From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Sri Lanka
Date: 12 Jan 1993 20:18:24 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Sri Lanka
============================================================
Sri Lanka - Consular Information Sheet
 January 8, 1993

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is 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) 44-8007. 

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 (30 U.S. dollars per day) are required.  A 
tourist visa is not required for a stay of up to one month.  A visa 
is required for business travel and must be obtained in advance.  
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 to 8, or the Sri Lanka Consulate in New York.  There are 
also honorary Sri Lankan consulates in Los Angeles, Honolulu, New 
Orleans or 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).  Although there is no 
direct threat to U.S. citizens in Sri Lanka, there is a general risk 
of being inadvertantly caught up in random acts of violence.  
Fighting between government security forces and the (LTTE) continues 
in all parts of the north and east of the island of Sri Lanka.  
While this conflict is primarily centered in the northern part of 
the country, several terrorist bombings in or near Colombo since 
early 1991 have caused civilian casualties.  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) 332-4559.

Crime Information:  Petty street crime, such as purse snatching and 
pickpocketing, is common.  Useful information on safeguarding 
valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is 
provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad."  
It is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. 
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use and trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strictly enforced.  Convicted offenders can expect 
jail sentences and fines.

Tips For Travelers:  The Department of State's pamphlet "Tips for 
Travelers to South Asia" is also available from the Superintendent 
of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 
20402. It contains general information regarding travel in the 
region.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in 
Colombo can obtain updated information on travel and security in Sri 
Lanka.

 No. 93-009