THIS BLOG IS OUTDATED. For more information on travelling to Sri Lanka post-covid (2022), please refer to this article.
After a devastating two-month lockdown, Sri Lanka is returning to normal. Authorities have relaxed curfews, and civilian life is resuming. Work-life is getting back on track, and businesses like salons and bars are opening. This means that traveling on your own in a tuk-tuk is not far from reality.
What’s the current COVID-19 situation in Sri Lanka?
The number of positive COVID-19 cases is declining. In fact, health authorities are containing it to very low numbers, even after relaxing the lockdown. Sri Lanka remains one of the countries effectively controlling the spread of the virus.
As of July 18th, 2020, Sri Lanka has 2,697 total confirmed cases, with 674 active cases. According to the Health Promotion Bureau, 2,012 individuals have already recovered. While a recent spike originated from the Kanthakadu cluster, health authorities confirm there is no community spread yet.
Can I travel to Sri Lanka now?
As Sri Lanka and its people get back to normal life, we are excited that travel will resume very soon. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has released official guidelines to make this happen.
Currently, arrivals are restricted, and the government has suspended on-arrival visas until further notice. However, the SLTDA has announced measures for travelers to enter Sri Lanka as soon as the borders open.
Reopening Plans and Visa Guidelines
UPDATE 5th JUNE 2020: Sri Lanka is preparing to welcome travelers from across the world starting August 1st, 2020. The country has put safety guidelines and precautionary measures in place.
LATEST UPDATE 15th JULY 2020: Officials have indefinitely delayed the reopening of Sri Lanka’s Colombo International Airport for tourists. This delay will last until at least early September. The decision came after authorities suspended repatriation flights due to a spike in COVID-19 infections.
The SLTDA advises that you must obtain an online visa before arriving. You can apply through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) portal. This rule now applies even to countries that were previously exempt.
Mandatory Pre-requisites for Your Visa:
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Book your tour package online or via an SLTDA-registered travel agency.
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Book your accommodation with an SLTDA-registered and COVID-certified hotel.
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Submit proof of health insurance.
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Provide a valid return air ticket.
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Share your tour booking details or travel plan.
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Upload a negative PCR report or a positive antibody test report (taken two weeks prior to arrival) with your visa application.
The government will not issue on-arrival visas until it makes an official announcement. We expect the final version of the SLTDA official guidelines to be released soon and will update this article accordingly.
Airport Arrival and Testing Procedures
The Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RMA), and Mattala Rajapaksa Hambantota Airport (MRIA) will begin operating for tourist arrivals soon. In addition to the visa rules, the SLTDA has announced further guidelines for arrival.
You must apply for a visit visa online. The government will issue a 30-day visa for a fee of USD 100. You can extend this for up to 6 months after arrival. Authorities are also considering a long-stay visa, which would be a five-year multiple-entry visa with a maximum 6-month stay per entry.
Before boarding your flight, you need a negative PCR test that is no older than 72 hours.
Regulations on Arrival:
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Health officials will conduct a free PCR test when you arrive at the airport.
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There will be no quarantine unless you show symptoms or test positive. If your test is positive, officials will arrange quarantine in a designated hotel or hospital. This quarantine would usually last 14 to 21 days.
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Current PCR tests take 24 hours to provide results. However, authorities are working to speed up the process to 4 to 6 hours.
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While waiting for test results, you must stay one night at a certified 4 or 5-star hotel in Colombo or Negombo.
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A mobile unit will conduct a second PCR test 4-5 days after your arrival, coordinated with your accommodation.
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If you are staying for more than 10 days, you will undergo a third PCR test to ensure safety.
Accommodation and On-Island Travel
You should arrange transportation through your certified accommodation or travel agency before you arrive. You will not be able to use public transportation initially.
Authorities will open all tourist attractions with intense safety protocols in place. They will also permit travel between districts freely.
Measures at the Airport
Yes, airport staff will implement strict protocols to ensure your health and safety. The SLTDA guidelines include:
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Disinfecting passengers, luggage, and travel documents.
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Checking temperatures and for respiratory symptoms at the first entry point.
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Conducting a PCR or Rapid test upon arrival. Face masks are compulsory for passengers and all staff.
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At the immigration counter, staff will collect your pre-check medical report and travel details.
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Ensuring social distancing of at least 1 meter and encouraging the use of contactless payment systems.
Are accommodations safe?
Yes. The SLTDA, along with industry experts, created detailed operational guidelines for hotels to maintain safety and hygiene. The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka also collated an additional document.
The SLTDA advises travelers to book only with SLTDA-registered and COVID-certified hotels. You can find a list on their official website.
I am already in Sri Lanka How can I extend my Visa?
Approximately 10,000 foreigners are currently in Sri Lanka. The Department of Immigration & Emigration provided a visa extension for them. However, officials request that you get the visa endorsed on your passport by making an appointment online.
Can I travel between districts on a rented tuk-tuk?
Authorities have lifted the island-wide curfew, so you can travel between most districts in your own vehicle. However, they still restrict entry to Colombo and Gampaha districts for essential work-related activities only.
How can I go back to my home country?
Several airlines are operating flights on a scheduled basis. Sri Lankan Airlines and Qatar Airways are operating continuous flights to destinations like London, Tokyo, and Frankfurt. Other airlines have experienced more delays or cancellations. These flights are often highly-priced and can be postponed with little notice. We advise you to maintain close contact directly with the airlines or an authorized travel partner.
