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1. INTRODUCTION
The level of Travel Warning in this re****t has not changed. Section 2
has been updated.
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2. ATTENTION
OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises
against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)
You are advised against all travel to areas in the East and North of the
country, including Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara District, the
Jaffna Peninsula, Mannar and Vavuniya.
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. Travellers should be
aware that violence is not restricted to the North and East of Sri
Lanka; several incidents have occurred in/around the capital of Colombo
and can take place at any time without prior warning. Please be aware
that not all targets are military and have included civilians and NGO
offices. Tourists have also been affected by these violent incidents.
Furthermore, roads in and around Colombo and in the North and East
especially may be closed with little notice.
Given recent clashes between the LTTE and security forces in the past
week, Canadians should avoid large public gatherings such as the
Perahera in Kandy and Kataragama during this festive period.
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 ****fted
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.
S****adic 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 trans****t does not follow a set schedule and is at times
s****adic, 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 air****t. 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
<http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/before/faq/registration-en.asp>
for
Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel
to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the
responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can
be done on-line <http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/rocapage-en.asp>
or by
calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad
<http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/foreign/fordest/foreign_view_client-en.asp>
to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the
country for three months or more should also register. Canadians
visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a
detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends
in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign
Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788);
and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government
office on hand (see Section 7 below).
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
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
trans****tation. Ensure personal belongings and travel do***ents are
secure at all times. Travel to remote areas should be arranged through a
reputable travel agency. Women should exercise caution when travelling
alone.
Sri Lankan defence regulations restrict travel in much of the north,
including Wilpattu and Gal-Oya national parks. Access to Yala National
Park is authorized via the southwest entry gate. The southwestern third
of the island, running from north of Colombo to the cultural triangle
(Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Dambulla) and down to Yala National
Park, as well as all of the coast within that area, is open to travel.
Travel along the southern coast and in the tea plantations, where most
of the resorts are located, is generally safe.
Attacks against ****ps around Sri Lanka have occurred in the past.
Mariners should take appropriate precautions. The northern, eastern, and
southeastern coastlines have been declared restricted zones by Sri
Lankan authorities and should be avoided. The Sri Lankan navy has fired
upon unauthorized ****ps in these areas. Entry into Sri Lankan waters, at
any point, requires prior permission. For additional information, see
the Weekly Piracy Re****t <http://www.icc-ccs.org/prc/piracyre****t.php>
published by the Commercial Crime Services division of the International
Chamber of Commerce.
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4. LOCAL TRAVEL
Traffic drives on the left. Serious accidents involving Sri Lankan
railways have occurred. Buses can also be unsafe.
Roadblocks and other security measures may sometimes be encountered.
Travellers 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 Sri Lanka.
An International Driving Permit
<http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/before/faq/international_driving-en.asp>
(IDP) is required.
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5. 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
<http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/ci/cur-en.asp?txt_ID=716>
page for
information on typhoons and monsoons.
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail
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 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you
in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local
lawyers upon request.
The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad
<http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/imprisoned_abroad-en.asp>,
specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is
to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about
available assistance and advice.
Homo***uality 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.
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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
You can obtain consular assistance
<http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/consular_services-en.asp>
and further
information at the following address:
Sri Lanka - COLOMBO, High Commission of Canada
Address: 6 Gregory's Road, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1006, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Tel.: 94 (11) 532-6232 or 522-6232
Fax: 94 (11) 532-6299 or 522-6299
E-mail: clmbo-cs@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
<mailto:clmbo-cs@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Internet: http://www.srilanka.gc.ca
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
<http://www.infocanadadirect.com>
Web site.
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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been
confirmed with the authorities of Sri Lanka and, to the best of our
knowledge, was valid on January 18, 2006. 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 Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for
the High Commission for the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
<http://w01.international.gc.ca/Protocol/main-en.asp?sScreen=Corps>
and
its consulates
<http://w01.international.gc.ca/Protocol/main-en.asp?sScreen=Consular>,
where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
A valid Canadian pass****t <http://www.pptc.gc.ca>
is required for
Canadians intending to visit Sri Lanka. The pass****t 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. Canadian
tourists can also be issued a 30 days visa free of charge upon arrival.
Extensions from the Sri Lankan Immigration & Emigration Department in
Colombo are possible, but must be obtained before the visa expires.
Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays less than 30 days)
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your pass****t 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
pass****t services.
Special and diplomatic pass****t holders should verify visa requirements
for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply
to regular pass****t 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 do***entation such as a letter
of consent <http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/before/consent_letter-en.asp>
or a court order.
Although same-*** marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not
recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-*** married couple may
result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the
foreign government office accredited to Canada.
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9. MONEY
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 ATMs in major cities but some do not accept
international cards.
Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries.
You can also check the VISA ATM locator
<http://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/can/jsp/SearchPage.jsp>
page or the
MasterCard ATM locator
<http://www.mastercard.com/atmlocator/cobrand/index.jsp?lang=en&country=CAN&var=COBRAND>
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.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
Sri Lanka (capital: Colombo) is an island in the Indian Ocean, south of
India. The official languages are Sinhala and Tamil. English is widely
spoken. Tourist facilities are widely available in Colombo and coastal
areas in the west and southwest.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada <http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/>
and the
World Health Organization <http://www.who.int/>
(WHO) re****t 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 <http://www.travelhealth.gc.ca/>
Web
site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel
plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic
<http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/travel/clinic_e.html>
or physician
six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk
*****sment, a health care professional can determine your need for
immunizations <http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/236_e.html>
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
<http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/drugs/medication-en.asp>
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
*****sment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their
physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Medical facilities outside Colombo are limited. Serious medical problems
may require evacuation to Canada or to the nearest country where
adequate medical facilities exist (Singa****e).
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue
<http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/return_canada-en.asp>
on returning to
Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
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,
Citizen****p 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
<http://www.cic.gc.ca>
Web site or contact your provincial or
territorial government.
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist
<http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/before/checklist-en.asp>.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan <http://www.chp-pcs.gc.ca/>
to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It
may cover nothing or only a ****tion 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.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
N/A
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18. ANNEX
N/A
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Last Updated:
2006-08-03
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