It is no secret that the COVID 19 pandemic crippled global tourism. Thus, the impact it had on the tourism industry of Sri Lanka is never any less. However, the world began moving on, in a post-pandemic world. Accordingly, several countries lifted their travel restrictions up to a certain extent. Accordingly, Sri Lanka also re-opened for tourism, abiding by the new normal. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Tourism Authorities launched several wonderful initiatives such as Couch Safari, and the Travel Bubble Tourism. However, keeping a step ahead, Sri Lanka is now welcoming visitors with a set of updated quarantine measures. So, if you are planning to arrive in Sri Lanka any sooner, it is important that you know Sri Lanka’s latest quarantine measures. Thus, we thought of sharing all about it with you. You can find everything that you need to know with regard in the below sections!
Sri Lanka’s Latest Quarantine Measures and General Guidelines for Passengers Travelling into Sri Lanka
Passengers have the opportunity of arriving at Sri Lanka’s International Airport even during this pandemic situation. Still, those passengers have to abide by Sri Lanka’s latest quarantine measures. These regulations are effective from, 0000hrs (Local time in SL) on 01st of June 2021, until further notice.
Regulations Related to the Travellers Entering Sri Lanka
- An incoming flight can only carry up to 75 passengers. Further, passengers who travelled, or had a transit at India, Vietnam, South Africa, Countries in South America, during the past two weeks have no permission to land in Sri Lanka.
- However, the imitation of 75 passengers per flight does not apply to the passengers arriving in the country via the Tourism BioBubble Route holding tourist visas, resident visas & dual citizens visas.
- A 14-day quarantine is mandatory for all arriving passengers.
- ‘On Arrival’ visas are not available for foreign travellers. Therefore, having an appropriate valid visa issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka is mandatory for all foreign passengers arriving in Sri Lanka. ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) and Landing Endorsements are valid electronic visa documents by the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Thus, the authorities do not endorse them in the passport of the visa holder, at the time of boarding the flight. Still, Entry Visa, Multiple Entry Business Visa, and Residence Visa should be stamped on the passport of the visa holder.
Regulations Related to the Quarantine Measures for Travellers Arriving from Overseas or in Flights Originated from Sri Lanka
Under the current regulations, the quarantine measures differ for various categories of travellers arriving in Sri Lanka.
1. Procedures in Relation to Residents of Sri Lanka who are Sri Lankan Passport Holders (Fully Vaccinated / Not Vaccinated)
This category includes all Sri Lankan Citizens travelling on a Sri Lanka Passport, all dual citizens travelling on a Sri Lankan Passport, and Sri Lankan Seafarers.
1.1 For the Full-Vaccinated Travellers who have Completed 14 days upon getting the Vaccination
If the Sri Lankan resident passport holder is fully vaccinated, and completed 14 days upon vaccination, they do not need approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Civil Aviation Authority to enter Sri Lanka. Still, they should fulfil the below regulations.
On Arrival,
- The traveller should possess a negative PCR test report done within 96 hours prior to departure or a negative rapid antigen test report done within 48 hours prior to departure.
- Vaccinated travellers should have proof documents. They should provide them at arrival. Further, the traveller should fill and submit the Health Declaration Form at the airport.
- An arrival PCR test for travellers is mandatory on the day of arrival. Further, the traveller should stay at a Quarantine Centre, Quarantine Hotel, or a Safe and Secure Level 1 Hotel until the result of the Arrival PCR Test.
Quarantine Measures
- If the arrival PCR Test is negative, and the proof of vaccination is satisfactory, the travellers who wish to go for home quarantine get the opportunity for home quarantine for the remaining 14 days. Yet, if a fully vaccinated Sri Lankan or a dual citizen has arrived, transited or has travel history from India, Vietnam, South Africa and South American countries within the last 14 days, home quarantine is not an available option for them. So, such travellers, and the rest of the travellers who choose to get quarantined at a paid or government-sponsored quarantine centre, should remain at the quarantine centre for the remaining 14 days.
- However, the exit PCR is mandatory for all travellers. The travellers under home quarantine should do it on the 14th day of arrival, and the travellers who are at the quarantine centres should do the exit PCR test between the 11th – 14th day of arrival. And it is only after the negative report of the exit PCR that the travellers would be released from quarantine.
- Also, please make sure that you check the relevant section if you are accompanying children, or adults with special needs when you are travelling.
1.2 For the Travellers who have Not been Vaccinated / Not Completed 14 days upon getting the Vaccination
If the Sri Lankan resident passport holder is fully vaccinated and has not completed 14 days upon vaccination, or not vaccinated, they do not need approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Civil Aviation Authority to enter Sri Lanka. Still, the home quarantine option is not available for them and they should fulfil the below regulations.
On Arrival,
- The traveller should possess a negative PCR test report done within 96 hours prior to departure or a negative rapid antigen test report done within 48 hours prior to departure.
- Vaccinated travellers should have proof documents. They should provide them at arrival. Further, the traveller should fill and submit the Health Declaration Form at the airport.
Quarantine Measures
- An arrival PCR test is mandatory on the day of arrival. Further, the traveller should stay at a quarantine centre, quarantine hotel, or a safe and secure level 1 hotel until they complete 14 days upon the arrival.
- The exit PCR is mandatory for all travellers. The travellers who are at quarantine centres should do the exit PCR test between the 11th – 14th day of arrival. And it is only after the negative report of the exit PCR that the travellers would be released from quarantine.
- Also, please make sure that you check the relevant section if you are accompanying children, or adults with special needs when you are travelling.
2. Foreign Passport Holders who are Residents of Sri Lanka (Fully Vaccinated / Not Vaccinated)
These regulations are applicable to the following traveller groups.
- Travellers on a foreign passport, who have a resident visa in Sri Lanka
- All dual citizens travelling on a foreign passport
- The foreign spouse of Sri Lankan citizens
- Unmarried children with foreign citizenship who have Sri Lankan parents
Sri Lanka’s latest quarantine measures and regulations are similar for all the foreign passport holders (residents of Sri Lanka) who are fully vaccinated and completed 14 days of vaccination, vaccinated and not completed 14 days upon vaccination, and not vaccinated. The regulations for them are as follows.
On Arrival,
- It is mandatory for these traveller groups to obtain approval from the Ministry of Foreign to enter the country. They can obtain the approval via email from entry.permission@mfa.gov.lk.
- The traveller should possess a negative PCR test report done within 96 hours prior to departure.
- Vaccinated travellers should have proof documents. They should provide them at arrival. Further, the traveller should fill and submit the Health Declaration Form at the airport.
Quarantine Measures
- An arrival PCR test is mandatory on the day of arrival. Further, the traveller should stay at a paid quarantine centre for the remaining 14 days. Also, please note that the government-sponsored quarantine centres are only for Sri Lankan passport holders.
- The exit PCR is mandatory for all travellers. The travellers who are at quarantine centres should do the exit PCR test between the 11th – 14th day of arrival. And it is only after the negative report of the exit PCR the travellers would be released from quarantine.
- Also, please make sure that you check the relevant section if you are accompanying children, or adults with special needs when you are travelling.
3. Regulations for those Travelling as Tourists ( Maybe Sri Lankan Passport Holders / Foreign Passport Holders, Fully Vaccinated / Not Vaccinated)
This category includes the following group of travellers.
- Si Lankan citizens on a Sri Lankan passport
- Foreign Citizens on a foreign passport
Sri Lanka’s latest quarantine measures and regulations are similar for all the Sri Lankan Passport holder or foreign passport holder tourists who are fully vaccinated and completed 14 days of vaccination, vaccinated and not completed 14 days upon vaccination, and not vaccinated. The regulations for them are as follows.
On Arrival,
- It is mandatory for these traveller groups to obtain approval from the Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka to enter the country. They can obtain the approval via email from entry.permission@mfa.gov.lk.
- The traveller should possess a negative PCR test report done within 96 hours prior to departure. If the tourist is a Sri Lankan passport holder, a negative Rapid Antigen test done 48 hours prior to the departure would be sufficient.
- Vaccinated travellers should have proof documents. They should provide them at arrival. Further, the traveller should fill and submit the Health Declaration Form at the airport.
Travel Restrictions and PCR Test Requirements
- An arrival PCR test is mandatory on the day of arrival. If the report is negative, the traveller is allowed to travel to other safe and secure certified level 1 hotels in a biosecure bubble, and to visit tourist sites.
- If the traveller is leaving Sri Lanka within 5 days of arrival, a second PCR is necessary only if it is a requirement for Airline or Destination Country Restrictions. Yet, if the traveller remains in Sri Lanka for more than 5 days and less than 14 days, he/she should do another PCR test before he/she leaves.
- However, on the 11th day of arrival, the second PCR test needs to be done, and if the traveller is staying in Sri Lanka any longer, he will be set free from quarantine restrictions after a negative report from the second PCR test.
- Also, please make sure that you check the relevant section if you are accompanying children, or adults with special needs when you are travelling.
4. Regulations for Travellers Below the Age of 18 Years and Caretakers of Children or Special Needs Passengers (Fully Vaccinated / Not Vaccinated)
This category includes the following group of travellers.
- Infants (below 2 years of age)
- Children (between 2 – 12 years of age)
- Teenagers (between 13 – 18 years of age)
- Adult caretakers who are accompanying children/caretakers or an adult with special needs
4.1 Regulations for the Infants / Children / Teenagers that belong to any of the Travel Categories
- Children are exempt from PCR Test on Day 01, and infants are exempt from both Arrival and Exit PCR Tests. Still, if the accompanying adult traveller tests positive for COVID19, then the child or infant shall undergo a PCR Test. Further, the children who travel with fully vaccinated travellers and plan to go for home quarantine shall do the Arrival PCR Test on Day 1.
- However, the teenagers must do the PCR Test on Day 01, and follow the same quarantine rules as adults depending on the status of their vaccination (Fully Vaccinated or Not Vaccinated).
- Exit PCR Test is mandatory for both the children and teenagers and it can be done between 11 – 14 days of arrival. Authorities release them from quarantine following the negative test report of the Exit PCR Test.
4.2 Regulations for the Adult Travellers accompanying Infants / Children / Teenagers / an Adult with Special Needs, that belong to any of the Travel Categories
- If the accompanying traveller tests positive for COVID19, then the child or infant shall undergo a PCR Test.
- The fully vaccinated accompanying travellers need to remain the full duration with the infant/ child/teenager/adult with special needs until the authorities release him/her from quarantine.
- The fully vaccinated caretaker shall do the arrival and exit PCR tests unless they display symptoms or the person they care for displays symptoms of COVID19.
5. Regulations for Commercially Important Persons & Business Travellers flying into Sri Lanka (Fully Vaccinated / Not Vaccinated)
This category includes the following group of travellers, who require access to enter Sri Lanka for important business projects, meetings, negotiations, discussions etc., and the business travellers invited by the government of Sri Lanka, private organizations or business ventures. Further, they would be,
- Foreign passport holders who are not resident in Sri Lanka
- Dual Citizens travelling on a foreign passport
- Foreign Spouse of Sri Lankan Citizens
Sri Lanka’s latest quarantine measures are similar for all business travellers, whether they are fully vaccinated and completed 14 days of vaccination, vaccinated and not completed 14 days upon vaccination, and not vaccinated. The regulations for them are as follows.
- It is mandatory for these traveller groups to obtain approval from the Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka to enter the country. They can obtain the approval via email from entry.permission@mfa.gov.lk, after informing the authorities about the purpose of the visit and submitting them the letter of invitation from the Sri Lankan counterpart/host entity.
- The traveller should possess a negative PCR test report done within 96 hours prior to departure.
- Vaccinated travellers should have proof documents. They should provide them at arrival. Further, the traveller should fill and submit the Health Declaration Form at the airport.
- An arrival PCR test is mandatory on the day of arrival. Further, the traveller needs to stay in a paid quarantine centre (hotel) for two weeks upon arrival.
- The exit PCR is mandatory for all travellers. The travellers should do the Exit PCR test between the 11th – 14th day of arrival. And it is only after the negative report of the exit PCR the travellers would be released from quarantine.
6. Regulations for Staff of Diplomatic Missions & UN Organisations who are Foreign Nationals in Sri Lanka (Fully Vaccinated / Not Vaccinated)
This category includes the following group of travellers.
- Foreign Nationals who are Staff of Diplomatic Mission or UN Organisations
- Those who are travelling on a Diplomatic Passport/ UN Passport/ Official Passport
- Parents, spouses and children who are accompanying the above groups.
Sri Lanka’s latest quarantine measures are similar for all these travellers, whether they are fully vaccinated and completed 14 days of vaccination, vaccinated and not completed 14 days upon vaccination, and not vaccinated. The regulations for them are as follows.
On Arrival,
- It is mandatory for these traveller groups to obtain approval from the Ministry of Foreign to enter the country. They can obtain the approval via email from entry.permission@mfa.gov.lk.
- The traveller should possess a negative PCR test report done within 96 hours prior to departure.
- It is mandatory for the traveller to have proof of vaccination if he/she is vaccinated. They should provide them at arrival. Further, the traveller should fill and submit the Health Declaration Form at the airport.
Quarantine Measures
- The travellers and their family members who are accompanying them should stay under quarantine for 14 days, and it would be arranged at a residence by the Diplomatic Mission/ Respective organization/ agency in Sri Lanka or at a Safe Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel or Quarantine Hotel.
- The relevant Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel that accommodates these travellers shall organise transport (via private/official vehicle) directly to their residence/Hotels for quarantine.
- All travellers above 2 years should do an arrival PCR test on the day of arrival, and the exit PCR on a day between the 11th – 14th day of arrival. And it is only after the negative report of the exit PCR the travellers would be released from quarantine.
7. Regulations for Staff of Diplomatic Missions & UN Organisations who are Sri Lankan Nationals (Fully Vaccinated / Not Vaccinated)
This category includes the following group of travellers.
- Sri Lanka Nationals who are Staff of Diplomatic Mission or UN Organisations
- Travelling on a Diplomatic Passport/ UN Passport/ Official Passport
- Parents, spouses and children accompanying the above
Sri Lanka’s latest quarantine measures are similar for all these travellers, whether they are fully vaccinated and completed 14 days of vaccination, vaccinated and not completed 14 days upon vaccination, and not vaccinated. The regulations for them are as follows.
On Arrival,
- It is mandatory for these traveller groups to obtain approval from the Director-General of Health Services to enter the country.
- The traveller should possess a negative PCR test report done within 96 hours prior to departure.
- It is mandatory for the traveller to have proof of vaccination if he/she is vaccinated. They should provide them at arrival. Further, the traveller should fill and submit the Health Declaration Form at the airport.
Quarantine Measures
- The travellers and their family members who are accompanying them should stay under quarantine for 14 days. If they are fully vaccinated, and completed 14 days upon vaccination, they can either choose home quarantine, or quarantine at a Safe Secure Certified Level 1. The relevant Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel that accommodates these travellers shall organise transport (via private/official vehicle) directly to their residence/hotels for quarantine.
- However, for non-vaccinated travellers, hotel quarantine would be the only available option. Besides, if a traveller completes 14 days of the second dose of the vaccination while at the quarantine centre, he/she may get a PCR test done on the 14th day from the time of the final vaccine dose, and go for home quarantine if the report is negative.
- All travellers above 2 years should do an arrival PCR test on the day of arrival. Further, they should do the exit PCR on a day between the 11th – 14th day of arrival. And it is only after the negative report of the exit PCR the travellers would be released from quarantine.
Sri Lanka’s Latest Quarantine Measures and General Guidelines for Passengers Travelling out of Sri Lanka
Of course, travellers have the opportunity to leave the country for their special needs as well. Still, it is a must note that they should follow health and safety guidelines. The regulations and guidelines for these travellers are different depending on the traveller’s destination. Further, different countries require different documents. Moreover, the validity of the PCR reports certain countries accept are different from one country to another. Hence, the travellers who are planning to travel out of Sri Lanka should get to know about them in advance. Meanwhile, make sure that you refer to the latest regulations, since they may change from time to time. However, getting to know about them, fulfilling all the requirements will surely help you travel with peace of mind, even during these uncertain times.
The Bottom Line
These Sri Lanka’s latest quarantine measures and guidelines are in accordance with the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL Special Direction 020 Rev 05). And yes, they were set considering the present status of the pandemic situation. Still, the authorities might further review them depending on the COVID-19 status in the country and world. However, it is important that we follow all these guidelines and measures. It would benefit us, as well the community as a whole. Moreover, as the world moves forward abiding by the new normal, we hope for a boom in Sri Lankan tourism as well. Let’s hope for the best!
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