Traveller’s Guide – Stay Protected from Malaria
Sri Lanka: Malaria-Free, but Still Vigilant
Sri Lanka was certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016, and the last indigenous malaria case was reported in 2012.
This remarkable achievement was the result of decades of strong surveillance, treatment, and community action led by the Anti-Malaria Campaign (AMC) of the Ministry of Health.
However, malaria continues to exist in many parts of the world — especially in Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and South America.
Each year, Sri Lankans travel to and return from these countries for employment, pilgrimage, trade, or study.
To ensure that malaria never returns to our island, it is important that every traveller takes precautions before, during, and after travel.
For Sri Lankans Travelling Abroad
1. Before You Travel
a. Find out if your destination is malaria-endemic
Malaria is present in more than 80 countries — including India, Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, most of Africa, and parts of South America. Check with the Anti-Malaria Campaign or visit the WHO website to verify if your travel destination has malaria.
b. Obtain Free Malaria Chemoprophylaxis
Travellers from Sri Lanka to malaria-endemic countries are entitled to free anti-malaria preventive medicine from AMC.
Where to get it:
- Anti-Malaria Campaign Headquarters, Colombo 05
- Any Regional Malaria Office (RMO) island-wide
When to start:
- Visit at least one week before departure
- Bring your passport and travel details
- Follow the AMC doctor’s advice on the correct medicine (e.g., Doxycycline, Mefloquine, or Atovaquone–Proguanil) and when to start/stop it.
- Continue the tablets during travel and for four weeks after returning, depending on the drug prescribed.
💊 Prophylaxis is safe and effective. Pregnant women and people with medical conditions should consult a doctor for tailored advice.
2. During Your Stay Abroad
Even with preventive medicine, you must protect yourself from mosquito bites — the malaria parasite spreads only through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito.
🦟 Avoid Mosquito Bites
- Sleep under a Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN) every night.
- Apply mosquito repellent (DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil) on exposed skin.
- Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing in the evenings and at night.
- Use insecticide sprays or coils inside rooms after sunset.
- Stay in screened or air-conditioned rooms whenever possible.
- Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn — peak biting hours.
💡 Stay Alert for Symptoms
If you develop fever, chills, or body aches while abroad, seek medical care immediately and ask for a malaria test. Early treatment prevents complications and protects others.
3. After You Return to Sri Lanka
🧪 Get Tested for Malaria
All travellers returning from malaria-endemic countries must be screened for malaria, even if they feel healthy.
Free testing available at:
- Anti-Malaria Campaign Headquarters, Colombo 05
- Nearest Regional Malaria Office
- All government hospitals with malaria microscopy or RDT facilities
Testing Schedule:
- Immediately upon return
- At 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months after return
This follow-up ensures detection of infections that may appear months later (P. vivax, P. ovale).
⚠️ Don't Donate Blood for 3 Years
Returnees from endemic countries should not donate blood for three years to prevent transfusion-transmitted malaria.
📞 If You Feel Unwell
If you develop fever after returning to Sri Lanka:
- Inform your doctor that you have travelled to a malaria-endemic country.
- Request a malaria test immediately.
- Contact the AMC 24-hour hotline for advice.
📞 071-284 1767
For Foreign Visitors to Sri Lanka
Welcome to Sri Lanka — a country free of malaria since 2012.
There is no indigenous malaria transmission on the island, but imported cases continue to be detected among travellers.
To maintain our malaria-free status, we ask for your cooperation.
What You Should Know
- You do not need malaria prophylaxis to visit Sri Lanka.
- There is no local malaria transmission — only isolated imported cases in people arriving from endemic countries.
- Our health system continuously monitors mosquito populations and human cases to prevent re-establishment.
If You Have Recently Been in a Malaria-Endemic Country
- If you develop fever or flu-like symptoms during your stay, please visit the nearest government hospital or contact the Anti-Malaria Campaign.
- Free malaria testing is available across the country.
- Early diagnosis ensures prompt treatment and prevents transmission.
If You Are Staying Long-Term in Sri Lanka
- Avoid mosquito breeding around your residence by eliminating standing water.
- Use mosquito repellents or nets at night as a general preventive measure (for dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases).
- Cooperate with public health officers during any entomological or health surveillance visits.
Your awareness and cooperation help us preserve Sri Lanka's malaria-free achievement — a shared success story recognized worldwide.
Contact Us
Anti-Malaria Campaign Headquarters
Public Health Building, 555/5, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 05
📞 071-284 1767
📧 amc.office@health.gov.lk
🌐 www.malariacampaign.gov.lk
Remember
| If you travel to endemic countries | If you visit Sri Lanka |
|---|---|
| Get free prophylaxis before travel | No malaria prophylaxis required |
| Protect yourself from mosquito bites | Stay aware of dengue prevention |
| Test for malaria after return | Report fever to nearest hospital |
| Don't donate blood for 3 years | Cooperate with health checks |
Malaria Endemic Country List – 2025
View the complete list of countries where malaria is endemic. This information is crucial for travellers planning to visit these regions.
Together, Let's Keep Sri Lanka Malaria-Free
Malaria prevention begins with you. Every traveller's cooperation is vital to ensure Sri Lanka remains a global success story in malaria elimination.
Before you travel – protect yourself.
After you return – test yourself.
Together – protect Sri Lanka.