Sri Lanka has been booming for years as a long-haul destination. According to information from the Foreign Office, in 2018 nearly 157,000 German tourists traveled to the Asian country - a good 20 percent more than in the previous year.

A series of attacks on churches and luxury hotels shook the popular holiday destination on Easter Sunday, killing more than 300 people. Who is on site or has booked a trip, now has many questions. Here are the most important answers:

Can I cancel for free?

After the suicide attacks in Sri Lanka, most German tour operators offer travelers to cancel or rebook their holiday at short notice and free of charge. This applies at least for upcoming travel.

  • Alltours customers can cancel a holiday free of charge until the 30th of April, a spokesman said.
  • TUI offers free cancellations or transfers to travelers up to and including 29th April.
  • With FTI there is this possibility for arrivals up to and including April 28, announced a spokeswoman. For holidaymakers who arrive later, check transfer options.
  • Travelers with Thomas Cook can rebook or cancel bookings with arrivals free of charge until May 2, a spokeswoman said. For later arrivals, check inquiries individually.
  • Studiosus offers free bookings or cancellations for bookings departing in April and May. For all trips that start later in the year, there is currently no possibility. According to the current state of knowledge, it is assumed that all trips starting from summer can be carried out according to plan.
  • At DER Touristik the departure date is decisive: Trips with departure until May 6 can be rebooked or canceled free of charge.

DER Touristik has also set up the excursion program to the capital Colombo, where the three luxury hotels concerned and one of the three churches are located. Traveling through the country would take place, said a spokeswoman.

If necessary, Studiosus makes daily adjustments to the travel program , the organizer said for study and adventure trips. Observe the development in the country with the utmost attention.

What if I want to cancel my later planned trip?

From the point of view of travel lawyer Paul Degott vacationers can cancel vacation packages to Sri Lanka, which would start in the coming weeks, free of charge. Fear of terror alone is not sufficient justification, but in Sri Lanka now came several circumstances: The situation on the ground is uncertain: emergency regulations have been introduced and whether further attacks threaten, is unclear.

Tourists must expect restrictions. For example, the Foreign Office (AA) advises in its current travel advice to avoid public places. But just traveling around the country in Sri Lanka is regularly an essential part of the holiday experience, according to Degott.

Anyone who has booked a trip to the country later in the year, for example during the autumn holidays, advises Degott to follow the development in the country closely and to read the travel advice of the AA. These are constantly updated. He also recommends contacting the organizer. "They have people on the ground and more accurate information, so you can ask," What does the situation look like from your point of view? "

What does the Foreign Office write in detail?

Currently, travelers across the country, especially around airports, expect barriers and controls, according to the current information. At least four hours before departure you should arrive at the airport. The places of attack as well as public places avoid vacationers rather far-flung, advises the AA. They should keep in close contact with their tour operator and airlines, follow local media and follow instructions from security forces.