What vaccines do I need for Sri Lanka?

Required: Yellow Fever (required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country). Recommended by the CDC: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies (for outdoor and rural travelers), Japanese Encephalitis (rural travel, especially north and east).

Is tap water safe to drink in Sri Lanka?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Sri Lanka. Drink bottled or treated water throughout your trip, including in resort areas.

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South Asia

Sri Lanka Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

Sri Lanka is a compact island nation with ancient temples, tea-covered highlands, and beaches on all coasts. Health risks are moderate — dengue is the primary concern nationwide, while malaria has been eliminated since 2016. Healthcare is relatively good in Colombo and Kandy, but limited in rural areas.

Food Safety: Moderate Risk Tap Water: Unsafe Malaria Risk Present

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Vaccines for Sri Lanka

Required for Entry

Yellow Fever (required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country)

CDC Recommended

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Rabies (for outdoor and rural travelers)
Japanese Encephalitis (rural travel, especially north and east)

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Sri Lanka

Malaria Risk

Sri Lanka was certified malaria-free by WHO in 2016. No malaria transmission currently; chemoprophylaxis is not recommended for any part of the country.

Food and Water Safety

Moderate Risk Tap water: not safe to drink

Freshly prepared hot food from established restaurants is generally safe. Rice and curry is the staple and generally low-risk when hot. Avoid raw salads, tap water, unverified ice, and raw seafood from street vendors. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive.

Key Health Tips for Sri Lanka

Dengue is the primary health risk — use DEET repellent and wear long clothing, especially in urban and suburban areas during and after the monsoon.
No malaria prophylaxis needed — Sri Lanka has been malaria-free since 2016.
Drink only bottled or purified water throughout the country.
Rip currents are a serious hazard on many beaches — always check local surf conditions and swim at patrolled beaches.

Disease Risks in Sri Lanka

Official Resources

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