The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has decided to open the country for visitors from August 1. The SLTDA is also contemplating charging a visa fee of USD 100 per visitor.
Any visitor to the country will also be expected to stay at a government certified hotel for a minimum of five days. Several other conditions will also be applied to prevent the spread of Covid 19.
According to the SLTDA several European countries have inquired of the possibility of travel to Sri Lanka through agent companies and therefore the SLTDA is taking necessary steps to prevent the spread of the Covid 19 and to protect visitors as well as locals from the virus.
Addition to this every visitor will have to carry a PCR test report taken 72 hours prior to arrival certifying he/she is not positive for Covid 19.
The travellers will have to apply and obtain a visa online prior to arrival and a full travel health insurance cover will also be a prerequisite to enter the country.
Meanwhile, all travellers will also undergo a mandatory and free PCR test at the Katunayake and Mattala Airports. They will also be housed for one night at a hotel near the airport till the PCR test results are released.
However, visitors will not have to be quarantined. The SLTDA said they will, however, be expected to adhere to all health guidelines imposed by the authorities.