← Back
South Asia

🇱🇰 Vaccines for Sri Lanka

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Sri Lanka

Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. Malaria risk in the north and east, particularly in Jaffna and Trincomalee provinces — Colombo and the main tourist areas in the south and west are low risk. Japanese Encephalitis worth considering for rural travel. Rabies present.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only — not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Required for entry
Yellow Fever
Certificate required if arriving from endemic country.
💉 1 dose (lifetime)
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 10 days after vaccination. Certificate valid for life.
🛡 Protects for: Lifetime (single dose).
Required for entry
Recommended by WHO & CDC
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination risk.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
🛡 Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
💉 1 dose
📅 Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
🛡 Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Japanese Encephalitis
Risk in rural agricultural areas.
💉 2 doses
📅 Book at least 7 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 2nd dose (28 days after the 1st).
🛡 Protects for: Booster after 1 year if ongoing exposure.
Recommended
Rabies
Dog bites risk.
💉 3 doses
📅 Book at least 5 weeks before travel
⚡ Effective: After 3rd dose. 2nd dose 7 days after 1st, 3rd dose 21 days after 1st.
🛡 Protects for: Pre-exposure reduces post-bite treatment needed. Boosters based on blood tests.
Recommended
Disease risks
  • ⚠Malaria (northern and eastern areas — not in Colombo or southern coast)
  • ⚠Dengue (endemic, urban)
  • ⚠Japanese Encephalitis (rural areas)
Notes: Yellow Fever required from endemic countries. No malaria in Colombo or main tourist areas (south coast, Kandy). Malaria prophylaxis for northern/eastern provinces.
Approximate cost per person
Required vaccines
~€74
(~$81)
per person · full courses
Yellow Fever (1 dose)€74 ($81)
Recommended vaccines
~€786
(~$856)
per person · full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Japanese Encephalitis (2 doses)€264 ($288)
Rabies (3 doses)€273 ($297)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

💡 Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip — discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

Often combined with
IndiaNepalBangladeshPakistan
When to book

Book 4–6 weeks before travel. Rabies is 3 doses over 5 weeks if on your list. Hepatitis A and Typhoid can be done 2–3 weeks before departure.

Common questions
Do I need vaccines for Sri Lanka?
No vaccines are required for entry. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. Rabies is worth considering for rural travel. Japanese Encephalitis for extended rural stays.
Is there malaria in Sri Lanka?
Malaria risk exists in the north and east. Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and the main tourist areas are low risk. Discuss your itinerary with a travel clinic if visiting the Northern or Eastern provinces.
Is Rabies a risk in Sri Lanka?
Yes. Stray dogs are common. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended particularly for rural travel where post-exposure treatment may not be quickly accessible.
Is tap water safe in Sri Lanka?
Not reliably. Use bottled water throughout. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccination is important.

Data based on WHO International Travel and Health and CDC Yellow Book 2026. Last verified: April 2026. Always verify current requirements with a travel health clinic before departure.