Sri Lanka: Officials suspend travel from six African countries as of Nov. 28 /update 77

Event

Officials have banned travel from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe as of Nov. 28 due to concerns over a new COVID-19 variant. All passengers arriving or transiting from or with travel history in the previous 14 days to the affected locations cannot enter Sri Lanka. It is unclear if officials are making exceptions for returning Sri Lankan citizens, among others. Entrants who arrived from the aforementioned countries Nov. 26-27 must adhere to several protocols, including undergoing a PCR test and quarantining at their residence or designated facilities for 14 days.

Travel Restrictions
Sri Lanka authorities allow entry for foreigners from most other locations, 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 who are serving quarantine can leave the facilities only after obtaining negative results from the required PCR tests.

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. Foreigners already in Sri Lanka may apply to extend their visas.

Domestic Restrictions
Domestic restrictions remain in effect. Public transport vehicles can run with restrictions, 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.

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