On 10 June 2022, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) released its updated travel advisory which has now removed the earlier restriction on ‘all but essential travel’ to Sri Lanka.

This follows the uplifting of state of emergency in the country by the Sri Lankan government. Some military presence, however, remains on the street, and it is believed that curfews can be imposed even now at a short notice. There are still ongoing protests in the Galle Road, Galle Face and Fort areas of Colombo.

As per the advisory, the FCDO advises travellers to be vigilant, avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings, and follow the advice of the local authorities. It further says “economic situation in Sri Lanka is challenging with shortages of basic necessities including medicines, cooking gas, fuel and food because of a shortage of hard currency to pay for imports. There may be long queues at shops and supermarkets, fuel stations, and pharmacies. There may be difficulties or delays obtaining taxis and other public transport. There are ongoing daily power cuts due to electricity rationing.”

Covid-19 is still prevailing, and travellers will need to consider it before travelling to Sri Lanka. Commercial airlines are operating to and from the country but there is a high risk of changes to flights and airport operations at short notice due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

On arrival, visa facilities are available for full British passport holder, but FCDO advises to apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation to prevent delays on arrival.

Fully vaccinated travellers are not required to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test before arrival. COVID-19 travel insurance is mandatory for all visitors. UK’s printed version of proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies will only be recognised as proof of vaccination. Digital proof is not accepted by the Sri Lankan government.

Unvaccinated travellers aged 12 and above entering Sri Lanka, will need to show proof of either a negative PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before embarkation), or a negative Rapid Antigen Test report (taken within 48 hours before embarkation). Self-swab tests are not recognised by the government.

Unvaccinated children aged 11 years and under of fully vaccinated parents who are tourists or foreign nationals are allowed to travel with fully vaccinated parents. Children between the age of 12-18 who have obtained at least a single dose of a recognised vaccine (at least 2 weeks before travel) will be considered ‘fully vaccinated’.

If you have any questions, please contact Sandeepa Sahay

Read more:

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/sri-lanka-safe-travel-update-latest-b2098400.html

http://www.adaderana.lk/news/82997/uk-relaxes-travel-advisory-on-sri-lanka-

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sri-lanka/entry-requirements