Latest News: Authorities will temporarily relax travel restrictions on 25 May (Economy Newxt, 24.05.2021). Authorities suspend passenger trains, bus services across country until 25 May as COVID-19 restrictions tightened (AP, 22.05.2021). Sri Lanka to halt all passenger arrivals as COVID-19 spreads (Xinhua, 19.05.2021). Authorities impose night travel ban until 31 May (The Hindu, 12.05.2021). Health Ministry imposes new quarantine measures for all arriving travelers because of COVID-19 (Newsfirst, 12.05.2021). Government imposes inter-provincial travel restrictions, cancels all gatherings until 30 May because of COVID-19 (Yahoo, 11.05.2021).
International Restrictions:
*Entry to Sri Lanka: On 19 May, the government of Sri Lanka announced the temporary suspension of all inbound flight arrivals to Sri Lanka from 21 to 31 May 2021 as a containment measure to control the spread of Coronavirus. Entry to Sri Lanka is subject to 14 days quarantine and PCR tests determined by the Health Authorities. The Tourism Ministry have published health protocols for arrivals to Sri Lanka, which can be downloaded from their herewebsite. Cruise ship passengers will not be allowed to disembark in the country, including for temporary shore visits.
*Transiting Sri Lanka: Transit via Sri Lanka is permitted, as long as the connecting flight is within 10 hours of arrival. Travellers should check with their airline on the transit times. There are limited airside refreshment facilities available due to COVID-19 restrictions.
*Quarantine requirements: Entry to Sri Lanka is subject to arrangements for quarantine and PCR testing. This is set out in guidance from the Ministry of Health.
*Electronic Travel Authorisation: All visitors to Sri Lanka should obtain permission to travel from the Sri Lanka Tourist authority. Details of how to apply can be found on Sri Lanka Travel. All visitors who have permission to travel to Sri Lanka must apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka. Further information on eligibility is available on the Department of Immigration and Emigration website. Visitors can apply for an ETA on the ETA website. Internal Restrictions:
*Travel in Sri Lanka: On 12 May, the Government of Sri Lanka announced a series of travel and movement restrictions, which will be in place until 7 June. Lockdowns are being imposed in areas affected by COVID-19, and further travel and movement restrictions may also be imposed at short notice. Those not adhering to restrictions and local guidelines risk arrest. The local authorities are conducting random COVID-19 tests in some parts of the country, including borders of the Western Province. You should follow the advice of local authorities. A 24-hour hotline number 1965 has been introduced for the public to make enquiries about essential services in operation while travel restrictions are in place. The Ministry of Health has categorised Sri Lanka under Covid-19 Risk Alert Level 3. Revised Ministry of Health guidelines have been published on the Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology Unit website. Public gatherings such as exhibitions, conferences, parties, indoor and outdoor events, carnivals, musical shows and processions have been banned. Regulations are in place to enforce social distancing and the wearing of a face mask in public areas. Further restrictions and guidelines are being imposed at short notice. Public guidelines and circulars are sometimes published on government websites, such as the Epidemiology Unit website. However, this is not always up to date. You should follow the media for updates or speak to your hotel or travel agent for the latest information and follow the instructions of the local authorities at all times.
*Accommodation: Some hotels and guesthouses are open to foreign nationals. But there have been reports of late-notice cancelations of room bookings, so you should check with your travel agent or accommodation provider. Social distancing and other public health measures (such as temperature checks) may be in place. Some hotels may require evidence of a negative PCR test on arrival.
*Public places and services: Restaurants and cafés remain open in areas which are not under quarantine curfew, but this could change at short notice. You should expect some reduced services and social distancing measures to be in place. Public gatherings such as exhibitions, conferences, parties, indoor and outdoor events, carnivals, musical shows, and processions have been banned.