After a long battle with the global COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka welcomes back international visitors from 1st October 2021. New safety rules and regulations have been implemented to avoid spreading COVID-19 again. These guidelines will help you to enjoy your post-COVID travel to Sri Lanka safe and secured as much as possible. Now you can get ready to visit Sri Lanka again, without any fear of your safety.
The good news for international travelers is Sri Lanka has eased the entry restrictions for fully vaccinated tourists. Visitors who have had their Covid-19 vaccine can enter the country without any restrictive quarantine or on-arrival PCR tests. The PCR test isn’t required for children under age 12. The flight bans are revoked and there are regular flights to bring visitors to this paradise island.
Why Travel to Sri Lanka?
Are you’re longing to visit a beautiful country with affordable prices and wonderful attractions? Then look no further than Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise of white sandy beaches, amazing wildlife, magnificent landscapes, and great culture. With year-round warm weather, this is the perfect destination to get some fun in the sun. Being a small island, you can travel through different ecosystems in Sri Lanka within a few hours. Where else you can hike in the misty mountains in the morning and then catch some waves in the afternoon?
Above all, Sri Lanka is home to historical capitals and ancient temples that are so unique to the country. These ancient historical landmarks and timeless ruins in eight UNESCO heritage sites are definitely worthy of your visit. Certainly, it’s the place where you can visit the largest stupa and the oldest tree in the world. As well, there are many epic photogenic spots with breathtaking sceneries to amaze visitors. With all these gorgeous sightseeing spots, Sri Lanka won’t disappoint any travelers.
After a long break of tourism, Sri Lanka is eagerly waiting to welcome back the visitors with open arms. You can enjoy many benefits with attractive packages and offers for accommodations. Be sure to check the level 1 certified hotel list before booking your accommodation. Since most attractions are less crowded, you can have hassle-free tours and enjoy the sceneries to the fullest. Therefore, now it is time to pack your bags and fly to this lovely holiday getaway.
How to Apply for VISA
The visa process is completely online through Sri Lanka’s official e-visa portal and you can get the visa quickly. All visitors can apply for the visa through eta.gov.lk. and pay through visitsrilanka.gov.lk. According to the new guidelines, all Sri Lankan visitors need to pay covid insurance of 12 USD with one month cover of 50,000 USD. Fully vaccinated visitors don’t need to pay for the PCR test, whereas all other visitors need to pre-pay 40 USD per on arrival PCR test.
Post-COVID Travel Guide for 2021
The new guidelines are mostly based on the vaccination state of visitors. Most importantly, it is necessary to read all the health guidelines relevant for you, before planning your trip to Sri Lanka. Here we are going to give you a helping hand by giving guidance about the new post-COVID travel guidelines in 2021.
Guide for Fully Vaccinated Travelers
Fully Vaccinated travelers mean those who have completed 14 days after the COVID-19 vaccination and arriving with a negative PCR Report done within 72 hours of embarkation. Sri Lanka accepts any vaccination type accepted by the country of origin. These travelers don’t need any quarantine, as well as no on-arrival PCR test. Likewise, they can stay at any type of accommodation in the country and there isn’t any minimum duration of stay in Sri Lanka. If you are a fully vaccinated traveler, you don’t need to pay for your Covid Insurance and PCR tests.
Fully vaccinated travelers can make their own arrangements for accommodation, airport transfers, and local transportation. However, remember to use safe and secure certified level 1 hotels and travel agents to ensure your health and safety. Post-COVID travel has become much easier for fully vaccinated travelers, with these new guidelines.
Guide for Children
Sri Lanka is famous as an easy-going, family-friendly destination in the world. You can visit Sri Lanka with your kids, without worrying about their safety. Children below 12 years are exempt from on-arrival PCR tests and they allow to travel with their parents. If accompanied by not-vaccinated children of 12-18 years, they need to undergo day 1 PCR testing.
Guide for Non-vaccinated Travelers
What if you haven’t got the vaccine yet? Non-vaccinated or not-fully vaccinated travelers can still have a great time under the protection of the Tourism Bio Bubble for 14 days in Sri Lanka. According to this scheme, travelers stay in a bio bubble with all facilities of the hotels made available and able to visit approved tourist sites at the given time.
What is a Bio bubble?
A bio-bubble allows tourists to travel the country in semi-isolated groups. They can go sightseeing without mixing with the local population. Therefore, it is a good arrangement to limit the interaction of a person to only those who have tested clean for COVID-19. It could mean restrictions on movement, within the hotel and approved tourist sites only. Once the 14-day period has lapsed, travelers can move beyond the bubble and mingle with the locals after clearing the PCR test.
Attractions to Visit under Bio bubble
Sri Lankan tourists within this bio bubble can visit 20 attractions adhering to strict health and safety protocols. These attractions include the following;
1. World heritage sites in Sigiriya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa
2. World heritage sites in Kandy, Galle, Horton Plains, Udawatta Kele
3. National Parks in Yala, Wilpattu, Udawalawe, Minneriya
4. National Parks in Bundala, Kumana, Hurulu Eco Park, and whale watching in Mirissa
5. Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, Mirijjawila, Ridiyagama Safari Park, and Pinnawala elephant watching
How to find your accommodation?
Under the new post-COVID guidelines, tourists are allowed to stay in Level 1 safe & secured hotels only. You can find The list of Level 1 safe hotels in Sri Lanka here. As of -3rd Feb 2022, there is another list of other Certified Hotels Published by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and you can find it here.
Since it is an exhausting task to select the best hotels using these lengthy lists, we have created a list of the 25 best level 1 certified hotels in Sri Lanka. It is easy to find one of the best level 1 hotels in Sri Lanka using this list.
Do you need to wear a mask?
Yes, wearing a mask in public is mandatory for both Sri Lankans and tourists. If you are traveling in a private vehicle, you don’t need to wear a mask in the vehicle. However, wearing it once outside is essential. Wearing a mask in public places will be quite helpful to protect yourself as well as others from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sri Lanka has opened the doors to the world again, with every precautionary measure for your safety. These post-COVID travel regulations are set to make your island getaway as safe, secure, and serene as possible. Ensure that you read all the things need to know for your safety in Sri Lanka. Full of lush green landscapes and golden sandy beaches, this lovely island is waiting for its visitors to come back. Make your way to paradise on earth and have an amazing time. Happy traveling to Sri Lanka for you all!
Source Sri Lanka Tourism website. Text by Magnificent Sri Lanka. Images from Wikimedia Commons, Pixabay. All copyrights are reserved by original authors.
