Sri Lanka Tourism says it’s ready to welcome tourists from 1 August 2020, while complying with government regulations relating to COVID-19 safety guidelines and precautionary measures.
Who can visit?
All nationalities are welcome and all types of travellers whether groups, families, individuals (depending on government regulations in the country of origin of all travellers).
Which airports will operate?
Bandaranaike International Airport [BIA], Colombo Ratmalana Airport [RMA] and Mattala Rajapaksa Hambantota Airport [MRIA] will be operating for tourist arrivals from 1 August 2020
What are the visa procedures?
All travellers will require a valid visa; this will be issued for 30 days and extendable for up to 6 months after arrival.
Further relaxation for long stay guests is currently under consideration, enabling tourist to be granted five-year multiple entry visas with maximum 6 months stay.
Visa fee USD$100
Information required for visa application
§ Booking details at Certified Accommodation
§ Itinerary in Sri Lanka
§ Return ticket
§ Proof of medical insurance
Where can I stay and is there a minimum duration?
§ A minimum 5-night stay in Sri Lanka is required.
§ Independent professional audits will be done to certify accommodation providers who will be listed on the Sri Lanka tourism website. Details of bookings made with Certified Accommodation providers are required for the visa application
Pre departure Covid-19 PCR testing
A negative PCR test is required prior to boarding your flight and on arrival in Sri Lanka. The test should be no older than 72 hours prior to boarding.
On arrival in Sri Lanka
The airport will have high intensity sanitation measures in place for all areas and staff.
There is no quarantine on arrival unless symptoms are detected.
A PCR test would be done on arrival at the airport. No charge.
Currently it takes 24 hours to receive the test results. Changes are in process to have results within 4-6 hours by August 2020. In the event it is required to wait 24 hours for test results; you will be able to select a hotel for a one-night stay from Certified 4 or 5-star hotels in Colombo or Negombo until the test results are received.
A further test will be done 4-5 days after arrival by a mobile unit in coordination with your Certified Accommodation provider.
Travellers staying for more than 10 days will be required to take a third test during their stay. While this may be inconvenient it is essential to safeguard everybody and provide peace of mind.
In case of a positive PCR result, quarantine in a designated hotel or hospitalisation will take place depending on the details of the case. Quarantine would usually be 14 to 21 days if symptoms are detected.
Moving around Sri Lanka
To ensure your safety, please arrange transportation prior to your arrival, with your Certified Accommodation provider or travel agent. Public transport should not be used.
All tourist sites will be open from 1 August 2020 onwards, with safety protocols and measures in place to ensure the wellbeing of our travellers.
There will be no travel restrictions between districts for tourists.
What is Sri Lanka’s status with COVID-19?
Being an island, and thanks to the proactive measures taken, Sri Lanka has been able to manage the spread of the virus. No active community clusters have been detected in the last 30 days within the country.
The Travel Concierge Sri Lanka is an approved Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority operator and a member of Slaito (Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators) and is 100% Sri Lanka owned and operated.
All services from The Travel Concierge Sri Lanka meets the government’s requirements and the team look forward to assisting ANZ travel agents with their bookings.
