An Ideal Post-Covid Travel Guide To Sri Lanka: A Perfect Solution For A Refreshing Vacay

Traveling has certainly been an important part of the lifestyle, and as the world moves on after the pandemic, numerous new trends and guidelines are required to be followed. Sri Lanka is amongst the most preferred international destinations for Indians due to its proximity, mesmerizing beauty, and religious significance. As this serene island country has reopened its international borders after 8 months, travelers are quite enthusiastic and have started planning their future trips.

In this post pandemic time, you must be aware of the essential facts, conditions, and requirements before planning a future trip. Here is the post-covid travel guide to Sri Lanka that details all the important factors required for a safe and comfortable trip in the coming months.

Sri Lanka Travel Advisory During Covid

In Sri Lanka, the government is following quite strict guidelines to restrict the spread of the virus. All the international airports of the country were closed in mid-March after the first local case was detected. The government officials are keeping a strict check to ensure that the necessary guidelines suggested by the WHO and imposed by the local governments are followed meticulously without any carelessness. The country successfully managed a high recovery rate and was appreciated at numerous international platforms for maintaining recovery high above the global rate. The following are the measures taken by the authorities to restrict the spread of coronavirus:

• • International flights to Sri Lanka have resumed
  • Borders are open for international tourists with negative COVID report
  • Travelers staying for more than 10 days will be re-examined after 4-5 days
  • Travelers must present a health certificate verifying that they do not have coronavirus
  • Visitors will be tested again on arrival
  • Travelers can only stay at the 5-star properties approved by the Ministry of Tourism
  • National parks, museums, and archaeological sites remain open
  • Resorts and hotels introducing innovative ideas to promote social distancing
  • Wellness programs and watersport adventures remain open
  • Public transport resumed in Colombo in June
  • Bus and train connectivity are available from the capital city of Colombo
  • Sri Lanka travel guidelines will be updated weekly with latest updates

Must Read: International Flights To Resume In Sri Lanka Soon: All Set To End The Year On A Good Note

Best Time To Visit

Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful islands that are located in the Indian subcontinent and welcomes visitors throughout the year. Your best time to visit Sri Lanka entirely depends upon the place where you are heading as this small island experiences wide variations. If you are planning a trip to the west and south coasts then you can plan your getaway between December to April, however, for those who wish to explore the east coast of the island, months between May to October are the best to plan a visit.

Suggested Read: 45 Best Places To Visit In Colombo In 2022 That Will Spice Up Your Sri Lankan Sojourn

How To Reach

All the travelers who wish to stay in the country will have to follow Sri Lanka travel guidelines and will require a health certificate by the authorized department or the government declaring that the respective person does not have coronavirus.

• The healthcare certificate must be issued within 72 hours before boarding the flight.
• The international borders of Sri Lanka has opened for Eastern European tourists from December 26 onwards.
• However, according to the media reports, the country will soon start air bubbles with the neighboring countries, especially India, to revive the travel and leisure industry that was adversely affected due to travel bans.
• International airlines such as SriLankan Airlines, Emirates, Qatar̥ Airways, Etihad, and Turkish Airlines are operating for nationals who wish to come back to the country and cargo flights to meet various needs of the country.

Suggested Read: 38 Soul Satisfying Things To Do In Sri Lanka In 2022 For Travelers Of All Types

Getting Around

• Public transportation services resumed in the capital city in June, and buses and trains started regular operations according to the schedule that was followed before the lockdown.
• Additional passenger buses are also deployed on the roads to meet the high demands of the passengers.
• Many strict measures are being followed, and travelers are requested to follow the guidelines while staying outdoors.

Suggested Read: Spend Just 5 Days In Sri Lanka In 2022 To Explore The Tropical Paradise That It Is!

Places To Visit In Sri Lanka During Covid

If you are looking for places to visit in Sri Lanka during Covid, wildlife and refreshing national parks are amongst the prime attractions that lure wanderers from across the globe to Sri Lanka.

• The country opened its seven National Parks on June 15, including Yala, Udawalawe, Wilpattu, Minneriya, Pigeon Island, Kaudulla, and Horton Plains.
• All the museums and cultural attractions were re-opened on July 1, along with prominent temples, archaeological sites, and monuments.
• The government is keeping a strict check to avoid public and religious gatherings.
• All the necessary measures are being followed by the authorities that ensure a safer experience for the visitors.

Suggested Read: 18 Amazing And Most-Visited Sri Lanka Tourist Places For Your 2022 Trip

Things To Do In Sri Lanka During Covid

Sri Lanka tourism has certainly changed a lot during COVID times. If you are looking for things to do in Sri Lanka during Covid, check with the tourism website or travel advisory to see which attractions are open.

• From visiting the lush green escapes of Sri Lanka to indulging in an adventurous water sports expedition, you can do all the exciting things while being more careful than the earlier times.
• You need to follow the guidelines specified by the government and other authorities to have an uninterrupted vacation.
• The island country is currently promoting wellness programs for a relaxed mind and soul, thrilling adventures ideal for daring minds, food fiestas with culinary items boosting immunity, and cultural tours for history lovers.

Accommodation

The entire hospitality and leisure industry of Sri Lanka, esp. Hotel & resort owners are quite enthusiastic about the news of reopening. If you are looking for places to stay in Sri Lanka during Covid,  5-star properties are introducing innovative ideas making guests enjoy exclusive experiences while staying socially distant from others. This post-covid travel guide to Sri Lanka will be incomplete without mentioning the measures followed at the properties to ensure a safe experience. The following are the guidelines that are followed by the approved property owners in Sri Lanka:

• All the rooms are regularly sanitized with eco-friendly agents.
• A safety manager has been deployed to ensure the safety of the guests.
• In case if you test positive, all the necessary measures will be taken by the safety manager.
• Moving around within the property will be restricted.
• Exclusive access will be given to the areas that come with your package.
• A helpline number will be provided during check-in to handle unexpected emergencies.

Suggested Read: 7 National Parks That Offer The Wildest Sri Lanka Safari

Restaurants

To control the spread of coronavirus during the second wave, the country closed all the restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. However, the properties that have been certified as ‘safe’ by the government are open for guests with a limited occupancy. The following are the measures taken at the restaurant in Sri Lanka to cater you safe services:

• Temperature check of the staff members.
• Wearing of marks and gloves.
• Regular sanitization of furniture and doors.
• Maintaining social distancing.
• Promoting local drinks and recipes that boost immunity.

What To Pack

We often forget to carry our face mask and rush back to get it as we step out of our homes. If you don’t want such things to happen on your trip to Sri Lanka during COVID, then you must not forget to pack the following essential items:

• Your regular medicines along with a prescription for those who are under medication for some other reasons.
• A first-aid kit with mandatory items and medicines you prefer for common allergies.
• Carry extra masks and gloves of good quality.
• Carry hand sanitizers and disinfectants.
• Pack light and breathable clothes as the temperature remains moderate throughout the year.
• Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, slippers, sunglasses, and swimwear.
• Carry a mosquito repellent if you are planning to visit the National Parks.

Travel Checklist

• Book your flights and hotel in advance.
• Fill the online health declaration form by the Ministry of Tourism and provide details about your visit.
• Get yourself tested, and don’t forget to carry a hard copy as you may be asked to produce it while entering the country.
• Download MyHealth Sri Lanka App.

Suggested Read: Enjoy Nightlife In Sri Lanka At These 17 Clubs & Casinos In 2022

Covid-19 Prerequisites And Consequences In Sri Lanka

• You need to present a health certificate verifying that you do not have coronavirus.
• All the travelers will be tested on their arrival.
• Additional COVID test will be conducted after 4-5 days for the foreigners who are planning to stay for more than 10 days.
• The travelers only can stay at five-star properties that are approved by the ministry of tourism.
• Visas will be issued according to the previous criteria, and no changes have been added.

Suggested Read: 9 Best Places to Visit in Matara For An Enriching Sri Lankan Holiday Experience In 2022

Further Travel Tips

• Get yourself tested with a viral test at least 1-3 days before the trip.
• Wear a mask and stay at least 6 feet from people who are not traveling with you.
• Get the viral test done between 1-3 days before leaving the country.
• In case of symptoms, you will be asked to go through PCR testing.
• On testing positive, there will be isolation for 14 days.

Further Read: Arugam Bay In Sri Lanka: A Guide To The Mesmerizing Beach On The Coast Of Sri Lanka

Already excited to plan a trip to Sri Lanka for a refreshing break? Don’t forget to keep this post-covid travel guide to Sri Lanka handy while planning your trip. Do follow all the safety-related guidelines referred by the authorities to have a comfortable and uninterrupted vacation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Covid Travel To Sri Lanka