Sri Lanka: Authorities to reopen for international flights except from the UK, Jan. 21. /update 39

Event

Sri Lankan authorities continue to modify restrictions to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Authorities plan to reopen international airports for foreign arrivals, including tourists, from Jan. 21. However, travelers who have spent time in the UK in the past 14 days, as well as passenger flights from the UK remain banned until further notice. Although all scheduled and charter flights are permitted to resume services at the Bandaranaike International Airport and (CMB) Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) from Jan. 21, officials and air carriers may limit services for logistics or health reasons.

Incoming tourists must apply for a visa online, download the 'Visit Sri Lanka' mobile application, make reservations at an approved hotel, as well as produce negative results of a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for COVID-19 taken within 96 hours prior to departure. Additional requirements include purchasing a recommended medical insurance policy and staying only within approved premises such as secure tourist sites and a Level 1 hotel up to the first 14 days of entry. They may move freely to other areas in Sri Lanka after the first 14 days of their stay. Travelers do not require a minimum stay length or quarantine period. Entrants must undergo paid COVID-19 testing upon arrival, between 5-7 days after arrival, as well as an additional test if staying beyond seven days.

Officials are maintaining domestic COVID-19 curbs. Strict controls continue in high-risk areas, mainly across Western Province. Testing will continue at exit points of the Western Province; those who test positive will undergo quarantine and further medical examinations. Local authorities are also implementing curfews in the following high-risk areas:

• Colombo District: Aduruppu Street, Dam Street, Keselwatta, Kotahena, Maradana, Modara areas; Gothamipura Housing Scheme, 24 and 78 Watta, Gothamipura; Wanathamulla Grama Niladhari Division of Borella; Hata Watta in Cinnamon Gardens; Ferguson Road in Mattakkuliya; Demalawatta area of Mirihana; Hunupitiya and Wekanda Grama Niladhari Divisions in Slave Island; Mayura Place, Nazeerwatta areas in Wellawatte

• Gampaha District: Welegoda-North Grama Niladhari Division in Kiribathgoda; 90-Watta in Gangabada Grama Miladhari Division, Nelligahawatta and Pooranakotu Watta areas of Peliyagoda

Parts of Ampara, Kalutara, Kandy, Kurunegala, and Puttalam districts are also under curfew. Authorities may impose curfews on additional neighborhoods in the coming days. Under curfew restrictions, all nonessential businesses except for permitted industries must close. Officials may mandate authorized employers to arrange transport and accommodation facilities for on-site workers in curfew areas. Essential shops such as pharmacies and grocery shops may open intermittently or provide delivery services. While residents are typically allowed to go outdoors for essential purchases, local officials may impose additional restrictions such as a total ban on outdoor activity, or an odd-even system that permits those with an even identity card number to exit homes on even days and those with an odd identity card number to leave home on odd days. Authorities are barring entry and exit to the areas until further notice; those employed in the regions may not return to their homes in noncurfew areas. Officials advise those living in or with travel history to curfew areas to monitor their health and undergo COVID-19 tests if symptoms occur.

Authorities are also maintaining nationwide measures in noncurfew areas. The use of facemasks remains mandatory in public. Only two people per household may exit homes each day unless for essential or authorized employment purposes. Officials allow operation of hospitality venues, public places, as well as public and private hire transport in noncurfew areas with restricted capacity.

Most public gatherings are banned. Officials have directed all private and public organizations to collect and update employee details to facilitate contact tracing if and when necessary. Authorities may reintroduce or implement stricter measures, especially in designated high-risk areas, depending on in-country cases. Panic-buying and associated localized shortages of essential goods may occur in areas under curfew. Sporadic clashes are possible if any group defies official orders. Police are likely to act quickly to control such incidents, which could prompt localized security-related disruptions.

Travel Restrictions
Cargo, charter, transit, and repatriation flights are operational as of Jan. 20. Inbound international commercial passenger flights are set to resume Jan. 21. Online visa application is open for entry from Jan. 21; previously issued visas stand canceled. Prior approval for entry of foreign arrivals is required by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) through at least Jan. 20. Foreign nationals with diplomatic, official, and service passports are exempt from the controls. Approved non-tourist arrivals such as repatriates must submit a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result taken within 72 hours of departure and undergo another PCR test upon arrival. Such entrants typically undergo a 14-day quarantine at a designated facility; some may be advised to undergo an additional 14-day home quarantine based on health assessment. Foreigners already in Sri Lanka may apply to extend their visas. Most outbound passengers must take RT-PCR tests within 72 hours before departure; foreign nationals and holders of official or diplomatic visas may be exempt. International passenger ships such as cruises and ferries are barred indefinitely, though port operations for goods transport can continue.

The government will likely continue to modify restrictions in the coming days based on caseloads.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure that contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Ministry of Health Sri Lanka
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Tourism Board
Civil Aviation Authority Email Address