Coronavirus and Sri Lanka

This guide is outdated, Sri Lanka has successfully overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19, and the situation has significantly improved. As a result, many regulations, including visa requirements, have likely changed.

1. What is the procedure to enter Sri Lanka?

It is mandatory to have an online visa approval before arriving in Sri Lanka; through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) at https://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/

Countries that were previously exempted now require a prior approved online visa.

The on-arrival visa for all visitors has been suspended until further notice.

2. What is the procedure for tourists without Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?

It is mandatory to have an online visa before arriving in Sri Lanka without which arrivals will be turned back.

3. If I arrive with an online visa: do I need to fill a health form?

Yes. There is a mandatory self-declaration form for all travellers; providing, inter alia, personal particulars, address, contact numbers in Sri Lanka & travel history.

4. Which countries are currently banned?

There continues to be a travel ban for any visitor arriving from Italy, South Korea and Iran.

There is a travel ban for visitors from the UK, Norway, Belgium, Russia, Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Spain and Switzerland from immediate effect from 15 March 2020 until midnight on 29 March 2020.

This also applies to those from other countries who have visited any of the above countries within the last 14 days.

5. Which countries are currently open for tourist arrivals?

All countries except those above, with a mandatory online visa before arriving in Sri Lanka. As this is a fast-evolving situation there can be further changes.

6. Arrivals from which countries will get quarantined?

All passengers returning from UK, Norway, Belgium, Russia, Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Spain and Switzerland will face a mandatory quarantine period of 14 days at a Government Quarantine Centre with immediate effect from15 March 2020.

7. Can those visitors already in Sri Lanka get an extension of visas?

Yes. Please follow the procedure at http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/extsheta.jsp

8. Are any Tourist sites closed?

The Zoological & Botanical Gardens & National Parks under Wildlife Dept. are closed for 2 weeks from March 15. All movie theatres under the purview of the National Film Corporation have also been suspended to screen movies until further notice. As this is a fast-evolving situation there can be further changes.

Tourism in Sri Lanka

Is Sri Lanka Tourism seeking financial support from the government for the Industry?

Yes. Discussions are ongoing. No final decision has yet been made.

1. • Extension on previous loan moratorium which ended on 31 March 2020.
   • Extension of soft loans offered at an interest of 3.46% per annum.
   • Extension of Tourism Development Levy (TDL) collection moratorium which ended on 31 December 2019.
   • Support for all SLTDA registered entities and persons with outstanding loans, working capital facilities and leases with Financial Institutions including banks and Finance Companies; to be provided extended credit and exclusion from CRIB as none performing.

What is the view of the Industry stakeholders in shutting down all arrivals due to the current Covid-19 epidemic?

THASL (The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka) and SLAITO (Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators) have both informed Sri Lanka Tourism that they request the government to completely stop all foreign tourist arrivals from 16-31 March 2020 to prevent further importation of the virus.

What is the current status re use of guides for tours?

SLAITO, the largest Association of DMC’s has agreed with Tourist Board to ensure hand sanitisers, face masks and necessary health and safety protection are provided by the DMC’s to guides who wish to perform their duty in the current situation. Those guides who want to abort tours midway will be permitted to do so and need to inform the respective DMC of their decision. We request DMC’s who are not members of SLAITO to follow the same procedure.

Last Modified: November 1, 2024