Sri Lanka: Officials lift ban on travel from six African countries as of Dec. 12 /update 78

Event

Officials have lifted a ban on travel from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe as of Dec. 12. The policy was initially in place due to concerns over a new COVID-19 variant.

Domestic Measures
Domestic restrictions remain in effect. Public transport vehicles can run with protocols, such as requiring all passengers to be seated and wear facemasks. Some public facilities, like supermarkets and shops, can open at one-third the capacity. Authorities continue to encourage people to remain at home to the extent possible. Workplaces are to continue allowing telecommuting to the extent possible, with exemptions for essential sectors.

Authorities may enact stricter rules in areas at high risk for COVID-19 transmission. Nonessential businesses, except for specifically permitted industries, must close in these localities. Officials advise people living in curfew areas or with recent travel history to these locations to monitor their health and undergo COVID-19 tests if symptoms occur.

International Travel Restrictions
Sri Lankan authorities allow foreigners to enter, though officials may suspend entry for individuals with travel history in the past 14 days to locations with increased COVID-19 activity. Inbound international passenger flights are operational with protocols, such as wearing facemasks.

People who can enter Sri Lanka must provide a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure and a completed health declaration form, regardless of vaccination status. Fully vaccinated passengers are exempt from any on-arrival test or quarantine. Unvaccinated entrants must undergo a PCR test upon arrival. Unvaccinated Sri Lankan citizens or resident visa holders must quarantine for one day at designated facilities and then seven days at their residence. Unvaccinated foreign arrivals must quarantine at designated facilities for seven days. Entrants serving quarantine can leave the facilities only after obtaining negative results from the required PCR tests.

Most outbound passengers must take an RT-PCR test 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. Foreigners already in Sri Lanka may apply to extend their visas.

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Ministry of Health Sri Lanka
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Tourism Board