Sri Lanka prepares to receive visitors this summer 2020 with these new rules
When can we travel to Sri Lanka?
The Sri Lankan government announced that it is preparing to reopen its borders and welcome travellers with appropriate safety measures and precautions.
Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RMA) and Mattala Rajapaksa Hambantota Airport (MRIA) will be operational from 1 August.
Sri Lanka is ready to reopen its borders on 1 August, welcoming all nationalities and all types of travellers, subject to some conditions.
Is Sri Lanka a safe destination?
Sri Lanka is one of the Asian countries less affected by the pandemic. Strict measures, including curfews and the closure of ports and airports, effectively slowed its spread. Following WHO health guidance and recommendations, the country is preparing to reopen to tourism in August.
Does Sri Lanka have suitable itineraries?
Our Sri Lanka route combines cultural visits with time in the country's remarkable natural surroundings. Most of the itinerary explores rural areas, nature reserves, coastal regions and quiet places. In busier locations, particularly cities and tourist attractions, we visit at less crowded times. If that is not possible, the guide will suggest alternatives to maintain the required safety measures.
What are the requirements for travel to Sri Lanka?
- The length of stay in the country must be at least 5 days.
- All travellers will need a visa, valid for 30 days and extendable up to six months after arrival. The visa price is USD 100. To apply for a Sri Lankan visa, you need the following documents:
- Booking details for certified accommodation.
- Itinerary in Sri Lanka.
- Return ticket.
- Proof of travel medical insurance.
- The followingairport will be operational from 1 August Sri Lanka:
- Bandaranaike International Airport [BIA]
- Colombo Ratmalana Airport [RMA]
- Mattala Rajapaksa Hambantota Airport [MRIA]
- They should be use the hotels listed on the Sri Lankan tourism website. Independent professional audits will certify accommodation providers, which will be listed on Sri Lanka’s tourism website. Booking details from certified providers are required for the visa application.
- You will need to take a coronavirus test before flying to Sri Lanka. A negative PCR test is required on arrival, taken no more than 72 hours earlier. If you do not have one, a test will be provided free on arrival.
- All tourist sites will open from 1 August, with safety measures and protocols
Did Sri Lanka close its borders?
Sri Lanka closed its borders on 19 March to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country, which currently records just over 1,800 confirmed and 890 recovered cases.
What are our trips to Sri Lanka?
Three highlights of our Sri Lanka trip: World Heritage temples, colonial cities and nature reserves. We will discover the island through its people, ancient culture and colonial past, whose legacy remains in the extensive tea plantations.
Can I take a tailor-made trip through Sri Lanka?
As well as meeting the safety guidelines for any Sri Lanka trip, tailor-made travel can accommodate your specific requirements.
What are the departure dates?
We propose a 16-day trip with departures on August 16, September 6, October 4 and November 8.
See trips to Sri Lanka
> 16-day history and archaeology trip
> Departures 316 AUG > 6 SEP > 4 OCT > 8 NOV 2020
> Price from 2.300 €
The route heads north to visit the so-called Cultural Triangle, with imposing temples and palaces declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the beautiful city of Kandy, we will ascend through tea plantations and vegetable gardens to mountain towns, where the buildings recall the colonial past. The trip ends with a rest on secluded south-coast beaches.
The safaris in the nature reserves will allow us to observe hundreds of elephants in their natural habitat.
A Safe Destination
Sri Lanka has been little affected by the pandemic. Swift, strict government measures, including a curfew and the closure of ports and the international airport, helped halt its spread.
Appropriate routes
Most of the itinerary takes place in rural regions, nature reserves, coastal areas and sparsely populated places. Busier areas, major towns and tourist attractions will be visited at quieter times. Where this is not possible, the guide will suggest alternatives to maintain the established safety measures.