THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN UPDATED. FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION ON TRAVELLING TO SRI LANKA IN 2022, (POST-COVID-ISH) please click here to go to the updated article.
Are you planning a trip to Sri Lanka in 2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic? This article is for travelers looking for information on the rules and regulations for entering Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has created a detailed action plan to make your trip to our paradise island a reality. We’ve summarized what you need to know right here.
Summary of Steps
To travel to Sri Lanka in 2021, you need to follow three basic steps:
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Book a Level 1 Safe & Secure Hotel (S&S Hotel) for your first 14 days. This booking includes mandatory PCR tests and insurance. Your hotel will then inform the Sri Lanka Immigration Department. You can move between a maximum of two hotels during this initial period.
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Apply for your Sri Lanka Tourist Visa online. Make sure to add the hotel address and your booking reference number.
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Book your RETURN flight directly through the airline or a travel agent.
Guidelines for Traveling to Sri Lanka During the Pandemic
We have carefully curated this information from official sources and the experiences of travelers who are already in the country.
Key Points to Note
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Enjoy your trip without a restrictive quarantine.
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You do not need to stay for a minimum number of days; you can visit for just two days if you wish.
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After receiving a negative PCR test upon arrival, you can use all hotel facilities like pools and dining areas. The PCR test results usually take one day, so you will need to stay in your room on the first day.
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You must stay at a certified S&S Hotel for the first 14 days of your stay.
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During the first 14 days, you can move between two different S&S Hotels.
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You can also visit approved tourist sites within a bio-bubble during this period.
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When applying for your visa, you will pay for PCR Tests ($40 USD per test) and insurance ($12 USD for a one-month cover of $50,000 USD).
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You must provide a negative PCR test from your country of residence, taken a maximum of 72 hours before departure.
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Currently, these safety protocols apply even if you have been vaccinated.
Level 1 Safe & Secure Accommodations
Travelers to Sri Lanka must stay in a certified S&S Hotel, guesthouse, or villa for their first 14 days. During this time, you may move freely between two different S&S properties. After completing the 14-day period, you can travel freely to any hotel, guesthouse, or hostel. You will be able to travel by car, tuktuk, or public transport and stay wherever you like.
The Level 1 Safe & Secure Hotel will charge you for mandatory PCR tests (three if you stay for two weeks or more) and the mandatory COVID-19 insurance ($12 per person). It is crucial to contact the hotels directly for booking, not through online portals like booking.com. Direct bookings ensure the mandatory PCR tests are included, validating your reservation.
You can find an updated list of accommodations here.
Sri Lanka Tourist Visa
To get your Sri Lanka Tourist Visa, you need to book a Level 1 Safe & Secure Hotel and your return flights.
Once you have the booking confirmation, you can apply for the visa. It is important to enter the hotel name, booking confirmation, and reference number in the “Address in Sri Lanka” field. The tourist visa is valid for 30 days, but you can later extend it for another 90 days.
Due to a high volume of applications, you can expect some delays in the visa process. After you book your hotel, it is their obligation to inform the Sri Lankan Tourism Development Authority, who will then inform the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration.
To speed up the process, you can also email your hotel reservation and the details of all visa applicants to [email protected] and [email protected].
UPDATE ON 10th FEBRUARY 2021 The government has relaxed rules for holders of Tourist visas and Foreign Passport holders with valid residence visas. Airlines operating to Sri Lanka no longer need prior approval from the CAASL for these passengers, and there is no mandatory minimum stay.
Booking Your Flights
Book your flights directly through the airline’s call center or local office. Online booked flights often get changed or canceled.
Airlines Currently Flying to Sri Lanka
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Sri Lankan Airlines
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Qatar Airways
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Emirates
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Etihad Airways
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China Eastern Airline
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Singapore Airlines
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Oman Air
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Air India
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Kuwait Air
Health Declaration Form
You should also submit a completed Health Declaration Form (HDF) at the airport Health Counters upon arrival. Airlines will provide these forms prior to boarding, on-board the flight, or you can find them upon arrival. You can also download it here.
To get your visa, you need a return flight. Your return or onward flight can be any date within six months.
Tourist Sites to Visit Within the 14-Day Bio-Bubble
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Forest Department: Sinharaja Forest Reserve
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Department of Wildlife Conservation: Yala, Udawalawe, Eth Athurusevana, Kaudulla, Wilpattu, Mirissa Whale Watching
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Central Cultural Fund: Sigiriya, Anuradhapura (excluding Sri Maha Bodhi), Polonnaruwa Ancient City
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Department of National Botanical Gardens: Royal Botanic Garden-Peradeniya
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Laksala: Laksala Kandy
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Special Attractions: Temple of the Tooth Relic
Tourist sights which can be visited within the 14-day bio-bubble
| DEPARTMENT | SITE | CONTACT | TIMES |
| Forest Department | Sinharaja Forest Reserve | Mrs. Uthpala Kalansooriya 071-839 95 99 | Any week of the day |
| Department of Wildlife Conservation | Yala, Udawalawe, Eth Athurusevana, Kaudulla, Wilpattu, Mirissa Whale Watching | Mr. Manjula Amerarathna [email protected] Director PA Management 0714428858 |
Any weekday 6.00 am to 6.00 pm – Arrival of tour groups with advance notice |
| Central Cultural Fund | Sigiriya, Anuradhapura (excluding Sri Maha Bodhi), Polonnaruwa Ancient City, | Mr. Upul Bandaranayake 0711398398 [email protected] | 6.30 am to 5.30 pm Fresco cave max.8 at a time Museum 60 tourists max. at a time |
| Department of National Botanical Gardens | Royal Botanic Garden-Peradeniya | Dr.Achala Attanayake – Director [email protected] om 071- 489 06 93 | 8.00 am to 5.00 pm Visitors will be received in batches- one batch at a time & Visitors are encouraged to bring their own water bottles |
| Laksala | Laksala Kandy | Mr. Kelum Jayawardena Director Sales 0779712198 Kandy Mr.Bandula Senevirathne Showroom Manager 071-452 18 66 | Any week day |
| Special Attractions | Temple of the Tooth Relic | Mr. Krishantha Hissella 0773424503 krishantha@sridaladama ligawa.lk [email protected] | Any week day 11.30 am to 1.30 pm Tourist-owned footwear should be placed in polythene covers in the proper hygienic procedures in the shoe counter reserved for foreign tourists and placed the footwear themselves in the given basket. |
What to Do After the First 14 Days?
After being confined to specific hotels and sites, it’s time to explore the unknown in an authentic three-wheeled chariot of Asia! We think the best way to do this is by renting a tuktuk.
We are a social business that sources all our tuktuks from local drivers, who have some of the lowest salaries in the country. The economic crisis has drastically affected these people. By renting a tuktuk, you directly contribute to the livelihood of a local family who truly needs your help.
