As Sri Lanka is going to reopen its airports for international flights from January 21, 2021, the SriLankan Airlines has issued an advisory for passengers traveling to and from Sri Lanka in the light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said that the 2 main airports Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) and Mattala International Airport (Hambantota) will reopen starting 21 January and international flights will resume gradually from 23 January, stated the report.
“There are nearly three million people in our country who are directly or indirectly dependent on the tourism industry. Keeping this in mind, I announced that the airports will officially reopen on January 21 for tourists,” he said.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka said that all passengers arriving from the UK and passengers who have visited the UK within the past 14 days will not be permitted to enter Sri Lanka with immediate effect.
Here Are Some Important Guidelines Issued By The Srilankan Government For Passengers Arriving In Sri Lanka:
The Government of Sri Lanka will arrange special repatriation flights for the Government quarantine facilities in coordination with Sri Lanka Missions abroad for migrant workers, students, patients, Short term visa holders, govt. and military officials,
- However, Sri Lankans or Foreigners of Sri Lankan origin (Holders of dual Citizenship) will be allowed to travel on any commercial/non-repatriation flights to Sri Lanka without the approval of the Foreign Secretary (OR) Civil Aviation Authority subject to the limit of passengers per flight determined by the Civil Aviation Authority, based on concurrence/consultation of NOCPCO subject to compliance with the paid quarantining at a designated Hotel.
- Passengers are expected to strictly adhere to the paid quarantine procedures under the above arrangement.
- Any exception to the paid quarantine arrangements will be granted on the recommendations made by the Sri Lanka diplomatic Mission/Post in the country of origin/ country of accreditation for critical patients, government & military officials, when they travel on commercial/non-repatriation flights. In the absence of a Sri Lanka Diplomatic representation, the Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka will consider such exemption from paid quarantine.
In respect of passengers originating from India the existing standard operating procedure will remain unchanged.
However, the existing individual authorization process continues to apply to foreign nationals, including members of the diplomatic corps, foreign/international organizations based in Sri Lanka, and returning Sri Lankan seafarers.
Suspension of On-arrival Visa
Furthermore, the government has also temporarily suspended the on-arrival visa even for the exempted countries such as Maldives, Singapore, and Seychelles.
However, Sri Lankans’ Spouse and Sri Lankan parents’ Children under the age of 12 can obtain the visa, said the official.
And For The Passengers Arriving In Sri Lanka From The United Kingdom:
Mandatory Travel Requirements
- Foreign nationals arriving should carry a negative COVID – 19 PCR test report (English) done within 96 hours of embarkation.
- Sri Lankan citizens/ Dual citizens should carry a negative COVID-19 PCR test report (English) done within 96 hours or a Rapid Antigen test done within 48 hours of embarkation.
Mandatory PCR tests on Arrival
All passengers arriving at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport must undergo a PCR test carried out by a hospital in Sri Lanka.
Passengers will be responsible for all costs of the PCR test and other related costs at the time of arrival. And the testing shall be conducted 72 hours prior to departure.
For further details, please visit Srilankan.com.
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