Is Sri Lanka Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Sri Lanka is generally a safe destination for solo female travelers. The locals are friendly and willing to help, and it's common to encounter many female tourists. However, it's important to be cautious especially in crowded areas to avoid pickpockets or scams. It is also recommended to follow cultural norms, particularly when visiting religious sites. A good practice is to always let someone know your itinerary and keep in regular touch. Night travel is usually considered safe, but as always, vigilance is essential.

Safety rating

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How safe is Sri Lanka?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Sri Lanka is generally safe for solo female travelers, however caution is advisable, especially at night. While the risk of violent crime is relatively low, petty crime such as pickpocketing or bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas. Walking alone late at night in deserted areas or small side streets is not recommended. It's best to stay in well-lit, populated areas and use trusted modes of transportation after dark. Always trust your intuition and follow local guidance on safety measures.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Sri Lanka is mostly safe, reliable and commonly used by locals and tourists. Buses, trains, and tuk tuks are the main forms of local transport. There might be instances of overcrowding on buses and trains during peak hours. However, taking a tuk tuk at night might need some cautiousness. As a female traveler, it's better to use reputed apps for hailing tuk tuks. Always be vigilant about your belongings on public transport, and avoid traveling alone late at night.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

While Sri Lanka is renowned for its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality, when it comes to street harassment, it's a bit of a mixed bag. Many solo female travelers report light to moderate instances of unsolicited advances, particularly in heavily touristic areas. This could range from persistent offers of goods and services to unnecessary compliments. However, Sri Lankans are generally respectful and friendly, and severe cases are not widespread. Always be alert, maintain a firm assertiveness, and where possible, align your movements with busier times of the day to blend into the local crowd.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Sri Lanka is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, like many tourist destinations, petty crimes such as pick-pocketing and bag-snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas and popular tourist spots. It is suggested to always be vigilant, secure your belongings, and avoid flashy displays of wealth. However, the local people are usually warm and welcoming.

Is Sri Lanka worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 40 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.3/5

Safety

3.8/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

4.2/5

Galle, Group travel

I felt generally safe. I visited there with my girlfriends and we weren't disturbed or interrupted by any one. We mostly walked. The food inside the fort is bit more expensive but not too much. We didn't spend that much because we are students and we were on a tight budget but maybe around 3000 LKR for each? It was a one day trip so we didn't spend the night anywhere but our home. But I think there are many safe place around

Posted: August 13, 2025Experienced: April, 2025
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Meera

Meera

Germany

Sri Lanka, Solo travel

I felt really safe in every region of the country! As a tip: the centre of the island was surprisingly the most impressive part, instead of the beaches - so don’t miss out on that! And beware of their fragile toilet systems :)

Posted: June 23, 2025
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Sophl

Sophl

Austria

Sri Lanka, Solo travel

Sri Lanka was great. It doesnt matter what kind of person you are - if you like climbing, swimming, surfing, drinking - you can do it! There is something for everyone to do. The only ‚bad‘ thing about this island is tbh that it is kinda dirty.

Posted: February 7, 2025
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Colombo, Solo travel

I didn't feel safe. There were a lot of homeless people. Also, people on the street were begging for money, not only children. The bus driver tried to cheat me, and I lost some money. I would not recommend going alone at night.

Posted: January 6, 2025Experienced: November, 2024
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Natalia

Natalia

Sri Lanka

Kandy, Solo travel

I stayed in Kandy for a couple of days. There are many accommodation options here: hostels, guest houses and hotels. The people are nice and willing to help. There are many cafes and restaurants there, so the food there is inexpensive. In xmass time the city was full of tourists.

Posted: December 31, 2024Experienced: November, 2024
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Is Sri Lanka safe for women?

Safety index

3.2 /5

Based on 9 local experiences

Crime index

1.8 /5

Based on 9 local experiences

Nimeshika

Nimeshika

Weligama

It's usually safe. Bit tricky after dark since it isn't very crowded past around 9 pm. I don’t actually live in the town, so I can’t speak from experience about living there. The neighborhood I’m from is generally very safe, but it’s not touristy, so I’m not sure about what it’s like to live in a tourist-heavy area. That said, I’m in the town every day, and from what I’ve seen, it’s generally safe for a female solo traveler.

Posted: August 13, 2025
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Safety in Sri Lanka