Sri Lanka: Officials to ban entry of arrivals with recent travel history in several Middle Eastern and southern African countries from July 1 /update 62

Event

Authorities in Sri Lanka are tightening entry restrictions due to concerns over COVID-19 activity. From 00:01 July 1 until at least July 14, individuals who have been in specified Middle Eastern countries within the previous 14 days will be barred from entering Sri Lanka. The countries in question are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates; the entry ban will not apply to individuals who have merely transited through airports in these countries. Additionally, from 00:01 July 1 until at least Aug. 1, individuals with recent travel history in several southern African countries, namely Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, eSwatini (Swaziland), Zambia, and Zimbabwe, will be barred from entering Sri Lanka. Entry restrictions on the locations in Africa do, however, also apply to travelers who have merely transited through airports in the specified countries. Both the African and Middle Eastern entry bans will apply to all passengers, regardless of nationality and vaccination status. Further restrictions on international travel are possible in the coming weeks.

Domestically, modified COVID-19 restrictions will remain in effect across Sri Lanka through at least July 5. Public transport may operate at 50 percent seating capacity, though only essential personnel may use public transport in the Western Province. Private taxis may operate with up to two passengers. Supermarkets may operate at 25 percent of their customer capacity. Authorities permit shopping malls to operate in all provinces except Western Province. Religious establishments, public libraries, cinemas, and museums must remain closed. Entertainment facilities such as pubs, bars, and casinos are also closed. Interprovincial travel remains banned until further notice. Other business, gathering, and transport restrictions remain in effect under a Level Three alert. Private and public gatherings are largely banned, with certain exceptions. The use of facemasks remains mandatory in public. All workplaces must utilize telecommuting to the extent possible; they must also collect and update employee details to facilitate contact tracing if necessary.

Security forces continue to enforce curfews across areas at high risk for COVID-19 transmission. 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 that those living in or with recent travel history to curfew areas monitor their health and undergo COVID-19 tests if symptoms occur. Such measures will likely continue in Ampara, Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Colombo, Galle, Gampaha, Jaffna, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Nuwara-Eliya, Matale, Puttalam, Ratnapura, and Trincomalee districts, due to elevated disease activity.

Additional Travel Restrictions
Inbound international passenger flights are operational they may only carry up to 75 passengers. Travelers with less than 12 hours of transit at any Sri Lankan international airport may disembark if holding proof of onward travel. Individuals with travel or transit history to India, South Africa, Vietnam, or any South American nation, as well as French Guiana and the Falkland Islands, within the previous 14 days are barred from entering Sri Lanka. The rule applies to all passengers, regardless of nationality and vaccination status.

Permitted arrivals must provide a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure and a completed health declaration form. Passengers must take another PCR test upon arrival and stay at a designated facility or Level 1 hotel for 14 days regardless of vaccination status; they must also receive an additional PCR test between 11 and 14 days after arrival. Foreigners already in Sri Lanka may apply to extend their visas.

Sri Lanka is imposing special quarantine rules for fully vaccinated entrants holding Sri Lankan or dual citizenship. Such arrivals must hold original certificates proving completion of vaccination at least two weeks before travel; certificates not issued in English must be accompanied by an English translation. While dual citizens must submit negative results from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours before departure, Sri Lankans may also submit negative results of a rapid antigen test taken within 48 hours before departure instead. However, many air carriers mandate passengers to carry negative PCR tests taken within 72 hours before departure. These entrants must quarantine in a designated facility or Level 1 hotel and undergo testing. Those with negative results may return home in private vehicles to serve the remainder of their 14-day quarantine. They must undergo testing again at the end of their home quarantine. 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 cruise liners and ferries, are barred indefinitely; however, ports are operating for cargo transport.

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