Island-nation Sri Lanka reopens for international tourists; this time, with immensely relaxed restrictions, ease of vacationing, and abundant safety. Here are all the details. By Bayar Jain
View this post on Instagram
Making the announcement in an official statement, neighbouring country Sri Lanka has flung open its doors to international travellers once again. With this, the Asian country is now allowing people visiting on a tourist visa, dual citizens, valid resident visa holders, and Sri Lankan citizens who opt to visit under the tourism route. Interestingly, the COVID-19 vaccination status does not apply to the latter group of arrivals.
Currently, the statement notes that there is no minimum duration of stay required nor does one need any prior approvals from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Civil Aviation Authorities, provided one is vaccinated. Another issued statement notes that non-vaccinated travellers will be required to stay within a bio-bubble for up to 14 days. Elaborating further on this, the release states that a bio-bubble has been created for all in-bound visitors coming via the tourism route.
View this post on Instagram
However, those who are required to show their COVID-19 vaccination certificate must furbish the original copy along with an English translation of the same, if possible. If translations can’t be presented, then verifiable evidence of getting inoculated is mandatory.
Aiming to ease travels within Sri Lanka, the government has also issued a statement clarifying that no restrictive quarantine measures have been introduced. Vaccinated travellers, in particular, are free to traverse the country beyond the bio-bubble, provided all COVID-19 protocols are followed.
View this post on Instagram
To obtain a tourist visa, Sri Lanka currently mandates boarding travellers to present a pre-confirmed booking at Level 1 ‘Safe & Secure’ hotels (a list of government-approved lodges that adhere to the nation’s safety and COVID-19 hygiene protocols), and a month-long COVID-19 local travel insurance for USD 12 (roughly INR 895) for a policy of USD 50,000 (INR 37,33,100).
Moreover, international arrivals will be required to pay for their own PCR tests—one test each upon arriving (within 72 hours from boarding) and exiting, if the stay lasts five days or more. Children aged two to 12, on the other hand, are exempted from these tests unless their parents or guardians develop symptoms or test positive. Should a vaccinated traveller visit, only one test is required.
Related: Sri Lankan Cuisine: Treasure Trove Of Unique Recipes
Bayar Jain
Most popular
Most popular
