South Asia
🇱🇰 Vaccines for Sri Lanka
Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka requires Yellow Fever proof if arriving from an endemic country, and Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, and Rabies are all recommended. Malaria risk exists in northern and eastern areas but not in Colombo or the south coast and hill country, which cover most tourist itineraries (beaches, Kandy, tea country, and wildlife parks like Yala). Rabies is a genuine concern given dog populations throughout the country, including in tourist areas. Dengue is endemic and a more relevant practical mosquito-borne risk for most visitors than malaria. Healthcare in Colombo is reasonable; tourist areas generally have adequate facilities for routine issues.
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.