Sri Lanka packs beaches, tea country, wildlife and ancient cities into one compact island. Dengue and rabies are the health risks Australians most need to plan for, and medical care outside Colombo is limited.
Key points
- Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are commonly recommended for Sri Lanka.
- Dengue occurs in all regions, especially in the wet seasons: December to March in the northeast and May to October in the southwest.
- Rabies is fatal without immediate treatment. Avoid dogs, monkeys and bats.
- The CDC lists no malaria in Sri Lanka.
- Medical care outside Colombo is extremely limited.
Travelling soon? A TMA travel doctor can tailor your vaccines and advice to your itinerary.
Which vaccinations do I need?
The right vaccines depend on your itinerary, length of stay, activities, age and health. These are the vaccines most often discussed.
Routine vaccines, including measles
Check your routine vaccines are up to date before any overseas trip. The Australian Immunisation Handbook advises that Australians born in or after 1966 who have not had 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine should generally have MMR before travel. See our measles and travel checklist.
Hepatitis A
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends hepatitis A vaccine for travellers aged 1 year and over going to countries where hepatitis A is common, unless they are already immune. It is spread through contaminated food and water.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine may be recommended for travellers aged 2 years and over to the Indian subcontinent, including Sri Lanka, according to the Australian Immunisation Handbook, particularly for longer stays, rural travel or visiting friends and relatives. It is available as an injection or oral capsules.
Rabies
Smartraveller warns that rabies is fatal without immediate treatment and advises avoiding contact with dogs, monkeys and bats. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination can be given over two visits a week apart. It does not remove the need for treatment after a bite, but means you need fewer doses and do not need rabies immunoglobulin, which can be hard to find overseas. Wash any bite or scratch thoroughly with soap and water and get medical care the same day.
Japanese encephalitis
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends JE vaccine for travellers spending a month or more in endemic areas, and suggests considering it for shorter trips with rural travel, camping or travel in the wet season. Adults usually need one dose of Imojev or two doses of JEspect 28 days apart. See our JE guide.
Do I need malaria tablets for Sri Lanka?
No. The CDC lists no areas of malaria in Sri Lanka. Mosquito bite prevention is still important because of dengue.
Dengue in Sri Lanka
Smartraveller notes dengue is a risk in Sri Lanka, with outbreaks in all regions. Insect-borne illnesses rise in the wet periods, December to March in the northeast and May to October in the southwest. Use repellent during the day as well as at night, and seek medical attention if you develop a fever. Read our dengue guide to see if the dengue vaccine may suit you.
Medicines and medical care
Not all medicines available in Australia can be found in Sri Lanka, so take enough for your whole trip with a copy of your prescription and a doctor's letter. Smartraveller notes medical care in Colombo is below Australian standards and extremely limited elsewhere. Divers should know the only operational decompression chamber is at the Sri Lanka Navy Base in Trincomalee. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
When should I see a travel doctor?
Healthdirect recommends seeing your doctor or a travel clinic 4 to 6 weeks before you travel. Every TMA member clinic offers pre-travel consultations and is an approved Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre.
Frequently asked questions
Is there malaria in Sri Lanka?
No. The CDC lists no malaria in Sri Lanka, so tablets are not needed.
When is dengue season in Sri Lanka?
Risk rises in the wet periods, December to March in the northeast and May to October in the southwest, though dengue occurs year round.
How long before my trip should I see a travel doctor?
Ideally 4 to 6 weeks before you leave, so there is time for vaccines that need more than one dose. If you are leaving sooner, an appointment is still worthwhile.
Find a TMA travel doctor near you.
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Recommendations change, so speak with your doctor before you travel.