Quick answer
To stay healthy on a cricket tour of Sri Lanka, see a GP or travel clinic about six to eight weeks before you fly (hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus are commonly discussed), protect against mosquitoes because dengue has no preventive pill, eat freshly cooked hot food and drink bottled or filtered water, manage the heat with shade, sunscreen and rehydration salts, avoid stray dogs, take care on the roads, and carry travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Key takeaways
- A GP or travel clinic visit about six to eight weeks before departure allows time for any vaccinations.
- Dengue fever is spread by day-biting mosquitoes, and there is no preventive medicine, so repellent matters.
- Food poisoning is the most common illness for visitors, usually from food that is not freshly cooked.
- Rabies is present in Sri Lanka, so avoid touching stray dogs, cats and monkeys.
- Australia's Smartraveller website carries current health and safety advice for Sri Lanka.
Before you fly
See a GP or travel clinic about six to eight weeks before a cricket tour of Sri Lanka. Hepatitis A, typhoid and a tetanus booster are commonly discussed for Sri Lanka, and rabies vaccination may be suggested for longer stays or for people who will be around animals. Malaria is not usually a risk in Sri Lanka, which was certified malaria-free in 2016.
Check Australia's Smartraveller website for current advice, and bring enough of any regular medicines for the whole trip, in their original packaging, with a copy of the prescription.
Buy travel insurance that covers medical treatment and evacuation, and check that it covers the full length of a long tour.
- →GP or travel clinic: six to eight weeks before.
- →Regular medicines: enough for the whole trip.
- →Insurance: medical treatment and evacuation.
Dengue and mosquitoes
Dengue fever is the main mosquito-borne illness in Sri Lanka, with cases rising after the monsoon rains, roughly June and July in the southwest and November to January in the east and north. The mosquitoes that carry it bite during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, so cricket grounds and gardens are not free of risk.
There is no preventive pill for dengue. Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, wear long sleeves in the evening, and choose rooms with screens or air-conditioning.
If you develop a high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes or muscle and joint pain, see a doctor promptly, and avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen until dengue is ruled out.
- →Repellent: day and evening.
- →Long sleeves after dusk.
- →Fever: see a doctor promptly.
Food and water
Food poisoning is the most common illness for visitors to Sri Lanka. Eat freshly cooked hot food from busy places, avoid food that has sat in the sun, peel fruit yourself and be careful with salads and ice in very cheap places. Rice and curry from a busy restaurant is usually safe.
Drink bottled or filtered water, which is widely available, and use it for brushing teeth if unsure. Many hotels provide filtered water refills. Carry oral rehydration salts in case of stomach upset.
Lankan Stays & Trails recommends restaurants near each ground that are popular with locals and visitors, and keeps drivers stocked with bottled water.
- →Freshly cooked, hot food.
- →Bottled or filtered water.
- →Rehydration salts for upsets.
Heat and sun
Heat and sun are the main health risks at the cricket itself. Daytime temperatures of about 30 to 33 °C and high humidity make heat exhaustion common among visiting fans. Sit in shade where possible, wear a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves, use high-factor sunscreen and drink steadily with rehydration salts.
Limit alcohol during the day, take a session off in the hottest hours if needed, and learn the signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, headache, nausea and heavy sweating.
- →Shade, hat and long sleeves.
- →Sunscreen every two hours.
- →Learn the signs of heat exhaustion.
Roads, dogs and the sea
Road accidents are a bigger risk than illness for many visitors. Traffic is fast and chaotic, especially on the coast road. Use experienced drivers, wear seatbelts where fitted, take care crossing roads and avoid riding motorbikes without experience and a licence.
Rabies is present in Sri Lanka, so avoid touching stray dogs, cats and monkeys, and seek treatment at once after any bite or scratch. Swim only where locals say it is safe, because currents are strong on monsoon coasts.
- →Experienced drivers and seatbelts.
- →No touching stray animals.
- →Swim only where it is safe.
Pharmacies, doctors and hospitals
Pharmacies are common in towns and sell most everyday medicines, rehydration salts and repellent. Private hospitals in Colombo, Kandy and Galle have good standards and English-speaking doctors, and hotels can call a doctor for minor problems.
Keep your insurer's emergency number and your hotel's address on your phone, and know where the first-aid point is at each ground.
Frequently asked questions
What vaccinations do you need for a cricket trip to Sri Lanka?
See a GP or travel clinic about six to eight weeks before travel. Hepatitis A, typhoid and a tetanus booster are commonly discussed for Sri Lanka, and rabies vaccination may be suggested for longer stays. Sri Lanka is malaria-free. Check Australia's Smartraveller website for current advice.
Is dengue a risk at Sri Lankan cricket grounds?
Dengue is present across Sri Lanka, and the mosquitoes that spread it bite during the day, so cricket grounds are not free of risk. Cases rise after monsoon rains. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves in the evening and see a doctor promptly for a high fever.
Is the water safe to drink in Sri Lanka?
Tap water is not recommended for visitors. Drink bottled or filtered water, which is widely available, and many hotels provide filtered refills. Use bottled water for brushing teeth if unsure, and be careful with ice in very cheap places.
What should you do if you get sick on a cricket tour?
For minor illness, rest, drink rehydration salts and visit a pharmacy. For a high fever, severe stomach illness or injury, see a doctor or go to a private hospital in Colombo, Kandy or Galle. Contact your travel insurer early, especially if treatment may be expensive.
Do you need travel insurance for a cricket trip to Sri Lanka?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended, covering medical treatment, hospital stays and evacuation, for the full length of the trip. Check that it covers any activities you plan, such as surfing or hiking. Insurance rarely covers cricket tickets lost to rain or early finishes.
Is there malaria in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka was certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization in 2016, and malaria tablets are not usually recommended for travellers. Dengue, which is also spread by mosquitoes, is still present, so use insect repellent and wear long sleeves in the evening.
Are there good hospitals in Sri Lanka?
Private hospitals in Colombo, Kandy and Galle have good standards and English-speaking doctors, and are the usual choice for visitors. Rural areas have fewer facilities. Keep your insurer's emergency number on your phone, and ask your hotel to call a doctor for minor problems.