Holidaying in Sri Lanka in a safe and secure environment
File picture of a group of tourists at a local restaurant.
Healthy travels are the order of the day with focus on safe and secure certifications a key requirement when visiting Sri Lanka in future that is set to be the new normal as per guidelines issued by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).
Future visitors will be allowed if they stay for a minimum of five nights at SLTDA registered “Safe & Secure” certified four and five star establishments only.
Upon arrival the first night the tourist needs to book accommodation in proximity to the airport either in Colombo, Negombo or Mattala, Hambantota depending on their point of entry until PCR test results are obtained.
The visa free status and on arrival visas will be suspended until further notice and an online visa must be obtained for US$100.
Tourists are required to produce a negative PCR report obtained from an accredited laboratory 72 hours prior to landing in the country and this needs to be submitted to immigration authorities with a detailed itinerary of their stay and all information is stored in a centralised database. Thereafter a PCR test will be conducted at the airport following which the guest will have to stay the first night at a hotel in proximity to the airport.
At the airport the tourist police will clear tourists after ensuring they have a detailed travel plan that includes transportation and accommodation and their records of passport numbers with details of the pickup vehicle and driver also obtained.
Following this the tourist will be allowed to travel to their hotel and during their stay a repeat PCR test will be conducted in 5-7 days after arrival or if the guest develops respiratory symptoms, whichever comes first. Another PCR test will be carried out for those staying a longer period between 10-12 days after arrival in Sri Lanka.
Tourists will be permitted to tour the country but group photographs are permitted only if the recommended physical distance can be maintained and no stops are allowed at locations that are not certified by the SLTDA or not part of the itinerary. Also moving in areas where the local communities are found is not permitted at this moment.
Travellers can move around in registered taxis and or any other motor vehicles with a limited number of passengers but this requirement is relaxed if a family is travelling together. Tourists are not allowed to use public transport at this stage.
Tourists are to purchase tickets online prior to visiting any tourist attractions and avoid crowding while on tour. Tour operators are to carry out regular temperature checks on tourists as well and keep an eye for any respiratory symptoms that should be recorded.
Guests at hotels will continuously be checked for their temperatures when entering areas like the restaurant and other locations. While they are allowed to stay on the beaches the pool services will not be made available at this stage.
Welcome drinks are discouraged but authentic hot beverages are permitted that will enhance immunity. No straws or decorations are allowed.
While buffets will be available hotel staff will be serving guests so no common cutlery is touched, a “sneeze guard” will be in place.
All hotels based on room capacity must have an adequate number of isolation rooms that are suitable, comfortable and well laid out to be arranged which are equipped with necessary medical equipment, medicines, disinfectant and PPEs as per the directions given by the health authorities. Visitors running a temperature will be subjected to a medical check-up before being permitted to enter the guest rooms and will be asked to stay in the isolation rooms.
Further, hotels are not to offer valet parking; bars will be open but drinks will be served only at the seats not at the bar counter; and dancing and dance floors are also not recommended at this moment.
Guests need to inform staff prior to coming for meals as seat allocations will be made in the restaurants. You will also not get to see the humble salt and pepper shakers but on request these will be provided in packets. Don’t be surprised if the menu card is on a screen or under a glass on the table.
All departing passengers are to fill a Health Declaration Form as a pre-requisite for embarkation and they also need to produce a PCR test report hence they are advised to obtain this check prior to heading to the airport.
But some things will never change like the age old Sri Lankan traditional greeting “Ayubowan” that will be the only way we will continue to welcome our guests.