Sri Lanka reopens borders to international travelers

(CNN) — The island nation of Sri Lanka is now open to tourists from all countries.

Sri Lanka’s Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga made an official announcement at a press conference on Thursday confirming the reopening of borders from January 21. Both of the country’s international airports reopened on the same day.

“In Sri Lanka, about 3 million people depend on tourism for their livelihood,” Ranatunga told the media. “It is our country’s responsibility to take into account the needs of the citizens who depend on this industry.”

Sri Lanka has created a ‘biobubble’ as part of efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19. This allows visitors to move relatively freely around the country while adhering to safety protocols.

There is no minimum amount of time visitors must spend in the country, but international visitors must stay in a government-approved hotel or resort for up to two weeks upon arrival.

This means that travelers who are only looking for short trips will stay at the resort for the rest of their lives, while travelers planning longer stays will have more freedom to move around Sri Lanka once the two-week semi-quarantine is complete. You will be able to

Unlike places like Hong Kong or Australia where people are quarantining upon arrival, have to stay in a hotel room Sri Lanka’s regulations are a little looser during the period. Guests can freely use the premises, so they can use facilities such as the pool, gym, salon, and restaurant.

Travelers can leave their hotels to go sightseeing during quarantine, but they should do so with caution.about A dozen sights and attractions It is also open to foreign tourists, but there are precautions.

The 5-star Anantara Peace Haven in Tangalle is on the list of approved hotels.

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle

For example, as part of the ‘bio bubble’, attractions such as Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) and the Royal Botanical Gardens in downtown Kandy require visitors to be part of an organized tour group. I have. Or with an approved Sri Lankan guide.

They must travel in their own vehicle and must not make unauthorized side stops. Some sites only allow tourists during specified times or on certain days of the week.

Currently, 55 hotels and resorts meet the guidelines for Safety and Security Level 1. You cannot host local guests or host events while you are part of the biobubble.

Additional security will incur additional charges.

In addition to paying for flights and accommodation, travelers will cover the cost of Sri Lankan government-approved health insurance ($12 USD) and up to three Covid tests ($40 each) in the country.

All persons entering the country must present proof of a negative coronavirus test taken within 96 hours of travel and complete an online health declaration. The guest must be tested again on the 5th day of arrival and on her 7th day at her own expense, and her 3rd test the following week if staying more than 7 days.

After two weeks and a negative coronavirus test, travelers can stay at the hotel or switch to another approved hotel.Airbnbs, guesthouses and other forms of accommodation are off limits. . We do not recommend using public transport.

All travelers should visa online Download the Visit Sri Lanka app. The app is used not only for contact tracing, but also for storing information about test results and hotel reservations.

Sigiriya Fort is one of over a dozen attractions in Sri Lanka open to foreign tourists.

Alex Ogle/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Almost every country can clearly show that tourism revenues have taken a hit amid the coronavirus pandemic, but Sri Lanka has suffered particularly bad timing.

After the initial outbreak of Covid-19 in early 2020, most countries in Asia closed their borders to tourism, and few have since reopened.Sri Lanka join the Maldives As one of two destinations in areas with open borders.

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