Jazmin Li
Sri Lanka's Colombo International Airport has been closed to commercial traffic since mid-March 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The airport was initially scheduled to reopen on 1 August 2020, but the reopening has been delayed indefinitely due to the need to repatriate Sri Lankan workers stranded abroad and the emergence of new coronavirus variants. The Sri Lankan government has stated that the airport will only reopen after all or most stranded Sri Lankans have been brought back, prioritizing containing the spread of COVID-19 over the resumption of international travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of reopening | Mid-July 2020 |
| Colombo International Airport | Closed since mid-March 2020 |
| Bandaranaike International Airport | Operational |
| Reason for delay | Repatriation of Sri Lankan workers stranded abroad |
| COVID-19 tests | Required before boarding and upon arrival |
| Tracing app | Required |
| Visa | $100 (up from $40) |
| Quarantine | 14-21 days if any of the in-country tests are positive |
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What You'll Learn
Colombo International Airport delayed reopening
Sri Lanka has delayed the reopening of Colombo International Airport, which was initially scheduled for 1 August 2020. The country's international airports were closed in mid-March 2020 following the outbreak of COVID-19.
The Sri Lankan government had aimed to open its international airports by 1 August, as there had been no community transmission of COVID-19 since late April. However, the Airports Authority Chairman, Retired Major General GA Chandrasiri, announced that the Colombo International Airport would not be reopened on that date. He attributed the delay to the need to make arrangements to bring back Sri Lankan expatriate workers stranded abroad due to travel restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The reopening was pushed to mid-July, with the government prioritising the repatriation of over 46,000 Sri Lankan citizens.
The decision to delay the reopening of the airport dealt a blow to the country's tourism authorities, who were preparing to welcome back tourists from August under strict measures. Sri Lanka had been gradually reopening for business since mid-May, and health authorities had reported no cases of COVID-19 since 30 April, with only 11 deaths out of around 2,000 positive cases. No deaths had been reported since 1 June.
To enter the country, tourists were required to undergo multiple COVID-19 tests, download a tracing app, and follow other strict measures. The airport COVID-19 test was free, with results available in 4 to 6 hours. A second test was administered at the airport upon arrival, and a third test was required to be taken 4 to 5 days after arrival in the country. Visitors staying for more than 10 days would need to undergo an additional test. Additionally, a 14-21 day quarantine period was mandatory if any of the in-country tests yielded positive results.
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COVID-19 repatriation efforts prioritised
The reopening of Sri Lanka's Colombo International Airport was delayed in June 2020. The airport was initially closed in mid-March 2020 following the outbreak of COVID-19. The Sri Lankan government had been aiming to reopen the airport on 1 August 2020, as there had been no community transmission of COVID-19 since late April.
However, the government delayed the reopening to prioritise the repatriation of Sri Lankan expatriate workers stranded abroad due to travel restrictions. The tourism minister, Prasanna Ranatunga, stated that the country would not permit tourists until the repatriation process was complete. The reopening of the airport was pushed to mid-July, with the government seeking to bring home over 46,000 Sri Lankan workers.
The decision to delay the reopening of the airport dealt a blow to the country's tourism authorities, who had been preparing to welcome back tourists under strict measures to boost the tourism sector, which had been severely impacted by the pandemic. Sri Lanka had been reopened in phases for business since mid-May, and health authorities had reported no cases of COVID-19 since 30 April. There had been only 11 deaths from over 2,000 positive cases, with no deaths reported since 1 June.
All returnees were required to undergo a PCR test mechanism at the airport and quarantine upon arrival. The national carrier, SriLankan Airlines, was also preparing for the reopening of commercial traffic in August, considering flying to new destinations such as Seoul and Sydney and expanding its network in China.
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Strict measures for tourists
Sri Lanka has implemented various measures to control the spread of COVID-19 and keep citizens safe. The country reopened its borders for international tourists in January 2021, introducing the concept of a 'Bio Bubble' or 'Safe and Secure Bubble'. This system allows tourists to visit certain tourist destinations without interacting or mixing with the local population for the first two weeks of their trip.
Before Arrival
It is recommended that tourists have the necessary vaccinations before visiting Sri Lanka. While a COVID-19 vaccination passport or certificate is not mandatory, tourists may need to update other vaccinations, such as Yellow Fever, Chickenpox, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, and Influenza. It is also advisable to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage.
On Arrival
Vaccinated tourists are required to undergo a PCR test upon arrival and quarantine in a COVID-safe hotel or state facility until they receive a negative test result, which usually takes one day. Unvaccinated tourists, on the other hand, must follow the standard quarantine procedures, which may include a longer quarantine period. All tourists must carry their original vaccination certificates along with a copy in English.
During Their Stay
For the first two weeks of their stay, tourists must travel in bio-bubbles and are not permitted to interact with the local population. They can only visit designated tourist spots, and arrangements must be made through a travel agent or a vehicle provided by their hotel. Social distancing in closed spaces and wearing masks in public transportation are recommended. Additionally, tourists should undergo COVID-19 tests at regular intervals during their stay.
Sri Lanka has implemented these strict measures to balance the revival of its tourism industry while prioritising the safety of its citizens and visitors. Tourists planning to visit Sri Lanka should stay updated with the latest travel advisories and guidelines, as the situation may evolve, and the authorities may introduce new protocols.
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Multiple COVID-19 tests required
Sri Lanka's reopening plan for tourism has been described as the world's strictest so far. Travellers will need to jump through multiple hoops before they are allowed entry into the country.
Multiple COVID-19 tests are required for anyone wishing to enter Sri Lanka. The first test must show negative results no earlier than 72 hours before boarding the plane. The second test will be administered at the airport upon arrival. The third test will be taken by the visitor after 4 or 5 days in the country. A mobile testing unit will be sent to the visitor's hotel to administer this test. Visitors who stay in the country for more than 10 days will be required to undergo yet another test.
The airport COVID-19 test will be free and will return results in 4 to 6 hours. The test that needs to be taken after four days in the country will cost $40.
If any of the in-country tests yield a positive result, visitors will be required to quarantine for 14 to 21 days.
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Tourism ministry announces reopening
The Sri Lankan tourism ministry has announced that the country will reopen to international tourists on 1 August 2020. This comes as good news to the island's tourism authorities, who are keen to welcome visitors back to the country and boost the tourism sector, which has been badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
However, tourists will have to follow strict measures to enter the country. Visitors will need to take multiple Covid-19 tests. The first test must be taken no earlier than 72 hours before boarding the plane, with a negative result required to continue the journey. A second test will be administered at the airport upon arrival, and a third after 4-5 days in the country. Tourists who stay longer than 10 days will need to take an additional test. All airport Covid-19 tests will be free, with results available in 4 to 6 hours.
In addition to the testing requirements, visitors will need to apply for a $100 visa, which will require detailed information about their touring plans. They will also need to download a tracing app. If any of the in-country tests are positive, visitors will be required to quarantine for 14 to 21 days.
The Sri Lankan government is taking these strict precautions as it aims to entice a more thoughtful type of traveller. The country's idyllic beaches, spicy cuisine, jungles, tea plantations, ancient historic sites, and Buddhist temples will surely attract visitors. However, the country's stellar safety record and well-functioning, affordable healthcare system may also be significant drawing points.
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Frequently asked questions
Sri Lanka closed its international airports in mid-March 2020 following the outbreak of COVID-19.
The Colombo International Airport was initially scheduled to reopen on August 1, 2020.
No, the reopening of the Colombo International Airport was delayed by two weeks, until mid-July.
The Sri Lankan government prioritized the repatriation of over 46,000 Sri Lankan expatriate workers stranded abroad due to travel restrictions.
Tourists are required to undergo multiple COVID-19 tests, download a tracing app, apply for a $100 visa, and adhere to quarantine protocols if they test positive during their stay.
