What you need to know before travelling to Sri Lanka

With the re-opening of airports to travellers on 21 January, the Tourism Ministry has issued the guidelines as well as all things travellers need to know before visiting the Sri Lanka.

The Ministry has released a set of documents providing the required details, including health guidelines to follow as well as the list of hotels in Sri Lanka.

Explaining how visa must be applied prior to arrival, they stated that, visa must be applied via http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/.

Before applying for a visa, a confirmed hotel booking, pre-purchased PCR tests and a mandatory COVID-19 Insurance Cover paid for through ‘Safe and Secure Level 1’ hotel are required. The hotel will issue a reference number which needs to be included in the visa form under the section ‘contact details’. And under ‘address in Sri Lanka’, the hotel name, address and the reference number must be indicated.

They noted that while travellers from all nationalities are welcomed, due to the prevailing situation, travellers from the UK will be under restrictions.

The most important tips when travelling are as below

No minimum number of days is required for a stay

No restrictive quarantine required.

Tourists must stay at a certified ‘Safe and Secure’ Level 1 hotel for up to 14 days of their stay.

All facilities of the hotel would be made available to the guests.

Tourists can visit approved tourist sites under the safety of a bio-bubble.

Pay for PCR Tests (USD 40 per PCR test depending on the number of days of the stay) when applying for visa online and for insurance (USD 12) with one month cover of USD 50,000.

Currently, no exceptions would be made for vaccinations taken; all safety protocols should be adhered to regardless.


Other related documents can be accessed here.

Sri Lanka Tourism Safety Protocol

Safe & Secure Level 1 hotels

Approved Tourism Sites and Attractions

Health & Declaration Form

Information Flyers for International Travellers

Information Flyers for Tour Operators & Travel Agents

Information Flyers for Hotels Accommodation Providers

Information Flyers for Tour Guides & Drivers

Important Contact Details

Information on COVID 19 Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions