Sri Lanka: Officials no longer require pre-departure COVID-19 tests for fully vaccinated entrants from March 1 /update 81

Event

Sri Lankan officials continue to adjust COVID-19 restrictions as of March 1. Fully vaccinated arrivals no longer need to undergo pre-departure testing. The relaxation does not apply to unvaccinated and partially vaccinated arrivals; they must carry a medical report in English certifying negative results of a PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure, or a supervised rapid antigen test (RAT) taken within 48 hours before travel. Passengers below 12 years old are exempt from testing.

Domestic Measures
Domestic restrictions remain in effect. Public transport vehicles can run at 75 percent capacity with protocols, such as requiring all passengers to be seated and wear facemasks. Dine-in and retail venues can open at one-third the capacity. Authorities continue to encourage people to remain at home to the extent possible. Public gatherings remain banned, though enforcement and adherence vary by region. Workplaces may function at full strength. Gampaha District limits participation in permitted gatherings like weddings to fully vaccinated people; other regions may enact similar curbs ahead of a proposed nationwide mandate for vaccination cards to enter most public venues. Central authorities have not confirmed the start date for the nationwide rule.

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. Inbound passengers requiring self-paid on-arrival testing may avail of facilities at the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), authorized laboratories, quarantine venues, and some approved hotels.

All entrants must hold a valid visa and a completed health declaration form. Foreign nationals must hold medical insurance of at least USD 50,000 covering COVID-19 treatment valid up to at least 14 days after their stay in Sri Lanka; officials recommend obtaining a local insurance policy via the Sri Lankan tourism portal.

Vaccinated arrivals must present vaccination certificates and certified English translations if applicable. Authorities consider passengers who have completed vaccination at least 14 days before entry as fully vaccinated. Other fully vaccinated categories include people aged between 12-18 years with one vaccine dose, and/or those who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection in the past six months.

Fully vaccinated passengers are exempt from any on-arrival test or quarantine. Unvaccinated arrivals above 12 years old must take an on-arrival test, quarantine at home or a designated facility until the seventh day of arrival, and undergo an exit PCR or RAT test. However, unvaccinated arrivals below 18 years old accompanied by fully vaccinated parents are exempt from quarantine if their on-arrival test is negative. Partially vaccinated entrants must quarantine until two weeks have passed since their final dose, or seven days, whichever is earlier. Additional quarantine is necessary for people who test positive with a cycle threshold (CT) value higher than 30. Entrants requiring quarantine at designated facilities must pre-book approved accommodation for at least eight days after arrival.

Most outbound passengers must take a PCR test within 72 hours before departure; foreign nationals and holders of official or diplomatic visas may be exempt. Disembarkation from international passenger ships, such as cruise liners and ferries, is 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