Sri Lanka reopens for tourists

KALUTARA, Sri Lanka - March 17, 2021 - PRLog -- After 10 months, Sri Lanka reopens its borders today, January 21, for tourism, without minimum stay requirements or lengthy quarantines.

While visitors from all countries will be able to travel to Sri Lanka, tourists must stay at one of 52 Level 1 "Safe and Secure hotels for up to 14 days, which will be off-limits to all locals except staff. The Level 1 hotels have all been audited and are recognised as complying with the COVID-19 Health Protocols and the Tourism Operational Guidelines laid out by Sri Lankan officials.

What to know about travelling to Sri Lanka

Before applying for a visa, tourists must have a confirmed hotel booking at one of Sri Lanka's Level 1 safety secured hotels, pre-purchased PCR tests and mandatory Covid-19 Insurance Cover.

Visitors travelling for up to 7 days must pre-purchase 2 Covid tests, while those staying for 7 days or more should purchase 3. Visitors must also purchase Mandatory Covid-19 Insurance Cover from People's Insurance PLC.

Thereafter, travelers can then book directly with the hotel, who will then issue visitors with a reference number, which will be required to apply for a visa in the 'contact details' section.

The final step before travelling to Sri Lanka is to get a Covid-19 PCR test within 96 hours of departure, and present a negative test result at check-in. A health declaration form should also be submitted either prior to boarding, on the flight, or on arrival in Sri Lanka. The first of the pre-paid PCR tests is then carried out on arrival at the hotel before check-in. The second should be conducted between days 5 and 7.

Restrictions in Sri Lanka

Tourists must spend the full 14 days in their Level 1 Safe and Secured Hotel, provided their on-arrival test was negative. Guests are able to enjoy the hotel's range of facilities, including restaurants, spas and pools, provided social distancing measures are adhered to.

Visitors are also able to explore some of Sri Lanka's best loved tourist sites under a bio-bubble for international visitors, such as Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Yala, Udawalawe, Kaudulla and Wilpaththu National Parks, Mirissa Whale Watching, Sigiriya Fortress and Polonnaruwa.

Since March, Sri Lanka has maintained closed borders to curb the spread of Covid-19. But in doing so, its shuttered the island's tourism industry - which accounts for roughly 12% of Sri Lanka's GDP.

The only exception is arrivals from the UK, which remain banned amid concerns of a new strain of Covid-19.

Among the leading hotels in Kalutara (https://www.anantara.com/en/kalutara/rooms) is Anantara Kalutara Resort, a Kalutara beach resort (https://www.anantara.com/en/kalutara/rooms/rooms/deluxe-p...) certified as a 'Safe and Secure' Level 1 hotel.