Sri Lanka Travel & Entry Restrictions (Updated March 8, 2022)

Known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is known for its amazing biodiversity, rich culture, and of course, fiery cuisine. From the bustling city life of Colombo to its stunning tea plantations and unmissable beaches, tourists arrive in Sri Lanka in droves and seldom leave disappointed. Now it's reopened for those who want to experience it all. Below are all the latest 2022 Sri Lanka COVID-19 travel and entry requirements that all travelers need to know before booking their trip.

 

If you want to plan a trip to Sri Lanka, please feel free to contact us for a free consultation or follow our Facebook to get the latest information.

 

 

Content Preview

>Sri Lanka's Current Entry Policy

>Sri Lanka Visa Application

> Documents to prepare before entry Sri Lanka

> Sri Lanka Quarantine Measure

> Sri Lanka Travel Restrictions in 2022

 

Who Can Enter Sri Lanka–Sri Lanka Entry Policy 2022

Sri Lanka is now welcoming international arrivals. All international travelers who hold valid tourist visas can travel to Sri Lanka. It is also open for Sri Lankan residents and dual citizens. All travelers do not need prior approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Civil Aviation Authority. There is no minimum duration of stay in Sri Lanka.

 

How to Get a Sri Lanka Visa – Sri Lanka Visa Application

 

Except for citizens of the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore, all foreign nationals to Sri Lanka are required to get some kind of visa to meet the Sri Lanka entry requirements. Different types of visas and electronic travel authorization (ETA) are available for travel to Sri Lanka depending on the traveler's nationality and reason for visiting the country. Travel can choose to apply for Sri Lanka travel authorization (ETA), Sri Lanka consular visa, or Sri Lanka visa on arrival according to personal condition and convenience. 

 

Most passport holders can apply for a Sri Lankan ETA online. With the ETA visitors can visit Sri Lanka for up to 30 days for tourism or business trips. Those who are not eligible to apply for the Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online are required to get a visa in advance from a Sri Lankan Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence.

 

 

Who needs to apply for a Sri Lanka embassy visa?

Foreign travelers who are not eligible for the Sri Lanka ETA must apply for a visa at an embassy before they travel to Sri Lanka. Please find the nations as below,

Afghanistan	Cameroon
Republic of the Congo	The Democratic Republic of the Congo
Côte d’Ivoire	Gabon
Ghana	Guinea
Guinea-Bissau	Kenya
Liberia	Mali
Myanmar	Nigeria
North Korea	Pakistan
Sierra Leone	Sudan
Syria	Uganda

 

 

What documents are required for a Sri Lanka visa application

The documents for a Sri Lanka visa at an embassy depend on which type of visa the applicant is requesting, as well as their individual circumstances. For example, a Sri Lanka short-stay visa may need less supporting documentation than a long-stay visa.

 

Nationalities who are eligible for the Sri Lanka ETA only need to meet some basic requirements to apply online for the travel authorization:

• An eligible passport valid for at least 6 months upon the intended entry date to Sri Lanka
• A current email address to which the Sri Lankan online visa will be sent
• A valid debit or credit card with which to pay the ETA Sri Lanka fee.

 

All foreign travelers to Sri Lanka should always check the Sri Lanka visa requirements before applying for a travel permit.

 

 

Do I need a negative COVID test for entry to Sri Lanka – Documents to prepare before entry Sri Lanka

Fully-vaccinated travelers are also exempted from pre-departure COVID-19 PCR/ Rapid Antigen Testing.

 

Not-vaccinated / not-fully vaccinated children of 12-18 years traveling with fully-vaccinated tourists must obtain a negative PCR test report within 72 hours or a Rapid Antigen Test report (self-swabs are disallowed) within 48 hours prior to embarking on a flight. (Children below 12 years are exempted).

 

Do I need quarantine after entry- Sri Lanka Quarantine Measure

Fully vaccinated travelers are not required to stay in quarantine when they are in Sri Lanka.

Unvaccinated travelers must have a confirmed booking at a Level 1 ‘Safe & Secure Certified’ hotel for up to 8 days. They will stay in a ‘Flexible bio-bubble' with all facilities of the hotels made available and the ability to visit approved tourist sites. After 7 nights/8 days, they can go on to normal accommodation.

 

Any documents will be requested when I enter Sri Lanka?

• Valid passport (same as the one for visa application)
• Correct visa type needed to enter 
• Have a PCR or rapid antigen test result if unvaccinated or not fully-vaccinated
• Purchase the mandatory insurance 
• Fill in the Online Health Declaration in order to get the QR code needed to enter
• Book a Level 1 ‘Safe & Secure Certified’ hotel to stay in prior to visiting if unvaccinated

 

 

Can I travel around Sri Lanka freely after entry – Sri Lanka Travel Restrictions in 2022

Best face masks for travel – Face masks-wearing is required in all public settings, as well as maintaining a distance of 1 meter from other people. You must wear face masks when shopping or when traveling on public transport. Children under 2 years old do not have to wear a face mask and you do not have to wear a face-covering when exercising. 

Keep social distance – Social distancing may be in place across the country. 

Without Curfews – There are currently no nighttime curfews in place in Sri Lanka.

Freely take public transportation – Running as normal. Face masks wearing is requested.

Venues and gatherings – Hotels and guesthouses are still operating in Sri Lanka whilst abiding by the government’s recommended health guidelines. All travelers must book their initial stay in a Safe & Secure Level 1 Hotel. Tourist sights are operating according to government guidelines. 

Movement of people – Travel around freely by the government's guidelines.

 

The rules and regulations below are only meant to serve as a guide and the situation is prone to change rapidly without warning. 

 

If you want to plan a trip to Sri Lanka, feel free to contact us for a free consultation or get our latest information. You can also submit your request directly to create your own Sri Lanka tour.