Travel vaccines for Sri Lanka

There is no malaria. Dengue and chikungunya are the main mosquito-borne risks, so bite avoidance matters.

Vaccines for Sri Lanka

Book this week to give your vaccines time to work.

Some courses can be speeded up. A yellow fever certificate becomes valid 10 days after your vaccine.

Advised for most travellers

Advised for some travellers, depending on your trip

Hepatitis ARecommended for those at increased risk, such as travellers staying with local people or in basic rural accommodation.Fits before you flyTyphoidTyphoid is known or presumed to occur. Consider it if visiting friends and relatives, staying long term or travelling where hygiene is poor.Fits before you flyRabiesRabies is a risk in Sri Lanka.Ask about a faster courseJapanese EncephalitisPresent all year, with peaks around the monsoon seasons.Ask about a faster courseHepatitis BHepatitis B is common in Sri Lanka.Ask about a faster courseCholeraCholera has previously been reported.Ask about a faster courseDengueMore than 92,000 cases and 68 deaths were reported in 2026 up to mid-August.Ask about a faster courseChikungunya18 cases in UK travellers returning from Sri Lanka were reported in the first half of 2026.Fits before you fly
TuberculosisTB (BCG) vaccine is advised for unvaccinated children under 16 who will live in the country for more than 3 months, and for some health workers. It is not given in pharmacy; ask your GP.
MeaslesMeasles risk is higher than in the UK. Check you have had two doses of MMR, which is free from your GP.

These are suggestions only and may differ from what our expert clinician advises at your consultation.

Entry rules

  • A yellow fever certificate is required for travellers over 9 months of age arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, including those who have spent more than 12 hours in transit through an airport in such a country.
  • Not required if you fly direct from the UK.

Malaria

No malaria risk.

  • Malaria tablets are not needed for Sri Lanka. Bite avoidance is still important because of dengue.
About malaria tablets

Other health risks

Zika

There is a risk. Pregnant travellers and couples planning a pregnancy should seek advice before booking.

Altitude

The central highlands rise just above 2,500 metres.

More than one country?

Add each country when you book and we’ll plan for the whole route.

Common questions about Sri Lanka

What vaccines do I need for Sri Lanka?+

For most travellers, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio is advised. Others may be advised depending on your route, how long you stay and what you will be doing. Your pharmacist will only recommend what suits your trip.

Do I need malaria tablets for Sri Lanka?+

No malaria risk. Malaria tablets are not needed for Sri Lanka. Bite avoidance is still important because of dengue.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Sri Lanka?+

A yellow fever certificate is required for travellers over 9 months of age arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, including those who have spent more than 12 hours in transit through an airport in such a country. Not required if you fly direct from the UK.

How far in advance should I get vaccines for Sri Lanka?+

Ideally six to eight weeks before you fly, so any courses can be finished. If you leave sooner, still book: many vaccines help close to departure.

Summarised from NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro, checked 10 November 2026. Advice can change, so we check it again at your appointment. Clinical content by Lyneham Pharmacy and Travel Clinic (GPhC registered pharmacy 9010716).

Can’t see your destination? We still cover it.

We show some of our most popular destinations here, but we give travel vaccine advice for wherever you’re going. Tell us your route when you book, or give us a call.

Call 01249 892813