Sri Lanka: Government lifts coronavirus-related ban on travel from the UK Feb. 17 /update 41

Event

Sri Lankan authorities are continuing domestic measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 while marginally relaxing international travel controls. On Feb. 17, the government lifted an entry ban on individuals with recent travel history in the UK. Sri Lankan authorities originally imposed the entry ban in January due to concerns about a COVID-19 variant first discovered in the UK. The new decision brings policies on travel from the UK back into line with those that apply to all inbound international travel.

Nationwide restrictions remain in effect. Most nonessential public gatherings are banned. Capacity controls continue at hospitality venues and on private transport. The use of facemasks remains mandatory in public. All private and public organizations must collect and update employee details to facilitate contact tracing if and when necessary. Authorities may reintroduce or implement stricter nationwide measures in the coming days and weeks.

Additionally, movement, business, and gathering restrictions are still in force in high-risk areas; areas recently or currently designated as high-risk include parts of Ampara, Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Kurunegala, and Puttalam districts. Under curfew restrictions, all nonessential businesses except for specifically-permitted industries must close in designated areas. Essential shops, such as pharmacies and grocery stores, may open intermittently or provide delivery services. Officials advise those living in or with recent travel history to curfew areas to monitor their health and undergo COVID-19 tests if symptoms occur. Authorities may impose curfews on additional neighborhoods in the coming days.

Travel Restrictions
Sri Lankan authorities have allowed international flights to resume to and from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI). The online visa application system is operating. Arrivals from all countries are allowed entry. While flights have resumed, officials and air carriers may limit services for logistics or health reasons. Arriving tourists must produce a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken no more than 96 hours before arrival. Tourists will also be tested again upon arrival, then be required to take a third test seven days after entry, and a fourth test if staying longer than seven days. Additional requirements for tourists include purchasing a recommended medical insurance policy and staying only within approved premises, such as secure tourist sites. Travelers must stay at a Level 1 hotel and are allowed to leave the hotel but must stay within the confines of a predesignated bubble.

Approved nontourist arrivals, such as repatriating Sri Lankan nationals and permanent residents, must submit a COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure and undergo another PCR test upon arrival. Such individuals typically undergo a 14-day quarantine at a designated facility; some may be advised to undergo an additional 14-day home quarantine based on their 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 continue.

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.

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