Important notice for passengers travelling to and from Sri Lanka
Latest update: 24th March 2021
SriLankan Airlines wishes to inform that below restrictions were imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka in the light of coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The below listed categories must present the below specified travel documents in order to enter Sri Lanka
- Foreign nationals with tourist visa
- Sri Lankans holding dual citizenship
- Sri Lankan spouse or close family members (child, mother, father) who is carrying a Sri Lankan passport accompanying a foreign national
- Foreign passport holders with a valid residence visa
Travel requirements
- Paid receipt for 2 PCR tests.
- COVID-19 Insurance cover
- Pre confirmed hotel booking for the period of stay in Sri Lanka.
- Duly completed Health Declaration Form (HDF)
- Negative PCR test done within 96 hours of the time of boarding.
Sri Lankan nationals
- Prior approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Sri Lanka Mission of the respective country in order to enter into Sri Lanka
- All necessary requirements stated on the approval letter
Minimum stay in hotel
- All travelers should stay their initial 14 days in a Safe & Secure Certified Hotel (Level 1).
- During the first 14 days the guest is permitted to stay in more than one Certified Safe & Secure Level 1 Hotels, provided that the on arrival PCR test result is negative and travelling under a bio-security bubble.
- Tourists are not permitted to move outside the hotel up to 14 days, except only to identified sites approved by the COVIO Taskforce, in consultation with the Ministry of Health; under a bio security bubble, after the on-arrival PCR test result is negative.
- After 14 days stay in a Certified Safe and Secure Level I Hotel, a guest is permitted to interact with the community, provided that the PCR tests results are negative.
Children under 12 years visiting Sri Lanka on Tourist visa will be exempt from the PCR testing as a screening tool for COVID-19 infection.
Exemption for Pre boarding COVID-19 PCR for Sri Lankan Seafarers returning home
The requirement for pre-boarding COVID-19 PCR test result is exempted for Sri Lankan seafarers returning to Sri Lanka subjected to the following conditions.
- Applicable only to Sri Lankan seafarers who embark to the flight directly from the vessel after completion of the contract period or due to medical issue or in an emergency situation.
- Not applicable to seafarers who are in the community in overseas and travelling to Sri Lanka.
- Local Shipping Agent should submit the copy of the Seaman‛s Discharge Book to the Secretary, Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka when requesting for the approval to return to Sri Lanka.
- It is the responsibility of the Shipping Agent to ensure this exemption is utilized only by eligible seafarers.
- Should produce a valid Seaman‛s Discharge Book to the airline with the approvals taken from Foreign Ministry at the time of embarkation and to the relevant authorities on arrival.
- If submission of a negative COVID-19 PCR report is a requirement of the Airline, this exemption is not applicable
SriLankan Airlines accepts passengers from UK under following conditions in addition to the negative PCR test done within 96 hours of the time of boarding.
- Repatriation- Sri Lankan passport holders from / transit passengers from London to Colombo -provided they have Ministry of Foreign Affairs approval
- Tourism - Foreign Passport holders with Tourist Visa+ up to 14 days ‛Safe & Secure‛ Level 1 hotel booking+ up to 3 PCR tests+ Sri Lanka COVID Insurance
- Tourism- Dual Citizen (SriLankan) and Sri Lanka Residence Visa holders -with up to 14 days ‛Safe & Secure‛ Level 1 hotel booking+ up to 3 PCR tests+ Sri Lanka COVID Insurance (Visa not required)
- Tourism- Sri Lanka passport holders accompanying spouse or close family member with foreign passport- with up to 14 days ‛Safe & Secure‛ Level 1 hotel booking+ up to 3 PCR tests+ Sri Lanka COVID Insurance (Visa not required)
Sri Lankans and Foreign Nationals currently residing in Sri Lanka shall obtain permission from relevant authorities (DGHS, Foreign Ministry, Civil Aviation Authority etc.) to enter into Sri Lanka after travelling overseas.
Visa procedure
- Russia, Ukraine, Tajikistan, Armenia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Latvia, Georgia and Kazakhstan Nationals currently reside in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan are allowed to enter Sri Lanka with Tourist ETA for the purpose tourist. Only the above nationals who are currently residing in Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan are allowed to apply for the visa.
- Visitors from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Ghana, who intend to apply ETA may apply through Sri Lankan sponsor for their ETA from the Head Office of the Department of Immigration & Emigration Sri Lanka.
- Other nationals apart from the above are allowed to apply for the ETA through the online ETA system.
- It is strongly advised to all applicants, before requesting ETA permission to consult the airlines with permission & approval for departure to Sri Lanka from those countries and get directions and check the flights availability in advance to apply ETA to avoid unnecessary payments on the official ETA site..
- You should have a confirmed booking in a safe and secure certified, Level 1 hotel for the initial 14 days of your stay, visit www.srilanka.travel\helloagain for information.
- All visas must be applied online through the Immigration ETA portal. Before you apply for your visa, you need to have a confirmed hotel booking, pre-purchased PCR tests and a mandatory COVID-19 Insurance Cover. Contact your ‚Safe and Secure Level 1‚ hotel when making your booking. The hotel will issue a reference number which will be automatically checked with your passport during the application process of ETA. Please be noted that, this is a mandatory requirement and if you didn‚t follow the aforementioned procedure prior to applying for the visa, your visa will not be approved and the visa fee will not be refunded.
- It will be noticed the approval of ETA by an email to the applicants who have obtained that ETA permit will be allowed to Land to Sri Lanka only for the truly purpose of tourist, subject to the Government health quarantine procedures and Immigration & Emigration Regulations
- Visa is permitted for all Countries, unless specifically mentioned otherwise
- In addition to Visa Fees, cost for two PCR tests and COVID Insurance will be levied through the Tourism App.
- Visa must be processed online. Click here to access the online visa portal
- It is mandatory for passengers to make the payment for two PCR tests if the visit is up to 7 days or three PCR tests, if the visit is for more than 7 days as decided by the Medical officer of Health.
- Passengers are also required to have a COVID-19 Insurance cover for the period of one month and this could be paid for through the Tourism Mobile App or at the time of the hotel booking or when purchasing airline ticket.
- Passengers must also have a pre-confirmed hotel booking up to 14 days. Details of the international travelers should be sent to the area Medical Officer of Health when issuing visa and should continue to update until their arrival at the respective hotels.
Quarantine procedures
Applicants who request for mandatory home quarantine upon return from Director General of Health Services (DGHS) shall fulfil the following criteria.
- Shall be a Sri Lankan or Foreign National currently residing in Sri Lanka.
- Maximum duration between the date of departure from Sri Lanka and date of arrival to Sri Lanka shall be seven days.
- Shall travel within bio secure travel bubble practicing recommended COVID-19 preventive measures throughout the visit
- Sri Lankans who are on State Visits or Sri Lankan Government Officials on Official Visits can request for mandatory home quarantine upon return.
- Both Sri Lankans and Foreign Nationals attending business visits related to major investments can request for mandatory home quarantine upon return. If attending for business visit for major investments, shall produce a letter issued by the organization in
- Overseas indicating the purpose of the visit and undertaking to ensure the adherence to a bio secure travel bubble during the overseas stay.
- The residence where undergoing home quarantine in Sri Lanka after return should have a separate room and a wash room facility that will not be shared by others during the mandatory home quarantine period.
Process to obtain the approval
In order to obtain the approval for mandatory quarantine after return, the eligible officer/foreign national currently residing in Sri Lanka shall email a request with following details to the DGHS (dghs@health.gov.lk) with a copy to the Director, Quarantine (approvalguarantinemoh@gmail.com) at least two weeks prior to the date of departure from Sri Lanka.
- Full name
- Data page of the passport
- Passport Number
- Permanent address in Sri Lanka
- Address of the residence in Sri Lanka where the intended residence for home quarantine is located (if different from permanent address)
- Letter from the area Medical Officer of Health (MOH) where the intended residence for home quarantine is located, certifying that the residence is suitable for home quarantine.
- Name of the visiting country
- Address in the foreign country
- Official approval letter from the work place in Sri Lanka
- Official letter of invitation from foreign country
- Letter issued by the organization in overseas indicating the purpose of the visit and undertaking to ensure the adherence to bio secure travel bubble during the overseas stay.
- Date of departure
- Date of arrival
- Travel itinerary with details of all transits.
- COVID-19 vaccination status: Copy of the vaccination certificate (vaccination certificate shall be in English language and if not in English, need a certified copy of English language translation of the certificate), the certificate should contain the Date/s of vaccination and Name of the vaccine.
Approval by the Director General of Health Services
- Granting approval will be considered case by case basis subjected to the conditions stipulated by the Director General of Health Services.
- The decision will be communicated to the passenger concerned via the email address provided.
Procedures to be followed after arrival
- Shall submit the completed Health Declaration Form to the Airport Health Office at Health counters at the arriving airport.
- After clearing the immigration, custom and security, passenger can leave the airport based on the approved letter of Director General of Health Services who is the Proper Authority for the whole of Sri Lanka under Quarantine and Prevention of Diseases Ordinance No 3 of 1897
Procedure to be followed during travel to home
- Shall arrange own transport method to travel to their residence from arriving airport in Sri Lanka.
- A known person (adhering to recommended personal protective measures) shall drive the vehicle. Shall not use public transport or any other transport method.
- Driver and the passenger shall adhere to recommended personal protective measures.
- If the driver or the passenger becomes febrile or displays symptoms of COVJD-19, PCR test shall be done immediately and results shall be submitted to relevant units as indicated above.
- They shall travel directly to their approved residence from the arriving airport without getting down at any place in between.
Procedure to be followed after arriving to the residence
- Mandatory home quarantine shall be done under the guidance and supervision of the area MOH for completion of seven days.
- Based on the assurance of implementation of bio secure bubble throughout the travel and the relevance of the officer concerned, decision will be taken on number of days of quarantine in Sri Lanka, case by case by Director General of Health Services.
- Immediately after arrival to the residence, shall promptly inform to the area MOH by telephone or email.
- Area MOH shall email the details (Name of the traveller, Passport Number, date and time of arrival to Sri Lanka, address of the home/residence, contact telephone number, date of arrival to home) to the Regional Epidemiologist and Epidemiology Unit ( chepid@sltnet.lk and samithag@hotmail.com) of the Ministry of Health.
- Shall undergo a COVID-19 PCR test within 24 hours after arrival (Day One) from a Health Ministry approved private sector laboratory/ state laboratory. The sampling for PCR test to be done by a visiting team of the private laboratory to the residence. If not, shall use private transport (self-driven or driven by a known person wearing appropriate Personal protective Equipment) to travel to the private hospital laboratory/state laboratory by adhering to COVID-19 preventive measures.
Note: Service by State laboratories are only available for government officials who were on Official or State visits.
- Shall be confined to the residence until the PCR test result is available.
- If the Day I PCR test result is negative, test report shall be submitted to area Medical Officer of Health.
- Shall undergo mandatory home quarantine until completion of seven days
- Shall undergo a repeat PCR on the Day Seven after arrival to Sri Lanka from a Health Ministry approved private laboratory/ state laboratory and submit the report to area MOH.
- If febrile or displays symptoms ofCOVID-19, a PCR test shall be done immediately and results shall be submitted to relevant units as indicated above.
- If the driver of the vehicle becomes febrile or displays symptoms of COVID-19, a PCR test shall be done immediately and results should be submitted to the area MOH.
- Shall practice, recommended COVID-19 preventive measures during the home quarantine at the residence. If the COVID-19 PCR test is negative on Day one and Day seven, area MOH shall take measures to release the passenger after completion of Day Seven Quarantine considering the adherence to bio secure travel bubble during the travel.
If the person has completed recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccination and two weeks of completion of vaccination
- On arrival, shall submit the duly completed Health Declaration Form to the Airport Health Office counters at the arriving airport.
- On arrival, shall produce the original copy of the vaccination certificate together with a certified copy of English language translation (if the certificate is not in English language) to the Airport Health Officer.
- Are allowed to travel home by using private transport driven by a known person wearing appropriate Personnel Protective Equipment.
- Shall not use public transport or any other transport method.
- Immediately after arrival at their home, shall promptly inform to the area MOH by telephone or email.
- Shall do a COVID-19 PCR test within 24 hours after arrival (Day One) from a Health Ministry approved private sector laboratory/state sector laboratory. The sampling for PCR test to be done by a visiting team of the private laboratory to the residence. If not, shall use private transport (self-driven or driven by a known person wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment) to travel to the private hospital/state sector laboratory by adhering to COVID-19 preventive measures.
Note: Service by State laboratories are only available for government officials who were on Official or State visits.
- Shall be confined to the home/residence until the PCR test result is available.
- If the Day I PCR test result is negative, test report shall be submitted to area Medical Officer of Health to exit from quarantine.
- After informing the area MOH, since the passenger has completed the vaccination and having negative PCR report on Day one of arrival, passenger need not be quarantined further.
- Area MOH shall email the details (Name of the passenger, Passport Number, Date and time of arrival to Sri Lanka, address of the home/residence, contact telephone number, Date of arrival to home) to the Regional Epidemiologist and Epidemiology Unit (chepid@sltnet.lk and samithag@hotmail.com) of the Ministry of Health.
- All travellers shall undergo repeat PCR on the Day Seven after arrival to Sri Lanka from a Health Ministry approved private sector laboratory/ state sector laboratory.
- If febrile or displays symptoms of COVID- 19, shall inform promptly to area MOH.
- All PCR test results shall be promptly informed to the area MOH and area MOH should email to the Regional Epidemiologist and Epidemiology Unit (to the email address given above) as soon as they are available.
- If the PCR test result is positive, shall inform the area MOH and follow the treatment protocol of Ministry of Health.
Quarantine measures for travelers arriving from overseas during the Pandemic of COVID-19
All incoming passengers or tourists should get approval to enter the country from the DGHS, Foreign Ministry or other relevant authorities or from Sri Lanka Tourism respectively. All travellers shall submit the duly completed Health Declaration Form to the staff of Airport Health Office at Health counters at the arriving airport.
Quarantine Measures for Sri Lankan Citizens/ Dual Citizens and Foreign Nationals.
Passengers who have Completed Recommended doses of COVID-19 Vaccination and arriving after Two Weeks of Completion of Vaccination.
- Shall have received recommended doses of COVID-19 Vaccination.
- Shall arrive after two weeks of completion of COVID-19 Vaccination.
- On arrival, shall produce the Original copy of the vaccination certificate along with a certified copy of English language translation, if the certificate is not in English Language, to the Airport Health Officer.
- They shall be transported by Government Authorities to a Quarantine Hotel/ Centre.
- Shall conduct a COVID-19 PCR test within 24 hours after arrival (Day One) from a Health Ministry approved Private Sector Laboratory/ state sector laboratory.
- Once the PCR negative report is available, they can be released from Quarantine Hotel/Centre by issuing a discharge document by the quarantine authority at the Hotel/Centre mentioning date of PCR sample collection and PCR test result.
- They shall arrange their own transport method to go to their homes from Quarantine Hotel/Centre and shall practice COVID-19 preventive measures throughout their travel.
- Immediately after arrival to their home, they shall promptly inform to the area Medical Officer of Health (MOH) by telephone or email and produce discharge document issued by the quarantine authority at the Hotel/Centre.
- After informing the area MOH, since the passenger has completed the vaccination and having negative PCR report on Day one of arrival, they need not be quarantined further.
- Area MOH shall email the details (Name of the passenger, Passport Number, Date and time of arrival to Sri Lanka, address of the home/residence, contact telephone number, Date of arrival to home) to the Regional Epidemiologist and Epidemiology Unit (chepid@sltnet.lk and samithag@hotmail.com) of the Ministry of Health.
- All travelers should undergo repeat PCR on the Day Seven after arrival to Sri Lanka from a Health Ministry approved private sector laboratory/ state sector laboratory.
- If febrile or display respiratory symptoms of COYID-19, shall inform promptly to area MOH.
- All PCR test results shall be promptly informed to the area MOH and area MOH shall email to the Regional Epidemiologist and Epidemiology Unit (to the email address given above) as soon as they are available.
- If the PCR test result is positive, shall inform the area MOH and follow the treatment protocol of Ministry of Health.
Passengers who have not taken the COVID-19 vaccination or not completed the recommended doses of vaccination or arrive to Sri Lanka within less than two weeks of vaccination.
Passengers undergoing Hotel Quarantine (single or shared by family members).
- COVID-19 PCR testing shall be done on Day One and Day Seven.
- Once results are available and if both tests are negative, release from the hotel after completion of Day Seven.
- They should arrange their private transport method to go to their homes from quarantine hotels and shall practice COVID-19 preventive measures throughout their travel.
- Drivers of the vehicles shall wear appropriate personal protective equipment and adhere to COVID-19 preventive measures when transporting travellers
- Immediately after arrival to their home, they shall promptly inform to the area Medical Officer of Health (MOH) by telephone or email and produce the discharge document issued by the quarantine authority at the Quarantine Hotel mentioning the dates of PCR sample collection and PCR test result on Day One and Day Seven.
- Balance quarantine period (out of 14 days) shall be mandatorily home quarantined under the supervision of area MoH.
- If febrile or display respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 during the quarantine period, shall inform promptly to area MoH.
- If the Day One or Day Seven PCR test result is positive, shall inform the area MoH and follow the treatment protocol of Ministry of Health.
Passengers undergoing Centre-based Quarantine with shared facilities
- COVID-19 PCR testing shall be done on Day One and Day Ten.
- Once results are available and if both tests are negative, they can be released from Quarantine Centre after completion of Day Ten.
- They shall arrange their private transport method to travel to their homes from quarantine hotels and shall practice COVID-19 preventive measures throughout their travel.
- Drivers of the vehicles shall wear appropriate personal protective equipment and adhere to COVID-19 preventive measures when transporting travellers.
- Immediately after arrival to their home, they shall promptly inform to the area Medical Officer of Health (MOH) by telephone or email and produce the discharge document issued by the quarantine authority at the Quarantine Centre mentioning the dates of PCR sample collection and PCR test result on Day One and Day Ten.
- Balance quarantine period (out of 14 days) shall be mandatorily home quarantined under the supervision of area MOH.
- If febrile or display respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 during the quarantine period, shall inform promptly to area MOH.
- If the Day One or Day Ten PCR test result is positive, shall inform the area MOH and follow the treatment protocol of Ministry of Health.
Quarantine measures for tourists arriving from overseas via Sri Lanka Tourism.
Tourists completed recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccination and arriving after two weeks of completion of vaccination
- On arrival, shall produce the original copy of the vaccination certificate together with a certified English language translation if the certificate is not in English language, to the Airport Health Officer.
- Tourists shall be quarantined in a certified hotel for tourists.
- Shall do a COVID-19 PCR test within 24 hours after arrival (Day One) from a Health Ministry approved private sector laboratory and private laboratory team shall perform the sample collection at the hotel.
- Hotel management shall inform the details of the tourists to the area Medical Officer of Health (MOH) on Day One of arrival and provide photocopies of PCR test reports once available.
- The tourist shall produce the original copy of the vaccination certificate together with a certified English language translation if the certificate is not in English language to the hotel management. The hotel management shall keep a photocopy of the vaccination certificate and ensure that only such vaccinated tourists are permitted to avail the provisions under this category.
- If Day One PCR test result is negative, tourists shall stay in the same hotel until completion of day seven and may visit approved important sites in a bio security bubble from the date where Day One PCR report is available and up to seven days of arrival.
- If febrile or display respiratory symptoms of COVID-19, shall inform promptly to area MoH.
- After completion of seven days, they shall undergo a repeat PCR test on Day Seven conducted by a Health Ministry approved private sector laboratory and if the test result is negative, they can leave the hotel and are free to make their own travel arrangements with the travel agent after getting the clearance from area MOH.
- If the PCR test result is positive, hotel management shall inform the area MoH and follow the treatment protocol of Ministry of Health.
Tourists who have not taken the COVID-19 vaccination / not completed the recommended doses of vaccination or arrive to Sri Lanka within less than two weeks of vaccination.
- Shall mandatorily quarantine in a certified hotel for tourists.
- Shall undergo a COVID-19 PCR test within 24 hours after arrival (Day One) from a Health Ministry approved private sector laboratory and private laboratory team shall perform the sample collection at the hotel
- Hotel management shall inform the details of the tourists to the area Medical Officer of Health (MOH) on Day One of arrival and provide photocopies of PCR test reports.
- If the tourist departs from Sri Lanka within less than fourteen days, second PCR test shall be done depending on the date of departure and shall have a negative test report before departure ( e.g. If the tourist departs on Day eight, second PCR test shall be done on Day 6th to 7th).
- If the tourist stays for less than 96 hours (ninety six hours) in Sri Lanka, no need to conduct the exit PCR and it is needed only if there is a requirement of the airline/country of destination.
- If the tourist stays up to fourteen days or more, second PCR test shall be conducted between Days 11th to 14th.
- Once the Day One results are available and if negative, tourists may visit the approved important sites in a bio security bubble.
- Shall not change the hotels until fourteen days are completed. If staying for more than 14 days, they can be released on Day 14 with negative PCR reports.
- If febrile or display symptoms of COVID-19, shall inform promptly to area MOH.
- At the end of 14 days of arrival, tourists can be released from the quarantine hotel if the PCR test results on Day One and Day 11th to 14th are negative.
- If the PCR test result is positive, hotel management shall inform the area MOH and follow the treatment protocol of Ministry of Health.
Preventive Measures for Crew Members arriving on flights which are originated from Sri Lanka from identified States
- Pilots of layover flights carrying passengers with layover of less than 48 hours, arriving from China, Singapore and Australia shall not be home quarantined after the arrival to Sri Lanka.
- Considering the representation made by stakeholders, following measures shall be adopted for the crew members of flights arriving from United Kingdom (UK) in flights originated from Sri Lanka if flights are carrying passengers,
- Pilots and Cabin crew members shall be mandatorily hotel quarantined for seven days.
- Once discharged from mandatory hotel quarantine period, they shall be home quarantined for another seven days.
- Pilots and Cabin crew may be enrolled to work in flights operating to countries other than UK during the home quarantine period.
- They could be enrolled in a flight operating to UK after completing the home quarantine period of seven days.
Guidelines on Visit under Bio Secure Travel Bubble
- All participants shall stay in a designated hotel during the stay at overseas adhering to COVID- 19 preventive measures including use of face masks, physical distancing, hand sanitation and use non-contact greeting methods throughout the travel.
- Use of common areas in the hotel is not permitted and in room dining shall be arranged.
- Persons adhering to the bio secure travel bubble are not permitted go to public places other than to meeting/discussion venues.
- No person shall be allowed to leave the bio secure travel bubble. They shall have to stay
- Together and travel together in a designated vehicle provided by the organizers.
- Dedicated vehicles and drivers shall be used to transport all individuals. These vehicles shall not be used for transport of any persons outside the bio secure travel bubble.
- No person in a bio secure travel bubble shall have any physical contact with anyone outside his/her bubble at any time. (During accommodation, travelling, meetings, in the venue, etc.)
- In case if meetings are conducted,
- Everyone attending the meeting shall wear masks
- Sanitize hands before entering the meeting venue
- Shall keep the distance of one meter with each other all the time
- The passengers shall arrive with a negative COVID-19 PCR test done within 96 hours of departure from overseas.
- If there are COVID-19 positive persons detected in the bio secure travel bubble, returning travelers shall undergo 14 days of mandatory quarantine even if the passenger has a negative PCR test result done within 96 hours of departure.
- Quarantine measures of such travelers will be decided by Ministry of Health upon return.
Health guidelines for tourists
- Tourists must arrive through Charter Flights, Scheduled Flights or Private jets to Katunayake and Mattala Airports.
- Arrival of tourists would be decided by the testing capacity of the private laboratories as determined by the Ministry of Health and Minister of Tourism jointly.
- Dual Citizens or Sri Lankan spouses of foreign passport holders any paid commercial passengers with foreign passport must follow the tourist route under the same guideline.
- These guidelines exclude Business Visas
PCR Testing
- Minimum number of PCR tests must be done for all passengers
- All PCR tests after arrival must be arranged by the hotel with a private sector laboratory approved by the Ministry of Health.
- Wherever possible, all PCR tests of a given traveler should be carried out by a single laboratory.
- On arrival PCR test should be conducted prior to checking in at the Hotel already booked by the traveler. This should be arranged by the hotel with a private sector laboratory approved by the Ministry of Health_ Movements of the guests should be restricted to the minimum until the on arrival PCR test result is negative.
- Second PCR test should be conducted 5-7 days after arrival.
- In the event of longer stay, an additional PCR test should be conducted between 10-14 day at arrival.
- All PCR Reports should be e-mailed by the private sector hospital to the Epidemiology Unit (chepid@sitnet.ik), COVID Taskforce lcovid.19s120@gmail.com), DG Ministry of Health (dghs@health.gov_lk), DG Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (dg@srilanka.travel) and to the respective hotels, highlighting the Positive Test Reports. The Hotel to upload the PCR test report to the Tourism Mobile App when implemented. Copy of the report to be given to the guest for his/her records_ The Passport Number should be considered as the reference number, to ensure traceability of reports and payments.
Transport
Below requirements are mandatory.
- Hotelier or Travel Agent to arrange independent transport for each group of tourists
- No mixing of groups during transportation
- Hotel or the Travel Agent should have an advanced transport plan
- Domestic Flights permitted subject to strictly adhering to health protocols
- Travel Agents and Hotels to adhere to prevailing Health Guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.
- Transportation details should be informed to the area Medical Officer of Health, COVID Taskforce and DG Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, once the arrangements are made.
- Maintain a transport log with passenger details.
- Inform the National Operations Center for Control of COVID-19 for contact tracing, area MOH and DG Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority of all details prior to arrival.
- Unless attending in full PPE, quarantine all personal involved in transportation for 14 days and inform COVID Task force and DG Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority including the details on location of the quarantine facility.
Tour guides, drivers & assistants
Below requirements are mandatory.
- Adequate PPE, masks and sanitizer to be provided to personnel accompanying tourists_
- Quarantine facility for 14 days to be provided after the tour, unless attending in full PPE.
- Accommodation provided during Tour to meet health & safety Guidelines.
- Medical Insurance including COVID-19 Insurance to be given to all personnel during the tour and subsequent 14 days.
Hotel Booking
Below requirements are mandatory
- First 14 days only in Certified Safe & Secure (Level 1) hotels
- Hotel Certified as safe and secure hotel to be permitted to take bookings.
- Tourist are not permitted to move outside the hotel for the first 14 days, except to approved tourist sites under a bio secure bubble.
- Change of hotel within the first 14 days is allowed only among the Certified Safe & Secure (Level 1) hotels, under a bin security bubble.
- Hotels, Travel Agents and Tour Operators to share accommodation booking details, transportation details and site visit details with the Area Medical Officer of Health and DG Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority immediately on making bookings and prior to any travel.
- Pre-confirmed hotel booking is mandatory for to the first 14 days in one or more Certified Safe and Secure (Level 1) hotel
- Until 14 days from arrival, no interaction with the local community. Use of Public Transport even after 14 days is discouraged,
- Ensure adherence to Health Guidelines at all times
- Use of common areas, spa and pool Permitted subject to adhering to general health guidelines including social distancing
Non-symptomatic COVID-19 PCR positive persons
- Initial isolation should be done in an isolation area in the same hotel under strict supervision of the designated Medical Officer of the hotel and the area Medical Officer of Health until the patient is transferred to a designated intermediate care center.
- Tourism Development Authority should make arrangements to identify appropriate Intermediate Care Centers in consultation and approval of the Ministry of Health to accommodate asymptomatic COVID-19 patients.
- Where isolation is not feasible {e.g., a large group positive for COVID-19 infection) alternative designated isolation hotel to be identified in advance, by the DG/Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority,
- Staff and other contacts should be managed according to the guidelines already in force under the guidance of the area Medical Officer of Health.
- If symptomatic or on the decision of the designated Medical Officer of the hotel and/area Medical Officer of Health. The guest and any exposed guests will be admitted to a pre-arranged Private Hospital approved by the Ministry of Health.
Symptomatic COVID-19 PCR positive patients
- To be admitted to Private Hospital approved by the Ministry of Health.
- The area Medical officer of Health should be informed.
- COVID-19 Insurance to reimburse hospitals charges including Ambulance transfer up to LKR Million for a month.
Treatment for other conditions
- Designated Medical Officer of the hotel to make the decision.
- Patients in their first 14 days of visit should be treated only in hospitals identified for such purposes by the SLDTA and approved by the Ministry of Health
Visits to sites
- Arrangements are made to visit on a daily basis to the permitted sites, with time slots allocated for Tourists, only to travel in a bio safety bubble. Permission for the tourist sites is granted by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority in consultation with the Ministry of Health, COVID Task Force and the local health authorities.
- Any special arrangements including stops for meals or toilet stops or any other stop must be indicated in the itinerary and should be done in consultation with the local health authorities of the respective areas where such stops are planned.
- All persons accompanying tourist including tour guides., safari jeep drivers, bus drivers, other drivers, assistants, translators, unless attending in full PPE, should undergo 14 days quarantine under supervision of the local health authority including PCR testing.
- The time periods allocated for tourists will be published on Sri Lanka Tourism Website to avoid the risk mixing with locals
Note: Airlines may request a negative PCR test result done within 72 hours prior to embarkation.
A.3 COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate/Card
Travellers who have received the recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine should carry the original vaccination certificate / card (together with a certified copy of English language translation if the certificate/card is not in English or if relevant data are not indicated in English in a non - English certificate / card) or a verifiable evidence of vaccination.
A.4 Procedures to follow after arrival
A.4.1 Each traveller should submit a completed Health Declaration Form to the staff of the Airport Health Office at the health counters of arriving airport. Separate forms should be submitted for each of accompanying children if any. Travellers who have completed the recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccination and departs from abroad after two weeks of completion of vaccination, should produce the vaccination certificate/ card to Airport Health Officer at arriving airport.
A.4.2 After completion of formalities at the airport, all travellers will be transferred to a Quarantine Centre managed by the Government of Sri Lanka or to a Hotel designated for quarantine or to a Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel. Transport shall be provided by the government authorities or the Hotel Management on a pre-determined manner.
A.4.3 Travellers should produce the vaccination certificate/ card to In charge of the Quarantine Hotel / Centre or Hotel Doctor at Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel.
A.4.4 On arrival (Day one) COVID-19 PCR testing
A.4.4.1 All travellers of twelve years and above should undergo COVID19 PCR test on arrival (Day One) from a Ministry of Health approved private sector laboratory or a state sector laboratory.
A.4.4.2 Children below twelve years of age will be exempted from on arrival (Day One) PCR testing, if they are continued to be quarantined at Quarantine Hotel / Centre / safe & Secure certified Level 1 Hotel. However, if the on arrival (Day One) PCR testing of an accompanying traveller of the child is positive for COVID19, child below twelve years will also be subjected to PCR testing subsequently.
A.4.5 Quarantine measures for persons having negative on arrival (Day one) PCR report
A.4.5.1 Quarantine measures for "Fully Vaccinated" travellers If the recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccination are completed and departs from abroad two weeks after completion of vaccination, they will be considered as "fully vaccinated" and following measures should be taken.
- No further quarantine is necessary for fully vaccinated travellers.
- In charge officer of the Quarantine Hotel / Centre or Hotel Doctor at Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel should discharge the traveller after verifying the status of vaccination (through documents) and issuing a "Discharge Document".
- If there are children below twelve years, they can be discharged with fully vaccinated travellers by adhering to following measures:
- Children of two to twelve years should be subjected to an on arrival (Day One) PCR testing and they should have negative results.
- Children below two years will not be subjected to PCR testing after arrival to Sri Lanka and they will be discharged with fully vaccinated caretakers. However, if the on arrival (Day One) PCR testing of an accompanying traveller of the child is positive for COVID-19, child below two years will also be subjected to PCR testing subsequently.
A.4.5.2 Quarantine measures for travellers who have not received COVID-19 vaccination/ not completed the recommended doses of vaccination / departed from abroad within less than two weeks of completion of recommended doses of vaccination:
- If quarantine is at a Quarantine Hotel (single room or shared facility only by family members)
- Exit PCR testing will be done on Day Seven for Sri Lankan Citizens/ Dual Citizens and after the Day Seven negative PCR report is available, balance period (until completion of 14 days from the date of arrival to Sri Lanka) will be mandatorily home quarantined.
- If the Valid Resident Visa Holder staying in a Quarantine Hotel, has a residence / home in Sri Lanka where they could undergo mandatory home quarantine for the balance period (until completion of 14 days from the date of arrival to Sri Lanka), they should give the address of the residence / home to In charge officer of the Quarantine Hotel. They can be discharged from the hotel after conducting a PCR test on Day Seven and when the PCR negative report is available. They have to undergo mandatory home quarantine for the balance period (until completion of 14 days from the date of arrival to Sri Lanka) at the residence / home. They should stay at the same address where they have declared to get discharged from the Quarantine Hotel. If they have changed the addresses after getting discharged from the Quarantine Hotel, they will be sent for mandatory quarantine at a Quarantine Hotel for 14 days.
- For other Foreign Nationals (including Valid Resident Visa Holders who do not have a residence / home at the time of arrival to Sri Lanka, exit PCR testing will be done on Day eleven to fourteen and will be released after completing fourteen days, if the PCR report is negative.
- If quarantine is at a Quarantine Centre (with shared facility)
- Exit PCR testing will be done for Sri Lankan Citizens / Dual Citizens on Day Ten (and once the Day Ten PCR negative report is available, balance period (until completion of 14 days from the date of arrival to Sri Lanka) will be mandatorily home quarantined.
- If arrived via Sri Lanka Tourism and stays at a Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel, quarantine measures to be adopted by travellers are detailed in Section (B) "Quarantine measures for travellers arriving from overseas via Sri Lanka Tourism".
- Exit PCR will be done for all travellers of two years and above.
- Children below two years of age will be exempted from exit PCR testing. If the PCR test result of an accompanying traveller of the child is positive for COVID-19, child below two years will also be subjected to PCR testing subsequently.
A.4.5.3 If completes the two weeks period of recommended doses of vaccination during their stay at Quarantine Hotel / Centre / Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel after arriving to Sri Lanka, they should be discharged with a negative PCR test result (done after completing the two weeks from last vaccination date). No further quarantine is necessary.
Children below twelve years should be discharged with fully vaccinated caretakers after conducting an exit PCR testing among children of two to twelve years with negative results.
Children below two years will not be subjected to PCR testing after arrival to Sri Lanka and they will be discharged with fully vaccinated caretakers. However, if the on arrival (Day One) PCR testing of an accompanying traveller of the child is positive for COVID-19, child below two years will also be subjected to PCR testing subsequently.
A.4.5.4 All children of twelve years and above should undergo quarantine at a designated Quarantine Hotel / Centre / Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel even if the caretakers are fully vaccinated.
These children may accompany an adult who is not vaccinated or fully vaccinated and eligible for exemption of quarantine.
If a fully vaccinated adult enters a Quarantine Hotel / Centre / Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel as a caretaker of a child or of an adult, should remain in the quarantine Hotel / Centre / Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel, until the quarantine period of the care recipient (child or an adult) is completed.
A.4.5.5 Fully vaccinated caretaker of a child or of an adult who is eligible for exemption of quarantine will not be subjected to exit PCR testing unless they have symptoms or person cared for (child or an adult) becomes positive/symptomatic.
A.4.6 If the PCR testing is positive, In charge officer of the Quarantine Hotel / Centre or Hotel Doctor/Hotel Management at Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel should immediately inform the area Medical officer of Health (MOH) and email the details to Epidemiology Unit (chepid@sltnet.lk and samithag@hotmail.com). The treatment protocol of the Ministry of Health for COVID-19 patients will follow.
Immediate close contacts of the positive person will be further quarantined after assessing the risk by area MOH / Regional Epidemiologist / Consultant Community Physician of the RDHS office.
A.4.7 Discharging travellers from Quarantine Hotel / Centre / Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel
A.4.7.1 Procedures to be followed by In charge officer of the Quarantine Hotel / Centre or Hotel Doctor / Hotel Management at Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel when discharging travellers are as follows:
- Should issue a "Discharge Document" to each traveller as stated in Section (D) for Reporting and recording by authorities.
- After discharging the travellers, should email the details (as mentioned in Section D) to the Epidemiology Unit (chepid@sltnet.lk and samithag@hotmail.com) of the Ministry of Health.
A.4.8 Procedures to be followed during the travel to residence / home to continue the balance period of mandatory home quarantine or after exempting quarantine for fully vaccinated travellers during the travel to residence/home / hotel (hotel is allowed only for fully vaccinated foreigners exempted from further quarantine).
A.4.8.1 Should arrange their own transport to travel to residence/ home/ hotel (hotel is allowed only for fully vaccinated foreigners exempted from further quarantine). They should not use public transport for this purpose.
A.4.8.2 Throughout the travelling, they should strictly adhere to COVID19 preventive measures.
A.4.8.3 Should arrange a spacious vehicle to travel.
A.4.8.4 Driver of the vehicle should properly wear a facemask throughout.
A.4.8.5 Driver and passengers should practice proper hand hygiene.
A.4.8.6 Passengers should sit in rear seats as much as away from the driver.
A.4.8.7 Travel with open shutters of the vehicle is recommended.
A.4.8.8 Should travel directly to the destination without any stopovers.
A.4.8.9 If the driver develops COVID-19 like symptoms, should immediately seek medical treatment and travel history of accompanying overseas travellers should be disclosed to the treating physician.
A.4.9 Procedures to be followed by travellers after going to residence / home / hotel (hotel is allowed only for fully vaccinated foreigners exempted from further quarantine)
A.4.9.1 All travellers should immediately inform the area MOH by telephone or email, soon after their arrival to residence / home. They shall not be subjected to further quarantine at home / residence.
A.4.9.2 Fully vaccinated foreigners (including Valid Resident Visa Holders) should immediately inform the area MOH by telephone or email, soon after their arrival to residence / home / hotel. Foreigners could get the assistance of the hotel management/ travel agents to find the contact details of area MOH. They shall not be subjected to further quarantine at home / residence/ hotel.
A.4.9.3 The discharge document issued by the Quarantine Hotel / Centre / Safe and Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel should be submitted to the area MOH upon request.
A.4.9.4 Travellers who have to undergo mandatory home quarantine at residence/ home should adhere to home quarantine guidelines of Ministry of Health.
A.4.9.5 If febrile or display COVID-19 like symptoms, should inform immediately to area MOH.
A.4.10 Travellers with negative COVID-19 PCR reports are allowed to travel to foreign countries during the quarantine period.
B. Quarantine measures for travellers arriving from overseas via Sri Lanka Tourism
B.1 Travellers should get the approval from Sri Lanka Tourism through https://www.srilanka.travel/helloagain
Tourists / Foreign Nationals (including Valid Resident Visa Holders) / Dual Citizens / Sri Lankan Citizens who are arriving via Sri Lanka Tourism path should abide by operational guidelines of Sri Lanka Tourism in addition provisions of this letter and other Health Ministry protocols on COVID-19 preventive measures.
In addition to General Measures mentioned in Section (A), should apply the following:
B.2 Should stay at a Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel.
B.3 All travellers of twelve years and above should undergo on arrival (Day One) COVID- 19 PCR test and exit PCR (depending on the duration of stay in Sri Lanka) at Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel from a Ministry of Health approved private sector laboratory.
B.4 The Hotel Management / Hotel Doctor should act in the following manner depending of the PCR report
B.4.1 If the PCR test result is positive, the Hotel Doctor should take measures to admit the patient to an intermediate care centre operated by a Ministry of Health approved private hospital. Should immediately inform the area MOH and email the details to Epidemiology Unit and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).
B.4.2 If the traveller departed from abroad after two weeks of completion of recommended doses of vaccination:
B.4.2.1 If on arrival (Day One) PCR test result is negative, the Hotel Doctor should take measures to discharge from Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel by issuing the discharge document after verifying the status of vaccination by inspecting documents. The traveller need not be further quarantined. Children below twelve years should be discharged with fully vaccinated caretakers after conducting an exit PCR testing among children of two to twelve years with negative results. Children below two years will not be subjected to PCR testing after arrival to Sri Lanka and they will be discharged with fully vaccinated caretakers. However, if the on arrival (Day One) PCR testing of an accompanying traveller of the child is positive for COVID-19, child below two years will also be subjected to PCR testing subsequently.
B.4.2.2 Hotel Management/ Hotel Doctor should email the details of discharged traveller to Epidemiology Unit and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.
B.5 If the traveller is not vaccinated /has not completed the recommended doses of vaccination / departed from abroad within two weeks after completion of the recommended doses of vaccination and if the on arrival (Day One) PCR is negative
B.5.1 Allowed to move between Safe Secure Certified Level 1 Hotels in a biosecure travel bubble and can visit approved important sites in a biosecure travel bubble from the date where the on arrival (Day One) PCR test negative result is available.
B.5.2 If the traveller departs from Sri Lanka within a period of less than five days of arrival, second PCR test need not be done unless mandated by the airline/ government authorities at the country of the arrival /transit or having COVID-19 like symptoms.
B.5.3 If the traveller departs from Sri Lanka within a period of five to fourteen days, second PCR test should be done for travellers of two years and above depending on the date of departure and should have a negative PCR test report before departure (eg. If the traveller departs on Day eight, second PCR test should be done on Day Seven).
B.5.4 If the traveller stays up to fourteen days or more, movement restriction should be for a maximum of 14 days and a second PCR test should be done on Day eleven to fourteen for travellers of two years and above.
B.5.5 At the end of 14 days of arrival, the traveller should be discharged from the Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel, if the PCR test result of Day One and Day 11 to 14 are negative. They should not be quarantined further. The Hotel Doctor should take necessary measures to release them from the Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel after issuing a Discharge Document.
B.5.6 Hotel Management should email the details of the discharged traveller to the Epidemiology Unit (chepid@sltnet.lk and samithag@hotmail.com) and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (safetravel@srilanka.travel)
C Seafarers or Maritime Security Officers (Sea marshals) arriving via airports
C.1 Foreign national Seafarers or Sea Marshals should obtain approval from the Foreign Ministry to enter the country and should be quarantined in an Isolation Centre (used to quarantine seafarers / sea marshals)
C.2 Sri Lankan seafarers / sea marshals who intend to board a vessel should be quarantined in an Isolation Centre.
C.3 Sri Lankan seafarers / sea marshals who do not intend to board a vessel but intend to enter the community should undergo quarantine in a Quarantine Hotel / Government Quarantine Centre as per the provisions of this letter. They are not permitted to enter the country through Sri Lanka Tourism pathway.
C.4 All seafarer / sea marshal operations including quarantine measures of seafarers / sea marshals arriving via seaports should be done adhering to the provisions in Standard Operating Procedures issued by the Ministry of Health.
D Reporting and recording by authorities
D.1 Reporting and recording by In charge officer of Quarantine Hotel / Centre or Hotel Doctor/ Hotel Management of Safe and Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel:
D.1.1 When discharging/transferring to quarantine at residence / home with negative PCR results, In charge officer of Quarantine Hotel / Centre or Hotel Doctor in Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel should issue a "Discharge Document" to the traveller with the following details after verifying the original vaccination certificates / cards:
- Name of the traveller
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Arrival Country
- Date of arrival
- Date of on arrival PCR and PCR Test result
- Date of Exit PCR and PCR test result (if relevant)
- Name of the COVID-19 Vaccine and Dates of Vaccination (If relevant)
- Date of discharge
- Balance home quarantine period from (date)../…./…20 / to (date)../…/…20 (if relevant)
- Name of the Quarantine Hotel/ Centre/ Certified Level 1 Hotel
D.1.2 After discharging the travellers, In charge officer of the Quarantine Hotel / Centre or Hotel Management should email the following details to the Epidemiology Unit (chepid@sltnet.lk and samithag@hotmail.com) of the Ministry of Health.
The Hotel Management of Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel should email the following details to Epidemiology Unit and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (safetravel@srilanka.travel).
- Name of the traveller
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Arrival country
- Date of arrival
- Address in Sri Lanka
- District of residence/ home
- MOH area
- Contact telephone number
- Name of the COVID-19 Vaccine (If relevant)
- Dates of Vaccination (If relevant)
- Date of discharge
- Name of the Quarantine Hotel/ Centre/ Certified Level 1 Hotel
D.2 Duties and responsibilities of the area MOH
D.2.1 The area MOH, through the area Public Health Inspector (PHI) should monitor that the travellers are strictly adhering to home quarantine measures if mandatory home quarantine is required and if there is a balance period (until completion of 14 days from the date of arrival to Sri Lanka) to be quarantined.
D.2.2 Should monitor that the persons under quarantine are in good health.
D.2.3 If any person in the household develops COVID-19 like symptoms, they should be immediately investigated.
D.2.4 Details of all travellers arrived to their residence / home (including those are exempted from quarantine) / hotel (for foreigners who are exempted from quarantine), should be immediately informed to the Regional Epidemiologist and Epidemiology Unit (chepid@sltnet.lk and samithag@hotmail.com). Details that need to be communicated are:
- Name of the traveller
- Arrival country
- Passport Number
- Nationality
- Date of arrival
- Date of discharge from Quarantine Hotel / Centre/ Certified Level 1 Hotel
- Address
- Contact telephone number
- MOH area
All travellers should abide by the health measures imposed by the Sri Lankan Government during their stay in Sri Lanka.
This guideline will be revised depending on the COVID-19 situation in the country and global situation.
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