South Asia
Is Sri Lanka safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Sri Lanka safe?
One of South Asia's easier countries: violent crime against visitors is rare. Road accidents, strong ocean currents and overcharging are the real issues.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-10-08.
- Homicide rate: 3.3 per 100,000 people (2019, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 19.7 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 119 · Ambulance 1990 · Fire 110 · Tourist police 1912.
- Solo women: Generally fine alone, but expect stares and occasional groping on crowded buses and trains. Dress modestly away from beaches; avoid empty beaches after dark.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Reckless bus and tuk-tuk driving on narrow roads
- Rip currents on south and west coast beaches, May–October
- Dengue fever, mostly in the rainy seasons
- Wild elephants on rural roads after dark
Common scams
- Tuk-tuk drivers steering you to gem, spice or tea shops
- Unmetered tuk-tuks quoting tourist prices; use PickMe or Uber instead
Laws visitors break by accident
- Disrespecting Buddha images, such as posing with your back to statues or Buddha tattoos, can mean deportation.
- Alcohol sales are banned on monthly Poya (full moon) holidays; bars and liquor shops close.
- Drones need Civil Aviation Authority permission; flying over temples and military sites is prohibited.
Safety by place in Sri Lanka
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Ella | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Colombo | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Kandy | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Galle | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Mirissa | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Weligama | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Arugam Bay | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sigiriya | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Unawatuna | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Hikkaduwa | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Nuwara Eliya | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Negombo | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ahangama | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Hiriketiya | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Trincomalee | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bentota | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Tangalle | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Jaffna | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
Quick answers
Is Sri Lanka safe for tourists?
One of South Asia's easier countries: violent crime against visitors is rare. Road accidents, strong ocean currents and overcharging are the real issues.
Is Sri Lanka safe for solo female travelers?
Generally fine alone, but expect stares and occasional groping on crowded buses and trains. Dress modestly away from beaches; avoid empty beaches after dark.
What is the emergency number in Sri Lanka?
Police 119 · Ambulance 1990 · Fire 110 · Tourist police 1912.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Department of Immigration and Emigration
- Sri Lanka ETA (official)
- Dialog Tourist SIM
- Sri Lanka Tourism
- Speedtest Global Index: Sri Lanka
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.