For your convenience, we publish the “Guideline for travelers” stipulated by the Health Authorities and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority as follows.

Sri Lanka Covid 19 safety guidelines and things to know when visiting Sri Lanka

Welcome back to the paradise island of Sri Lanka. As we open our doors to the world once again; we’ve pulled out all the stops, ensuring that every precautionary measure has been set in place to make your island getaway as safe, secure and serene as possible. In your preparation to explore the wild and wonderful, we’d like to bring your attention to the ‘things you need to know’ for your safety as you make your way to an amazing time that is So Sri Lanka! We are so looking forward to welcoming you!

Things to know when visiting Sri Lanka

• No minimum number of days required to stay

• No restrictive quarantine required

• Travellers are permitted to explore the facilities of the hotel.

• Stay in any number of Level 1 ‘Safe & Secure’ hotels during the first 13 nights/14 days of your stay.

• During the initial 13 nights/14 days of your stay, we will create a bio-bubble for you to visit multiple sites in Sri Lanka. This will protect you while ensuring you have a great time. Please do your part to not break the bubble.

• After the initial 13 nights/14 days, you are permitted to go out into the general community.

• Wearing masks in public places, maintaining a social distance of 1.5 meters and sanitizing your hands regularly is important.

• Your hotel and the travel agent will be responsible for taking care of you during your stay.

• We recommend that you read and understand the Health Guidelines prior to your visit (www.srilanka.travel/helloagain to download the guidelines)

Application of Visa

• All visas must be applied online. Visit eta.gov.lk.

• When applying for your visa, you would need
  A pre-confirmed booking at a Level 1 'Safe & Secure' hotel; depending on the duration of your stay; for up to 13 nights/14 days.

• Obtaining a COVID-19 local travel insurance cover for USD 12 for a policy value of USD 50, 000 for a period of one month is mandatory.

• Pay for PCR tests (USD 40 per PCR test) depending on the number of days of stay. (eg: On arrival PCR testing is mandatory. If a traveller stays for 4 nights/5 days or less pay for 1 PCR test, If the stay is more than 5 days yet less than 13 nights/14 days, pay for 2 PCR tests, If the stay is 14 days or more, pay for 3 PCR tests). Children under 12 years of age are exempted from PCR testing.

PCR Testing

• Prior to boarding, you are required to have a negative PCR test result from an accredited laboratory 96 hours before your departure.

• The first of the prepaid PCR tests would be carried out on-arrival at your hotel; prior to check-in. If a traveller stays for 4 nights/5 days or less, other than the on arrival PCR test no other PCR testing is required. If the stay is more than 4 nights/5 days yet less than 13 nights/14 days, other than the on arrival PCR test they will undergo a 5-7 day PCR test. If the stay is 13 nights/14 days or more, a 3rd PCR test will be conducted on 10-14 day or if any symptoms should develop before.

• If a test should result as positive, initial isolation would be accommodated at the hotel; and if necessary, transfers to a private hospital or a designated hotel to be quarantined; would be arranged. Costs to be covered via your COVID-19 insurance, already paid for at the time of visa issuance.

• Currently, no exceptions would be made for vaccinations taken; all safety protocols should be adhered to regardless.

Choosing Your Stay

• During the first 13 nights/14 days, you are required to stay in a Level 1 ‘Safe & Secure’ hotel.

• Change of hotels in the first 13 nights/14 days is allowed only among Level 1 ‘Safe & Secure’ hotels.

• These hotels are in compliance with the COVID-19 Health Protocols and the Tourism Operational Guidelines, taking care of you in the initial phase of your visit.

• Guests are permitted to use all facilities within the premises of the hotel.

• All certified Level 1 ‘Safe & Secure’ hotels would have a unique QR code displayed, so that you may provide feedback on the health protocols observed.

On-arrival at the Airport

• Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is certified as a safe airport by ACI airport health accreditation programme.

• Submit a completed Health Declaration Form (HDF) to health counters at the airport.

• Immigration officers will check all mandatory documents of travellers, including the PCR report, travel insurance, travel/stay details, health counter clearance note, and relevant personal details.

Going out into the Community

• Refrain from handshaking, hugging or kissing; instead, use the traditional Sri Lankan greeting- “Ayubowan”.

• Ensure that you wear a face mask at all times in a public setting, it is a mandatory requirement by the law.

• Choose self-checkouts, cashless or contactless payments whenever possible.

• efrain from using public transport as much as possible.

• Maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between two people when in the community.

• Ensure you use sanitizer or wash hands with soap regularly.