COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Sri Lanka (11 December Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• If you are a local or resident returning home, you must contact the Sri Lanka High Commissioner to learn about the process you need to follow to be granted access to the country.

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 passengers will undergo a PCR test and quarantine on arrival.

• Airline crew who do not leave the aircraft are exempt from this measure.

• 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

• All eligible travellers must carry a medical certificate with a negative report of COVID-19 PCR test performed 96 hours before departure from the first embarkation location.

• Nationals and dual nationals of Sri Lanka may instead carry a negative report of rapid antigen test taken at most 48 hours before departure from first embarkation place.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes

• Travellers will undergo a mandatory 14 day quarantine at a government designated location.

• 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. The form can be seen at this link

Airline Restrictions

• Significant

• Limited commercial outbound flights are operational.

• International flights to Sri Lanka will remain suspended until at least 31 December 2020.

• Bandaranaike International Airport is accepting some special flights including humanitarian and repatriation flights only.

• 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.

• Cruise ships are not allowed to disembark.

Curfew

• Moderate

• The following areas will remain in isolation:

• In Colombo District : Mutuwal Police Area, Kotahena Police Area, Grandpass Police Area, Aduruppu Street Police Area, Dam Street Police Area, Keselwatte Police Area, Maligawatte Police Area, Dematagoda Police Area, Maradana Police Area, Wekanda GS in Slave Island Police Area, Wanathamulla GS in Borella Police Area, Salamulla GS in Wellampitiya Police Area, Laksanda Sevana Housing Complex in Wellampitiya Police Area, South of Ferguson Road in Mattakkuliya Police Area, Randiya Uyana Housing Complex in Mattakkuliya Police Area, Hunupitiya GS in Slave Island Police Area, 60-Watte in Cinnamon Gardens Police Area, Kokila Road in Wellawatte Police Area.

• In Gampaha District: Kerawalapitiya GS in Wattala, Hekitta GS in Wattala, Kurunduhena GS, Everiwatte GS in Wattala, Welikadamulla GS, Peliyagodawatte GS, Peliyagoda Gangabada, Meegahawatte GS, Pattiya North GS, Welgoda North GS in Kiribathgod.

• Isolation measures has been lifted from the below mentioned regions of Columbia and Gamapha districts:

• Bloemendhal

• Vijayapura Grama Niladhari Division in Wellampitiya

• Kelaniya Police area

• 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

• Masks are required.

• 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 with exceptions

• Supermarkets, shopping malls, bakeries, open markets, liquor shops, and other services will remain open with limited capacity and strict safety protocols except in places under quarantine curfew.

Accommodations open?

• Yes with exceptions

• Other than the areas in quarantine curfew measures, some hotels are open for tourists who are already in Sri Lanka; 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 except in the locations under quarantine curfew, 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 with exceptions

• Zoological gardens and national parks if not in the locations which are in curfew quarantine, 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 with exceptions

• 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.

Sfaturi

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.