Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka Issues Travel Advisory for Tourists

On July 24, 2025, a tourist was photographed amidst the mangroves at Beddagana Wetland Park in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The significance of this ecosystem is highlighted as July 26 marks the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, underscoring the ecological benefits that Sri Lanka’s mangroves provide, including seawater purification, storm protection, carbon sequestration, and the support of biodiversity.

In light of rising numbers of Chinese tourists visiting Sri Lanka this summer, the Chinese Embassy has published a statement urging its citizens to follow local laws and customs meticulously. This advisory comes amid reports of Chinese nationals being detained or questioned by authorities for suspected legal infractions, which has tainted the public perception of Chinese tourists in the region, potentially disrupting their travel experiences as well.

The embassy specifically cautioned against bringing prohibited items such as cigarettes or certain foreign plants into the country and emphasized adherence to set limits on valuables when leaving Sri Lanka. Tourists are also reminded not to undertake activities inconsistent with their visa types and to avoid illegal behaviors, including gambling, in light of updated laws in China making overseas gambling punishable.

Moreover, the embassy has reiterated the importance of respecting passport regulations. It is illegal for tourists to use their passports as collateral or to illegally withhold another's passport. Should any Chinese national find themselves in a situation where their passport is unlawfully kept from them while in Sri Lanka, they are encouraged to promptly report it to local authorities and contact the Chinese embassy for assistance, ensuring their rights and identity are adequately protected.