Brits have been warned against heading to Sri Lanka - less than a month after a travel ban was lifted.
The Foreign Office is now advising against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka due to the harrowing impact of the country's economic crisis and major street protests.
Economic mismanagement and the aftermath of Covid have left the cash-strapped country of 22 million people unable to pay for essential imports of food, fertiliser, medicines and fuel because of a severe dollar crunch.
"Sri Lanka is experiencing a severe economic crisis which has led to shortages of basic necessities including medicines, cooking gas, fuel and food," the British government said.
The UK Government warned holidaymakers could encounter "demonstrations, roadblocks and violent unrest at short notice".
Visiting countries against Foreign Office advice would be likely to invalidate your travel insurance, the Association of British Insurers said.
The travel warning was previously in place from 13 May to 10 June.
A shortage of basic necessities including medicines, cooking gas, fuel and food has sparked protests and violence in the Asian country.
Sri Lanka's government said it only had enough petrol to last one day.
The country's 22 million people are suffering from the most serious financial turmoil in seven decades, with severe shortages of fuel, medicines and other essentials amid record inflation and a devaluation of its currency.
"The economic situation in Sri Lanka is challenging with shortages of basic necessities including medicines, cooking gas, fuel and food because of a shortage of hard currency to pay for imports," the FCDO website reads.
"There may be long queues at shops and supermarkets, fuel stations, and pharmacies. There may be difficulties or delays obtaining taxis and other public transport. There are ongoing daily power cuts due to electricity rationing.
"There have been a number of protests since 31 March 2022. There have been incidents involving violence against peaceful protesters resulting in injuries and loss of life.
"Security authorities have used tear gas and water cannons against protesters."
