The US State Department’s latest advisory paints Sri Lanka as paradise with a catch: protests, terrorism, and hidden landmines. Travelers are told to pack sunscreen—and extreme caution.
The US State Department has issued a fresh travel advisory urging American citizens heading to Sri Lanka to keep their guard up, citing the island’s turbulent political climate, lingering terrorism risks, and the ever-present danger of landmines. What should have been an invitation to explore sun-drenched beaches and cultural treasures comes with a chilling reminder that paradise still has its shadows.
According to the advisory, the ongoing economic and political upheaval has created fertile ground for unrest. Demonstrations can erupt without warning, and the State Department notes that Sri Lankan police have not hesitated to use tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. What begins as a peaceful gathering can quickly turn chaotic, leaving bystanders at risk. Travelers are explicitly advised to steer clear of protests of any kind—even those that appear calm.
The specter of terrorism also looms large. The advisory reminds visitors that Sri Lanka has a history of terrorist attacks and that future incidents cannot be ruled out. Potential targets include places popular with tourists such as hotels, shopping malls, markets, government buildings, and cultural landmarks. Even schools, hospitals, and places of worship are considered vulnerable. For visitors, the message is clear: remain vigilant in crowded public areas and avoid assuming that holiday destinations are immune to threats.
Perhaps most striking is the reminder that Sri Lanka is still grappling with the deadly legacy of its civil war. Nearly 23 square kilometers remain contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance, particularly in the Northern Province. While demining operations have significantly reduced the threat, the State Department warns travelers that venturing off established paths, roads, or trails in the north and east could prove fatal. Warning signs marked with the international landmine symbol still dot parts of the landscape.
Alongside these stark warnings, the advisory offers practical steps for American tourists. Travelers are urged to remain constantly aware of their surroundings, follow the instructions of local authorities, and monitor local news for any sudden developments. Registering with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is strongly recommended so that the U.S. Embassy can contact citizens in case of emergencies. Moreover, purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is not just wise but essential given the limited ability of the U.S. government to provide emergency assistance in remote areas.
The advisory underscores a difficult reality for Sri Lanka. The country remains one of the world’s most captivating tourist destinations, with golden beaches, lush tea plantations, ancient temples, and wildlife-rich national parks. Yet, beneath the postcard beauty lies a complex web of political instability and historical wounds. For Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, which has been clawing its way back after the dual shocks of the Easter bombings and the COVID-19 pandemic, such warnings are a sobering reminder of the uphill struggle to reassure the world that the island is safe.
For travelers, the takeaway is less romantic but more realistic: Sri Lanka can still be enjoyed, but not without vigilance. Be cautious in bustling markets, think twice before wandering into remote countryside, and if you hear the rumble of a protest march, take the nearest exit. Paradise may be on offer, but according to Washington, it comes with a fine print that no traveler can afford to ignore.
