COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Sri Lanka (21 November Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes with exceptions

• Citizens are allowed to enter.

• Non-national residents wishing to return to Sri Lanka should contact their nearest Sri Lankan High Commission for advice.

• Limited repatriation flights are available for returning citizens and non-national residents.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No

• Foreign nationals are not allowed to enter Sri Lanka.

• Sri Lanka is currently not issuing visas to travel to the country.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes with exceptions

• Transit is allowed, however, connecting flights must be within 10 hours of arrival.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes

• All eligible travellers will undergo health screening, including temperature screening.

• Travellers with a fever will be referred to dedicated medical authorities.

Test certificate allowed?

• Yes

• Test certificates issued outside of Sri Lanka in an approved laboratory are accepted. The test certificate must be in English and must be printed.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• On arrival, travellers must present a negative PCR test certificate issued within 72 hours before boarding the flight from the place of embarkation.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes

• A 14-day quarantine is mandatory for all people arriving in Sri Lanka, usually followed by 14 days of self-isolation at home.

• Another test will be required prior to release from the 14-day quarantine.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• A health declaration form must be completed and submitted on arrival.

Airline Restrictions

• Significant

• Commercial outbound flights are operational.

• Inbound flights are not operating.

• Some flights are available for repatriating Sri Lankan citizens.

• Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Emirates are providing outbound flights from Sri Lanka.

• Before boarding any outbound flight, travellers may be asked for a PCR test report by the airlines.

Border Restrictions

• Total

• All borders are closed.

• The government announced a 60-day visa extension (until 5 December) for all foreigners currently in Sri Lanka.

• Cruise ships are not allowed to disembark.

Curfew

• Moderate

• A lockdown has been imposed in 25 high-risk areas of Colombo and Gampaha. A stay at home order has been imposed in these areas which will restrict all non-essential movement.

• The government has reimposed a lockdown in Horana and Ingiriya in the Kalutara District, Maranello, and Ruwanwella in the Kegalle District, and the town of Kuliyapitiya and the Kurunegala in the Kurunegala district.

• The government may impose curfew and strict local regulations with short notice.

Social Distancing

• Significant

• Day rooms, homestays, and musical shows are not permitted.

• Sri Lankan police have announced that any person violating the COVID-19 regulations may be subject to a fine or prison.

Internal Travel Restrictions

• Minimal

• All non-essential travel is not recommended.

• Public transport is operating with limited capacity.

• Passenger train services have resumed in Sri Lanka.

• Private transportation, including private taxi services, is allowed to operate with limited capacity.

• Travel through the Western Province and Colombo without stopping will be allowed.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Supermarkets, shopping malls, bakeries, open markets, liquor shops, and other services will remain open with limited capacity and strict safety protocols.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Some hotels are open, however, they may be closed on short notice.

• There may be health checks such as temperature measurements to enter hotels.

Restaurants open?

• Yes with restrictions

• Restaurants are open for takeaway or delivery, following public health protocols.

Bars and cafes open?

• No

• Bars and cafes remain closed.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes

• Beaches are open with strict guidelines.

• Beach parties are not allowed.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• Yes

• Zoological gardens and national parks are open with social distancing measures.

Personal care services open?

• No

• Personal care services including spas will remain closed until further notice.

Places of worship open?

• Yes

• Religious sites are open with limited capacity and social distancing measures.

Events allowed?

• No with exceptions

• Exhibitions, parties, indoor and outdoor events, musical shows, conferences, and carnivals have been banned for public gatherings.

• Weddings and funerals may take place with restricted capacities and following social distancing regulations.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Face masks are mandatory in public places.

• Anyone without a face mask will have to undergo 14 days of quarantine.

• Sri Lankan police have announced that anyone found violating COVID-19 rules, including not wearing masks or not maintaining social distance, may be fined or imprisoned.

Other

• Schools, universities, and all other educational institutions will remain closed.

• Gyms may open with strict guidelines.

Porada

The COVID-19 epidemic is changing constantly worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or your country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.