Frequently Asked Questions
General
Questions
Who can visit?
All nationalities are welcome and all types of travellers whether groups, families, individuals.
Which airports will operate?
Bandaranaike International Airport [BIA], Colombo Ratmalana Airport [RMA] and Mattala Rajapaksa Hambantota Airport [MRIA] will be operating for tourist arrivals from Aug 1st 2020
VISA
information
What are the visa procedures?
- >All travelers will require a valid visa; this will be issued for 30 days and extendable for up to 6 months after arrival. Online visa at http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/
- Further relaxation for long stay guests is currently under consideration, enabling tourist to be granted five-year multiple entry visas with maximum 6 months stay.
- Visa fee US$100
Information required for visa application
- Booking details at Certified Accommodation
- Itinerary in Sri Lanka
- Return ticket
- Proof of medical insurance
Where can I stay and is there a minimum duration?
- A minimum 5-night stay in Sri Lanka is required.
- Independent professional audits will be done to certify accommodation providers who will be listed on the Sri Lanka tourism website. Details of bookings made with Certified Accommodation providers are required for the visa application
On arrival in Sri Lanka
The airport will have high intensity sanitation measures in place for all areas and staff.
- There is no quarantine on arrival unless symptoms are detected.
- A PCR test would be done on arrival at the airport. No charge.
- Currently it takes 24 hours to receive the test results. We are making changes to have results within 4-6 hours by August. In the event it is required to wait 24 hours for test results; you will be able to select a hotel for a one-night stay from Certified 4 or 5-star hotels in Colombo or Negombo until the test results are received.
- A further test will be done 4-5 days after arrival by a mobile unit in coordination with your Certified Accommodation provider.
- Travelers staying for more than 10 days will be required to take a third test during their stay. While this may be inconvenient it is essential to safeguard everybody and provide peace of mind.
- In case of a positive PCR result, quarantine in a designated hotel or hospitalisation will take place depending on the details of the case. Quarantine would usually be 14 to 21 days if symptoms are detected.
Moving around Sri Lanka
The airport will have high intensity sanitation measures in place for all areas and staff.
- To ensure your safety, please arrange transportation prior to your arrival, with your Certified Accommodation provider or travel agent. Public transport should not be used.
- All tourist sites will be open from the 1st August onwards with safety protocols and measures in place to ensure the wellbeing of our travelers.
- There will be no travel restrictions between districts for tourists.
COVID-19?
Information
Pre departure Covid-19 PCR testing
A negative PCR test is required prior to boarding your flight and on arrival in Sri Lanka. The test should be no older than 72 hours prior to boarding.
What is Sri Lanka’s status with COVID-19?
Being an island, and thanks to the proactive measures taken, Sri Lanka has been able to manage the spread of the virus. No active community clusters have been detected in the last 30 days within the country.
Medical
information
DO I NEED VACCINATIONS BEFORE I TRAVEL TO SRI LANKA?
The Sri Lankan healthcare system is effective within developing countries across the world. However, updated emergency medical facilities might not be available outside the main cities of Sri Lanka. It is mandatory for those travelling from Africa or Latin America to have vaccinations for Yellow Fever and Meningitis prior to travelling and up-to-date Hepatitis A, Polio and tetanus shots.
WHAT ARE COMMON DISEASES IN SRI LANKA?
Mosquito borne diseases like Dengue, Malaria and chickenguniya are common and it is adviseble to take adequate precautions against mosquitoes especially within rural and wildlife habitats. Every town has a local pharmacy selling common drugs over the counter. However, the availability of special prescription drugs are subject to availability.
WHAT HOSPITALS SHOULD I GO TO?
Every main town / city throughout the country would have a hospital or medical Clinique available. Government Hospitals would provide free medical service whilst charges are applicable for Private Hospitals.