Visiting "So Sri Lanka": US$ 100 visa fee and a minimum 5 nights stay

When the country opens  its ports of entry in August 2020, every visitors ’ entering Sri Lanka  will be  required to obtain an online tourist visas prior to arrival. The online tourist visa now costing US$ 100 is valid 30 days and can be extended for upto six months after arrival . ‘Visa Free ‘status and the issuance of ‘On Arrival’ visas have been discontinued. Furthermore, tourists will now need to commit to a minimum stay of five (05) nights in Sri Lanka.

All tourists planning to visit the island, will need to show proof of:

1. A valid travel and medical (including hospitalization), covering the entire duration of stay.
2. A ‘negative’ PCR report issued by an accredited laboratory within 72 hours prior to the landing in Sri Lanka.
3. A valid return air ticket.
4. A Travel itinerary.
5. A Confirmed hotel reservation/s made with a SLTDA registered and *‘Safe & Secure’ certified accommodation establishment including a mandatory 1^st night stay at a facility within the vicinity of Colombo / Negombo or Hambantota – dependent on the airport of entry. (BIA / Ratmalana or Mattala).

The 1^st night stay in a hotel from a list of certified four- or five-star hotels within the designated vicinity of the airport of entry, is a ‘stay-until-the-result’ of the PCR test which is administered on arrival, is released. Currently, it takes 24 hours to receive results. Should the report be negative, the visitor can continue with their stay as per the itinerary.

A repeat PCR tests will be conducted by a mobile unit in coordination with the certified accommodation provider, 5-7 days after the arrival or if the guest develops respiratory symptoms, whichever occurs first. For tourists staying longer than 10 days, another PCR test will be carried out between 10-12 days after the arrival in Sri Lanka.

Mandatory PCR tests, which all tourists will have to undergo, will be done free of any charge.

According to the Vice-Chairman of Airport and Aviation Services Limited (AASL) five airlines have begun flying into Sri Lanka now in addition to Sri Lankan Airlines. They are Cathay Pacific Airways, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, SpiceJet and LOT Polish Airlines.

Hospitality Sri Lanka

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