Wayzata World Factbook 1994/World Factbook - 1994 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1994).iso/pc/text/txtfiles/sri_lank.tvl

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#CARD:Sri Lanka:Travel\Consular Information
Sri Lanka - Consular Information Sheet
August 27, 1993

Country Description:  Sri Lanka has a developing economy.  Tourist
facilities outside the capital and major tourist areas may be basic.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and onward/return ticket and proof of
sufficient funds (15 U.S. dollars per day) are required.  A tourist visa can
be granted at the time of entry into Sri Lanka, and may be valid for a
maximum period of 90 days.  Business travelers may be granted a landing
endorsement at the port of entry for a one month period under certain
circumstances.  Yellow fever and cholera immunizations are needed if
arriving from an infected area.  Further information can be obtained by
contacting the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka,
2148 Wyoming Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone [phone]-
8, or the Sri Lankan consulate in New York.  There are also honorary Sri
Lankan consulates in Los Angeles, Honolulu, New Orleans and Newark.

Areas of Instability: There is a long-standing armed conflict between the
Sri Lankan government and a Tamil extremist group, the Liberation Tigers of
Tamil Eelam (LTTE).  Fighting between government security forces and the
LTTE continues in many parts of the northern and eastern areas of the
island.  Although there is no direct threat to U.S. citizens in Sri Lanka,
there is a general risk of being inadvertently caught up in random acts of
violence.  Terrorist bombings have occurred, including in or near the
capital city of Colombo.  Prominent national leaders and senior military
personnel have been targets and/or victims of terrorist violence.  Areas
such as Wilpattu and Galoya National Parks are considered especially unsafe.
 Travelers who encounter roadblocks staffed by security personnel are
expected to follow closely any instructions given.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are limited. Doctors and hospitals
often expect immediate cash payment for health services.  U.S. medical
insurance is not always valid outside the United States.  Supplemental
medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful.
Malaria is prevalent in many areas outside of Colombo.  For further
information, the traveler can contact the Centers for Disease Control's
international travelers hotline at [phone].

Crime Information:  Petty street crime such as purse snatching and
pickpocketing is common especially on crowded local transportation.  The
loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to
local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Useful information
on safeguarding valuables, protecting personal security and other matters
while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlets, "A
Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to South Asia."  They are
available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in
illegal drugs are strictly enforced in Sri Lanka.  Convicted offenders can
expect jail sentences and fines.

Embassy Location and Registration:  Updated information on travel and
security within Sri Lanka is available at the U.S. Embassy, located at 210
Galle Rd., in the capital city of Colombo.  The mailing address is P.O. Box
106.  The telephone number is (94-1) 448007.  U.S. citizens are encouraged
to register at the U.S. Embassy upon arrival in Sri Lanka.

No. 93-236

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Sri Lanka dated May 19,
1993 to include information about crime on public transportation and to add
information on reporting the loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport.

#ENDCARD