What you need to know when planning your trip to Sri Lanka during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Why should you apply in advance?

Travelling entails many crucial steps and the “Visa Free” status and the issuance of “On Arrival” visas are suspended until further notice. Applying in advance helps you ensure that you have followed all the steps correctly. This gives you a tension-free travel experience and also proves to be a more economical option. Moreover, it will also enable you to get your pre-travel health testing done in time for departure. Check the COVID-19 Travel Rules in Sri Lanka and visit https://www.srilanka.travel/helloagain/ to apply now and get the safest travel experience.

What is the application process?

Foreign travellers wishing to enter Sri Lanka as a tourist shall require approval to enter Sri Lanka only from Sri Lanka Tourism via (https://www.srilanka.travel/helloagain/). This is an Electronic Travel Approval (ETA) using the protocol as stipulated in the health authorities of Sri Lanka. The travellers also should purchase a COVID-19 insurance policy through the Sri Lanka tourism mobile app at a premium of USD 12 (covering USD 50,000 for a period of 1 month and can extend up to 90 days with an additional payment). All tourists will have to obtain travel insurance with health and hospitalization coverage for the entire duration of stay to cover standard health risks other than COVID-19.

The application process with eta.gov.lk is as easy as it can be. All you need to do is:

  • Go to https://www.srilanka.travel/helloagain/.
  • A valid return air ticket.
  • Payment for PCR tests (USD 40 per test) depending on the number of days of stay.
  • Pre-confirmed hotel bookings at one or more Level 1 SLTDA registered and ‘Safe & Secure’ certified accommodation establishments for the first 14 days of stay
  • Fill your form carefully.
  • Select your visa category.
  • Make sure to scan and attach required documents to your form before submitting it.
  • Make payment for your application via the mode of payment of your choice.

Instructions to follow during the sightseeing tour

  • All guests must keep social distance while in vehicles.
  • Masks are mandatory throughout the tour.
  • All guests are required to bring and wear a mask.
  • Tourists should sanitize hands and disinfectant footwear prior to boarding a vehicle and wearing of face masks is compulsory during the journey.
  • The guests required to send a copy of the passport in advance.
  • Guests will receive a mandatory temperature check during the tours.
  • Guests must book this activity online because the guest are not encouraging to visit our office.
  • Face masks worn during the flight should be disposed of and new face masks should be worn before you meet our representative at the airport.
  • Avoid contact with anyone who is sick
  • Limit contact with frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward. Your guide driver provides provide disinfectants for you.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Try not to eat or drink in the vehicle and crowded places. That way you can keep your mask on the whole time.
  • If you choose to pick up a meal on the road, opt for tourist board registered restaurants that offer drive-thru.
  • You are requested to minimize the interaction with the community.
  • You are advised to do online or advance bookings for attractions and activities to avoid exposing to overcrowded situations.
  • You are advised to stick to electronic/contactless payment methods or bank transfers as much as possible for the safety.
  • You are not allowed to use public transport.

Which passengers are allowed to travel to Sri Lanka?

Carefully check the COVID-19 Travel Rules in Sri Lanka beforehand. Sri Lanka is open to travellers around the world. However, travellers from few countries are still not allowed to travel to Sri Lanka as below.

The following Countries are considered to be High Risk, and a passenger with a Travel history (including transit) in the past 14 days will not be permitted to disembark in Sri Lanka unless special approval has been granted:

(i) Countries of the continent of South America

(ii) South Africa

(iii) Angola

(iv) Botswana

(v) Lesotho

(vi) Mozambique

(vii) Namibia

(viii) Swaziland

(ix) Zambia

(x) Zimbabwe

Vital information for travellers arriving in Sri Lanka during the COVID-19 pandemic

The entry procedure for foreigners during the pandemic of COVID-19 

All passengers (except Sri Lankans and Dual Citizens) are arriving to Sri Lanka must have an appropriate ” valid visa” which has been issued by the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka prior to their departure and no visa ” on arrival ” will be issued for any passenger.

Mainly, the following visas are issuing from the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka for the foreigners according to their purpose of visit.

  • Electronic Travel Authorization ( ETA)
  • Landing Endorsement
  • Entry Visa
  • Multiple Entry Business Visa
  • Residence Visa

Accordingly, ETA or Landing Endorsement is a system generated electronic visa document which is issuing by the Department of Immigration and Emigration, Sri Lanka and it will not be endorsed in the passport of the visa holder, at the time of boarding to the flight. But, other visas have to be stamped on the passport of the visa holder.

For more information, please visit Government Official Website – https://www.eta.gov.lk 

Process for Tourist who has been Fully Vaccinated (Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel Quarantine).

(i) Authorization required from Sri Lanka Tourism via website https://www.srilanka.travel/helloagain/)

(ii) PCR Test within 72hrs prior to Departure

(iii) Proof of Vaccination (On Arrival At Airport)

(iv) Health Declaration Form (On Arrival At Airport)

(v) Day 01 PCR test shall be done and released from Quarantine if PCR Test is negative.

(vi) PCR Test on Day 07 is not required if travelling from a non-restricted Risk Country/No restricted country.

Day 01 PCR Tests (On Arrival into Sri Lanka).

(i) All Adult Travelers shall undergo a COVID19 PCR Test 24 hours after arriving in Sri Lanka.

(ii) All Minors of the age of 2 years and above shall be required to have a negative PCR Test Result done within 72hrs prior to Departure.

(iii) Any time a Traveller displaying symptoms of COVID19 will undergo an immediate PCR Test at the time of symptom detection.

(iv) The guests are not allowed to leave the quarantine hotel until the 1st day PCR test results are issued. Permission to leave the 1st hotel is granted by the medical office of the “Safe and Secure Level-1” hotel.

PCR Tests on arrival (Day 01) to Sri Lanka relating to Minors.

(i) Children under the age of 02 years (Infants) are exempted from the PCR Test on Day 01 and exit PCR Tests.

(ii) If the children continue to be quarantined at a Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel, Children below 12 years of age will be exempted from the Day 01 arrival PCR test.

(iii) Children between the ages of 12 to 18 (Teenagers) shall undergo a COVID19 PCR Test on Arrival in Sri Lanka.

(iv) All Children above the age of 2 years shall undergo the Exit PCR Test before being released from Quarantine.

Fully vaccinated travelers-Documentation regarding Persons who have taken a COVID-19 Vaccination (All Criteria must be fulfilled for Acceptability of Proof and must be in possession).

(i) Original Certificate of Vaccination (or document of proof).

(ii) Documents must be in English or a certified copy in English for any information on the original which is not indicated in English.

(iii) Documents must have the name of the vaccine & dates of vaccination.

(iv) Other verifiable evidence of vaccinations.

Note: These documents will have to be produced to the Health Officers at the Airport of Entry into Sri Lanka.

Exemptions from Quarantine Measures for Travelers who are partially vaccinated and who have a past history of COVID-19.

(i) If the traveller fulfils the criteria mentioned below in point (ii), they shall only be quarantined until the Day-01 negative PCR Test report is available.

            (ii) Travelers with a past history of COVID-19 shall fulfil the following criteria;

(a) Travelers with a past history of COVID-19 infection who are departing for their flight to Sri Lanka between Day-28 to Day-90 from the date of being diagnosed as positive COVID-19 by a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) ** shall have a valid document certifying that he/she has had COVID-19 illness via a medical certificate/ diagnostic card/ any other acceptable form of proof (in English).

(b) Certificate of COVID-19: The above-mentioned certificate should contain the name of the person, Dates and Names of the positive NAAT **.

(c) Period of Vaccination: The traveller shall be able to show that he/she received the vaccination dose 14 days after being diagnosed with COVID-19 (Date on the certificate) and at least 14 days prior to the date of departure into Sri Lanka.

(d) Accepted Vaccinations: Such travellers should arrive after getting at least a single dose of Astra Zeneca/ Pfizer/ BioNTech/ Moderna/ Johnson & Johnson vaccine or any other single-dose COVID-19 vaccine recommended for the general population.

(iii) In charge officer of the Hotel Doctor at Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel shall discharge the traveller after verifying the status of vaccination, the document certifying COVID-19 illness and Day-01 negative PCR test.

(iv) If there are children below eighteen years they can be discharged with the parents who fulfilled the criteria in point (ii) above, by adhering to the following measures:

(a) Children of two to eighteen years shall be subjected to a Day-01 PCR test and they shall have negative results.

(b) Children below two years will not be subjected to on arrival PCR testing and be discharged with the parents. However, if the on arrival (Day One) PCR testing of a traveller accompanying the child is positive for COVID-19, a child below two years will also be subjected to PCR testing subsequently.

(v) Unvaccinated children of the age of 02 years to 18 years who have been released with their parents shall undergo a COVID-19 PCR test on Day-07 after arriving in Sri Lanka.

Travellers with Positive PCR test reports.

If the PCR testing is positive, Hotel Management at Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel shall immediately Inform the area Medical officer of Health (MOH) and email the details to Epidemiology Unit (chepld@sltnet.lk and samithag@hotmall.com) as well as SLTDA.

The treatment protocol of the Ministry of Health for COVI0-19 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.

The process relating to Minors in quarantine.

(i) If at any time an accompanying traveller (Parent, sibling or family) is tested positive for COVID-19, then the Minor shall undergo a PCR Test.

(ii) Teenagers are subject to the same quarantine rules as adults depending on the status of their vaccination (Fully Vaccinated or Not Vaccinated).

(iii) Exit PCR Test report shall be made available to the Traveller on Day 14, prior to release from Quarantine.

(iv) Unvaccinated Minors between the ages of 02 to 18 years, who have been released with Fully Vaccinated parents/guardians/caretakers, shall undergo a COVID-19 PCR test on Day 07 from a Ministry of Health approved laboratory.

(v) After the release, Children of 02 to 18 years shall be subjected to Day 10 PCR testing.

The process relating to Caretakers accompanying minor(s) or an adult with special needs.

(i) If at any time an accompanying traveller (Parent, sibling or family) is tested positive for COVID19, then the minor(s) shall undergo a PCR Test.

(ii) A Fully Vaccinated Caretaker, must remain for the full duration of quarantine with the child or adult in his/her care until the care recipient is discharged from quarantine.

(iii) A Fully Vaccinated Caretaker shall do a PCR test on Day 01 prior to leaving quarantine.

Process for Tourists who have not been vaccinated or have not completed 14 days since Vaccination when departing inbound to Sri Lanka (Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel Quarantine).

(i) Authorization required from Sri Lanka Tourism via the website (https://www.srilanka.travel/helloagain/)

(ii) PCR Test within 72hrs prior to Departure

(iii) Proof of Vaccination if Available (On Arrival At Airport)

(iv) Health Declaration Form (On Arrival At Airport)

(v) Arrival PCR Test on Day 01

(vi) Allowed to other Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotels in a bio-secure travel bubble and visit Tourist sites after a negative result from the PCR Test on Day 01.

(vii) If a tourist staying in Sri Lanka for less than (14) fourteen days, a second PCR test will be done only if required for further travel. (Airline or Destination Country Restrictions etc…).

(viii) Exit PCR Test report shall be made available to the tourist on Day 14, prior to release from Quarantine, if the tourist stays more than 14 Days in Sri Lanka and is free from quarantine restrictions.

(ix) If the 14-day period from the final dose of the vaccine is achieved whilst in Quarantine: – the traveller can be released from Quarantine after a negative PCR test result taken on Day 14 from the time of the final vaccine dose.

Transport To & From Quarantine

(i) All Travelers will be transported from the Airport to the Quarantine hotel by the vehicles provided by Seerendipity tours and travels.

(ii) Seerendipity tours and travels arrange independent transport for each group of tourists    and guests are highly advised not to mingle with other travellers encounter during the tour (in the hotels, shops, or tourist sites etc…)

(iii) After Discharge/Free from Quarantine, Travelers will be provided Transport Arrangements with fully vaccinated local staff, who had already been educated about safety protocols by the SLTDA.

Quarantine Period for Travelers Entering Sri Lanka.

  • The Quarantine Period for all Non-Vaccinated and half-Vaccinated travelers entering Sri Lanka shall be a total of Fourteen (14) Days at a Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel.
  • The Quarantine Period for all Fully-Vaccinated travelers entering Sri Lanka shall be 1 day (until the on-arrival PCR test result is issued) at a Safe & Secure Certified Level 1 Hotel;

Documentation Procedures upon Arrival into Sri Lanka (For each individual Traveler)

(i) Duly completed Health Declaration Form (Available at Check-In Counters and On-Board Aircraft) to be handed over to Health Officer at Airport.

(ii) Proof of Vaccination (Certificate/Card/Other Valid Proof).

(iii) PCR negative test results done within 72 hours of departure (Foreign Passports and Sri Lankan Passports).

Note: Fully Vaccinated Travelers must be given a “Discharge Document” prior to leaving Quarantine.

Sri Lankan Standard of a Fully Vaccinated Traveler. (If any of the following are not fulfilled, the Traveler is considered as Not Vaccinated)

(i) All recommended doses of a COVID19 Vaccination have been taken.

(ii) 14 days have elapsed from the date of the last/final vaccination dose till the date of departure inbound to Sri Lanka.

Note 01: If the traveller departs inbound to Sri Lanka with less than 14 days from the final dose of the vaccine, and the 14-day period from the final dose of the vaccine is achieved whilst in Quarantine. Please refer to relevant appendices.

Note 02: If the doses taken are incomplete, or the traveller is departing inbound to Sri Lanka less than 14 days from the final vaccination dosage, the traveller is considered NOT Vaccinated.

Safety measures to be taken during the stay

  • Do not stop on the first day, as you drive to the “Safe and Secure Level-1” Hotel from the airport.
  • Upon reach the “Safe and Secure Level-1” Hotel, meet the medical doctor and allow the doctor to collect samples for PCR test.
  • Don’t leave the “Safe and Secure Level-1” Hotel, until the PCR test result available, which takes minimum 24 hours.
  • All guests must keep social distance while in vehicles.
  • Masks are mandatory throughout the tour.
  • All guests are required to bring and wear a mask.
  • Tourists should sanitize hands and disinfectant footwear prior to boarding a vehicle and wearing of face masks is compulsory during the journey.
  • Guests will receive a mandatory temperature check during the tours.
  • Guests must book activities online because the guest are not encouraged to visit our office.
  • Face masks worn during the flight should be disposed of and new face masks should be worn before you meet our representative at the airport.
  • Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
  • Limit contact with frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward. Your guide driver provides provide disinfectants for you.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Try not to eat or drink in the vehicle and crowded places. That way you can keep your mask on the whole time.
  • If you choose to pick up a meal on the road, opt for tourist board registered restaurants that offer drive-thru.
  • Tourists to encouraged to refrain from interacting with the community.
  • If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (sneezing, coughing, fever, stomach ache, diarrhea, etc.) please inform the guide or hotel staff.
  • Refrain from using public transport (buses, trains, TUK TUK etc).
  • Avoid busy areas such as cities, shows etc.
  • Try to minimize the stops during the tour.
  • Stick to the tour itinerary at all time.

Before you travel

As you think about making travel plans to Sri Lanka, consider these questions:

 YesNo
Have you been vaccinated against COVID-19?  When possible, get vaccinated. If the vaccine requires two doses, wait 2 weeks after getting your second vaccine dose to travel. It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. Once you’re fully vaccinated, you’re less likely to spread COVID-19, and you can travel safely within Sri Lanka.☐☐
If you have a history of COVID-19 infection and travel to Sri Lanka between Day-28 to Day-90 from the date of being diagnosed as positive COVID-19 by a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT). Do you have a valid document certifying that you had COVID-19 illness via a medical certificate?☐☐
Have you booked a “Safe and Secure Level-1” hotel, until the 1st day PCR test result is available?☐☐
Have you read all the guidelines and safety protocols issued by Sri Lanka medical authority and Sri Lanka tourist board☐☐
Have you booked your transport from Airport to the “Safe and Secure Level-1” hotel?☐☐
Did you sit for the PCR test?☐☐
Do you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (sneezing, coughing, fever, stomach ache, diarrhoea, etc.)☐☐
Is any of your family members or close associates diagnose with COVID-19 recently?☐☐
Do you have a copy of the negative PCR test result taken 72 hours before?☐☐
Do you have Proof of Vaccination / Original Certificate of Vaccination? ☐☐
Do your documents indicate the name of the vaccine & dates of vaccination?☐☐
Do you have other verifiable evidence of vaccinations?☐☐
Are all your document in English or a certified copy in English for any information on the original which is not indicated in English?☐☐
Are you at increased risk for severe illness? Anyone can get COVID-19, but older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.☐☐
Do you live with someone who’s at increased risk for severe illness? If you get infected while traveling, you can spread the virus to the people you live with when you return, even if you don’t have symptoms.☐☐
Does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travellers? Even if you’ve been fully vaccinated, you must follow local, state and federal testing and travel rules.☐☐
Do you have an adequate number of masks?☐☐
Do you have enough disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol) ☐☐
Do you maintain a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) between you and others as much as possible?☐☐

Frequently asked question by traveler when planning a Sri Lanka trip during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • ARE THE AIRPORTS OPEN IN SRI LANKA?

Yes, the airports opened for International travel on the 21st of January 2021.

  • IS THERE A MANDATORY MINIMUM STAY REQUIRED WHEN VISITING SRI LANKA?

No, there are no minimum stay restrictions when visiting Sri Lanka.

  • IS THERE A 14-DAY QUARANTINE REQUIREMENT?

No, there is no 14-day quarantine requirement.

  • HOW DO I APPLY FOR A VISA?

All visas must be applied online via 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 throughout your ‘Safe and Secure Level 1’ hotel stay when making your booking. The hotel will issue a reference number which you need to include in your visa form under the section ‘contact details’ and you will be requested to mention an ‘address in Sri Lanka’ under which you need to indicate your hotel name, address and the reference number issued. 

Dual citizenship holders do not need to obtain an ETA Visa. They are only required to obtain the hotel confirmation, COVID-19 Insurance cover and the pre-purchased PCR test.

For further information please reach out to our Hotel Hotline +94 77 4440977 for assistance!

  • ARE ALL TOURISTS ALLOWED TO ENTER SRI LANKA?

Tourists from all countries are welcome unless otherwise specified. Email on info@srilanka.travel for further information on this.

  • DO I NEED A COVID-19 INSURANCE COVER?

Yes, you will need to pay USD 12 for a 1-month insurance cover of USD 50,000 offered by People’s Insurance PLC and it is a mandatory requirement when applying for your visa. Visit www.srilanka.travel/helloagain for more information.

  • WHAT IS THE COST OF THE USD 50,000 INSURANCE COVER FOR ONE MONTH?

USD 12

  • HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE MANDATORY COVID-19 INSURANCE COVER?

Visit www.srilanka.travel/helloagain for more information and the site will direct you to the payment gateway. Going forward, this payment will be facilitated through the tourism mobile app ‘Visit Sri Lanka’. The cost of the insurance cover can also be paid directly to the hotel when making the reservation at your preferred Level 1 Hotel.

  • DO I NEED A COVID-19 INSURANCE COVER IF I STAY BEYOND 30 DAYS?

Yes. You need to initially pay USD 12 for a 30-day COVID-19 insurance cover of USD 50,000 which is a mandatory requirement. However, if your stay exceeds 30 days, you should extend your insurance cover and to do so, please call 1912.

  • SHOULD I PROVIDE A HEALTH DECLARATION FORM?

Yes. The completed Health Declaration Form (HDF) should be submitted to the Health Counters at the airport on arrival. These HDFs will be given to you prior to boarding/ on the flight or upon arrival. It can also be downloaded from www.srilanka.travel/helloagain.

  • DO I STILL NEED TO FOLLOW THE SAFETY PROTOCOLS IF I AM ALREADY VACCINATED?

Yes, there will be no exceptions made for individuals who have been vaccinated; all the safety protocols should be adhered to.

  • DO I STILL NEED TO DO THE PCR TESTS AT THE HOTEL, IF I AM ALREADY VACCINATED?

Yes, currently no exceptions would be made for vaccinations taken; all the safety protocols should be adhered to.

  • WHAT IS A ‘SAFE & SECURE’ CERTIFIED HOTEL?

These are the hotels or accommodations that comply with the COVID-19 Health Protocols and the Tourism Operational Guidelines. The hotels have been subjected to an audit by an independent firm and will be assessed continuously. The ‘Safe & Secure’ certificate is issued with a QR code unique to each certified hotel. By scanning the QR code using a smartphone, visitors can not only check the key information of the certified hotel, but also immediately report to the Sri Lanka Tourism regarding any violations related to the guideline procedures with an image evidence. Sri Lanka Tourism believes this certification will serve as a mark of trust, safety, and assurance for all international guests. Hotels with the certification are encouraged to display the certificate with the QR code that can be easily accessed by all guests.

  • WHAT IS A LEVEL 1 CERTIFIED HOTEL?

From all the ‘Safe & Secure’ certified hotels, these are the accommodation service providers who will provide accommodation services exclusively for international tourists during the first 14 days of their stay. The level 1 hotels cannot accept bookings from locals and are not allowed to hold any events or banquet functions for the locals.

  • AM I ALLOWED TO USE ALL THE HOTEL FACILITIES?

Yes, visitors can use the hotel facilities such as the swimming pool, etc. However, the gym is currently not in operation.

  • CAN I VISIT TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND SITES IN SRI LANKA?

Yes, tourists can visit up to 14 approved tourist sites under the safety of a bio bubble. Visit srilanka.travel/helloagain for more details.

  • CAN I VISIT OTHER PLACES ON MY OWN AFTER 14 DAYS?

Yes. You can move within the local community after 14 days.

  • CAN I USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DURING MY VISIT?

In the initial 14 days you will not be permitted to use public transportation and even thereafter, the use of Public Transportation is not encouraged.

  • DO I NEED TO PRE-PURCHASE PCR TESTS BEFORE I ARRIVE?

Yes, all travelers need to pre-purchase PCR tests depending on the length of their stay and this is a mandatory requirement for the visa process as well. Children visiting Sri Lanka who are below 12 years of age, under the tourism route will be exempted from PCR testing. However, if the child shows symptoms or is a first contact of a COVID-19 positive patient, they will be required to undergo a PCR test.

The first PCR test will be conducted upon arrival at your hotel; prior to check-in. If your stay is between 5-14 days, a second PCR test will be conducted 5-7 days later or within the mentioned period if any symptoms are observed. If your stay exceeds 14 days, you will need to undergo a third PCR test which will be conducted between 10-14 days. Each PCR test is priced at USD 40.

  • FROM WHERE CAN I GET MY PCR TESTS DONE AFTER ARRIVAL?

It will be arranged by your Level 1 ‘Safe and Secure’ certified hotel and the tests will be carried out by a private sector laboratory approved by the Ministry of Health.

  • WHERE AM I ALLOWED TO DO MY PCR TEST PRIOR TO ARRIVAL?

Travelers should undergo a PCR test from an accredited laboratory and obtain a negative result within 96 hours before boarding their flight. This is a mandatory requirement and should be re-confirmed with the relevant airline.

  • WILL THERE BE A DEDICATED MEDICAL OFFICER FOR EACH HOTEL?

Yes, there will be a selected medical officer in each of the ‘Safe and Secure’ certified hotels including the Level 1 Hotels.

  • WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMEONE IS TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 WITH SYMPTOMS?

The level 1 ‘Safe & Secure’ certified hotel in consultation with the hotel doctor/local health authorities will admit the patient to a Private Hospital approved by the Ministry of Health and the COVID-19 Insurance cover will compensate the hospital charges including the ambulance transfer fees up to $ 50,000 for a month.

  • WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMEONE IS COVID-19 POSITIVE AND NON-SYMPTOMATIC?

Non-symptomatic COVID-19 positive patients will be quarantined in an isolated area in the same hotel under strict supervision of the doctor and local health authorities. In case there is a requirement to transfer them to a private hospital at any stage, the COVID-19 Insurance cover will compensate the hospital charges including the ambulance transfer fees up to $ 50,000 for a month.

  • WHAT HAPPENS TO THE CLOSE CONTACTS AND EXPOSED GUESTS IN CASE SOMEONE IS TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19?

They will be kept under quarantine in an isolated area in the same hotel under the strict supervision and administration of the doctor and local health authorities. However, based on the decision of the doctor/local health authorities, if they are sent to a quarantine hotel/center or a pre-arranged Private Hospital, the COVID-19 Insurance will compensate the relevant charges including the ambulance transfer fees of up to $ 50,000 for a month.

  • WHAT IF I GET SICK / ILL OTHER THAN COVID – 19?

The medical officer at your hotel will decide what to do accordingly. The cost of the treatment/s should be covered via the patient’s own personal medical insurance. This will NOT be covered by the COVID-19 insurance cover.

  • CAN I MEET THE LOCAL COMMUNITY WITHIN 14 DAYS, IF MY PCR IS NEGATIVE?

No, during the initial 14 days of your stay, you are not permitted to mix with the community. However, we will create a bio-bubble for you to visit multiple sites in Sri Lanka which will protect you, as well as the community whilst ensuring that you have a great time. Please ensure not to break the bubble since you will be allowed to mix with the local community after 14 days.

  • SHOULD THE PEOPLE ACCOMPANYING THE TOURISTS UNDERGO QUARANTINE?

All personnel accompanying the tourists; including tour guides, safari jeep drivers, bus drivers, other drivers, assistants, and translators, unless attending in full PPE, should undergo a 14-day quarantine under the supervision of the local health authority, with the inclusion of a PCR testing.

  • WHERE CAN I GET INFORMATION ABOUT THE LATEST HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES OF SRI LANKA?

Visit www.srilanka.travel/helloagain. You will find all the information you need to plan your visit to Sri Lanka. The health and safety guidelines are published by the Ministry of Health and they will be regularly reviewed and updated.

Always ensure to refer to the latest version of the health and safety guidelines.

  • CAN DUAL CITIZENS FOLLOW THE TOURISM ROUTE?

Dual Citizens, spouses of foreign nationals and paid commercial passengers with foreign passports are allowed under the tourism route with no quarantine whilst adhering to the guidelines and protocols in place.