Sri Lanka opens borders to tourists on January 21

TRAVEL NEWS – January 19, 2021: Sri Lanka will reopen its borders to foreign tourists on Thursday after a XNUMX-month hiatus, said Kimarli Fernando, president of sltda.gov – the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

Also read: Thailand reopens borders to international travelers

Strict Covid-19 protocols

However, travelers will be subject to strict Covid-19 protocols that will be applied and monitored at all borders in and around Sri Lanka. According to the plans, tourists will be allowed to stay in 55 designated hotels. The hotels are off limits to locals, except for staff, across the country.

Visitors must also have a negative PCR test which is collected up to four days before arrival. They have to undergo two more tests for a visit of up to seven days, and three tests if they stay longer than a week.

“It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that we announce that from Thursday Sri Lanka will open its borders to tourism,” said Kimarli Fernando, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

Safety is paramount

“As we once again open our doors to the world, we have pulled out all the stops to ensure that every precaution has been taken to make the island escape as safe and serene as possible for visitors.”

Insurance required

Tourists will have to purchase insurance that costs $12 and covers up to $50.000 in Covid-19-related medical costs.

However, passengers who have spent up to two weeks in Britain before arriving will not be allowed to enter the country and flights from the UK will continue to be banned. This is an attempt to keep a more contagious Covid-19 variant at bay.

Opening the borders in Sri Lanka, albeit to a limited extent, makes it possible again to travel through the beautiful country, with or without some restrictions and protocols. For those who really can't wait, there is now an opportunity. We only have to wait for the Dutch government, which is currently issuing a negative travel advice for the entire world.

Also read: Itinerary Sri Lanka in 2, 3 or 4 weeks | All must-sees and travel tips