US revises Travel Advisory on SL to lowest risk level

By Skandha Gunasekara

The US travel advisory classification for Sri Lanka has been revised to Level 1, identifying Sri Lanka as a safe travel destination.

According to the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website, Sri Lanka has been graded as a Level 1 travel destination, advising US travellers to ‘exercise normal precautions’.

The US State Department has categorised travel advisories into four levels, with level 1 being the safest with each increment in level indicating increased risks to US travellers.

Hence the website explains the advisory categories as follows:

Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions – This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. 

There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.

Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution – Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Departments of State provides additional advice for travellers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

Level 3: Reconsider Travel – Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travellers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

Countries US travellers should avoid according to the State Department are rated level 4:

Level 4: Do Not Travel – This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the US Government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that US citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travellers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

Sri Lanka, along with nations such as Australia, Singapore and Switzerland are recognised as Level 1 travel destinations by the US State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs. 

Earlier Sri Lanka was given a Level 2 travel advisory by the US, similar to countries such as the United Kingdom, France and India.