Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Wally Doerge)
Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Sri Lanka
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Fri, 21 May 1993 18:32:34 GMT
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka - Cancellation
 May 19, 1993

The Travel Warning for Sri Lanka, dated May 3, 1993, is cancelled.  
Additional information on travel in Sri Lanka, including information 
on risks to personal safety, can be found in the Department of 
State's Consular Information Sheet for Sri Lanka, available through 
the Citizens Emergency Center, Department of State, at 202-647-5225.


Sri Lanka - Consular Information Sheet
 May 19, 1993

Country Description:  Sri Lanka has a developing economy.  Tourist 
facilities outside the capital and major tourist areas may not be 
adequate.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and onward/return ticket and proof 
of sufficient funds ($15 U.S. 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 (202) 483-4025-8, or the Sri Lanka 
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 all 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.  
Indiscriminate 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 (404) 3324559.

Crime Information:  Petty street crime such as purse snatching and 
pickpocketing is common.  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.  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 their presence 
upon arrival in Sri Lanka.

 No. 93-158

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for Sri Lanka dated 
January 8, 1993, deletes the Travel Warning of May 3, 1993, and 
updates information on the security situation, entry requirements 
and crime.