The Government has proposed to issue a six months visa to tourists instead of the current one month visa once the BIA reopens, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said.
A minimum 14 days stay in Sri Lanka will be mandatory according to a new Guidelines report which has been prepared by the Covid 19 Clinical Management Expert Committee of the Ministry of Health and Sri Lanka Tourism.
The report said the online visa process is mandatory for all international tourists via the online visa application system – Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). They will also have to download an associated smartphone app.
Only visitors with pre-booked and pre-paid booking for a Level 1 hotel for first seven days and thereafter the next seven days in a Level 1 or 2 hotel certified as safe and secure accommodation will be granted visas.
In addition to the visa fee, cost for three PCR and/or Antigen Tests will be levied from each traveller to cover the cost of the tests to be conducted and there will also be a COVID-19 Insurance Cover for a minimum of one month.
The Antigen and/or PCR Test is on arrival and there will be another test 5-7 days after arrival, which are mandatory.
If deemed necessary by Health Officials, an additional test is to be conducted 10-14 days after arrival. Sri Lankan citizens or Sri Lankan dual passport holders within a group or family, visiting as tourists will be identified during the visa application process.
In the event the stay is over 14 days, the guest is permitted to stay in any accommodation of his/her choice after the 15th day.
It is mandatory for all passengers who are arriving as tourists to have Medical Insurance (from an insurer based in Sri Lanka) before arrival. The tenure of the COVID-19 Insurance is a minimum period of one month. No expenses relating to any health emergency will be borne by the Government of Sri Lanka during the tourists’ stay in Sri Lanka.
In the event of any illness during the first 14 days of stay due to COVID-19 or any other illness the Tourist or anyone who opts to follow the Tourist protocol will be admitted to University Hospital Kotalawala Defence University, Boralesgamuwa or any other hospital or location decided by the COVID Task force and/or Ministry of Health.
In the event of any illness other than COVID-19 and after 14 days the tourist or anyone who opts to follow the Tourist protocol can select any Private Hospital and payment can be made via the guest’s private Medical Insurance or personal funds.
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It is mandatory that all international visitors have evidence of a negative PCR test 72 hours before arrival. A negative PCR test report will be required along with the boarding pass, passport and Visa.
All travellers should carry an adequate number of face masks with them and wear a face mask throughout, from the time of arriving at the departing airport until leaving the arriving airport. Passengers with chronic lung diseases or any respiratory issue should inform the health officials and airline staff prior to embarkation.
Tourists should at all times follow essential health instructions to prevent COVID-19 infection.
Joint committee to study opening of airports
A committee has been appointed to formulate initial measures and health safety guidelines for the resumption of airports according to the stipulated guidelines by the government in an attempt to revive the tourism industry.
This joint committee comprises officials from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Tourism and representatives from the Tourism sector. A discussion was held by this committee yesterday with the participation of Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Primary Health Services State Minister Dr. Sudarshani Fernandopulle and Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga at the Health Ministry premises.
Senior officials from the Epidemiology unit, Airport and Aviation services, Tourism Development Authority, hoteliers and the Tourism Ministry were present at this meeting. Another meeting is to be held tomorrow, which will discuss the time frame of when these airports can be reopened.
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