Sri Lanka: Government relaxing quarantine measures for some travelers as of March 19 /update 43

Event

Sri Lanka is revising travel restrictions as of March 19 as part of COVID-19 measures. Non-tourist travelers entering the country after at least 14 days of completing COVID-19 vaccination no longer require quarantine. Such arrivals must submit a vaccination certificate and its English translation if applicable, as well as undergo COVID-19 testing on the first and seventh day of entry. Vaccinated tourists must limit their movement to an approved hotel and tourist locations for the first seven days, instead of 14 days. Unvaccinated entrants must continue to seek prior permission before entry, quarantine at home or a designated facility, as well as undergo COVID-19 testing up to three times after arrival. Sri Lankan residents, as well as those who exit Sri Lanka for a maximum of seven days for official or business purposes, may also obtain prior permission to quarantine at home for seven days upon return, instead of 14 days at a special facility.

Authorities are maintaining domestic measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. 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. Officials may reintroduce or implement stricter nationwide measures in the coming days and weeks.

Additionally, officials typically impose movement, business, and gathering restrictions across high-risk areas with COVID-19 cases at short notice. 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.

Travel Restrictions
Sri Lankan authorities have allowed international flights to resume to and from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) in a limited manner. The online visa application system is operating for all nationalities. However, officials typically permit pre-approved flights with passenger capacity limits for logistics and 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 undergo a second test upon arrival, and a third test seven days after entry; unvaccinated tourists staying beyond seven days will undergo a fourth test. Additional requirements for tourists include purchasing a recommended medical insurance policy and staying within approved premises, such as secure tourist sites, only. Travelers must stay at a Level 1 hotel and only visit permitted bio-secure locations for seven days if vaccinated, and up to 14 days if unvaccinated.

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; authorities may advise some to undergo an additional 14-day home quarantine based on their health assessment. Vaccinated entrants no longer require quarantine, but must undergo COVID-19 tests. 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