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The UK has lifted the travel advisory in which the country previously advised against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka, whilst the US has requested its citizens to reconsider their visits.
As per the latest update on the UK Government, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) no longer advises against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka.
In May, the FCDO warned UK citizens should only travel to Sri Lanka for essential purposes due to the ongoing political and economic instability, following the 9 May unrest.
However, the advisory against non-essential travel has now been lifted, despite describing the economic situation in Sri Lanka to be ‘challenging’.
“The economic situation in Sri Lanka is challenging with shortages of basic necessities including medicines, cooking gas, fuel, and food because of a shortage of hard currency to pay for imports.
“There may be long queues at shops and supermarkets, fuel stations, and pharmacies. There may be difficulties or delays obtaining taxis and other public transport. There are ongoing daily power cuts due to electricity rationing,” the UK travel advisory noted.
It also added that the state of emergency in Sri Lanka has been lifted, however, some military presence remains on the streets and curfews may be imposed at short notice.
“You should be vigilant, avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings, and follow the advice of the local authorities. Find out more in the political situation section. If you are in Sri Lanka at this time or considering travel, you should check local information and stay away from protests,” the FCDO statement noted.
Separately, the US Department of State has requested its citizens to reconsider travel to Sri Lanka due to fuel and medicine shortages, whilst maintaining a ‘Level 3’ travel advisory from 16 May.
As per the Department of State there are four travel advisory levels, which include; level 1 – exercise normal precautions, level 2 – exercise increased caution, level 3 – reconsider travel, and level 4 – do not travel.
“Sri Lanka is experiencing shortages of fuel and cooking gas as well as some medicines and essential food items, due to the ongoing economic situation in the country. There have recently been protests over the economic situation and queues at gas stations, grocery stores, and some pharmacies. Protests have occurred throughout the country and have mostly been peaceful.
“In some instances, police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters. There have also been daily planned power outages across the island, as well as some unplanned power outages, as fuel for backup generators are increasingly scarce. Public transportation in some instances has been limited or curtailed. Travellers should monitor local media for updates on the ongoing situation,” the notice said.
The US Government has also warned its citizens about the possibility of terrorist attacks in public places. “Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, Government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, hospitals, and other public areas,” the US Department of State travel advisory statement highlighted.
