peru
  • Rwanda
  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • Senegal
  • Sierra Leone
  • Somalia
  • Sudan
  • Surinam
  • Tanzania
  • Togo
  • Uganda
  • Venezuela

When to get vaccines to travel to Sri Lanka

Travellers with the Sri Lanka ETA (which allows for a maximum stay of 30 days in the country) should seek consultation on vaccines to travel to Sri Lanka at least 4-6 weeks prior to the date of departure.

Those travelling for longer in the country or on a trip that involves extensive time spent in Sri Lanka’s rural countryside are advised to attend an earlier consultation.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination for international travellers

During the COVID-19 pandemic, travel has been restricted to Sri Lanka. However, now visitors are allowed to enter the country, providing they comply with the measures in place.

International travellers must stay at an approved Safe & Secure L1 hotel until approved to leave this “bio-bubble”. They must also be tested for coronavirus.

Individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 with any vaccine accepted by the country of origin face less strict measures than those who have not.

They must present proof of the vaccination.

Rules for visitors to Sri Lanka with the COVID-19 vaccine

Vaccinated travellers must comply with the following:

  • Produce the original copy of their vaccination certificate in addition to PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours before the flight
  • Take a single PCR test within 24-48 hours of arrival
  • Stay at a designated hotel until the result is received.

The last dose of the vaccine must have been received at least 2 weeks prior to arrival in Sri Lanka.

Rules for visitors to Sri Lanka who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19

On the other hand, unvaccinated visitors must take the following steps:

  • Produce negative PCR test from within 72 hours before travelling
  • Take 2 PCR tests (one on arrival and one between the 11th and 14th days afterwards)

Quarantine at a Certified Safe & Secure L1 hotel for up to 14 days

Due to travel restrictions for international travelers as a measure against coronavirus (COVID-19), Sri Lanka has introduced a health declaration form. The health care declaration form for Sri Lanka is one of several temporary regulations for entering the Asian island state. It is expected to be an entry requirement for the duration of the pandemic.

Foreigners visiting the country are required to present the declaration at immigration control.