Update : Preventive measures for persons arriving from overseas during the pandemic of COVID – 19

Nov 24, 2022 | COVID-19

A summary of the major points:

  • Non vaccinated travelers to  obtain a negative PCR test report within 72 hours or a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) report  within 48 hours prior to embarkation (self-swabs are not allowed)
  • Children below 12 years are exempted from pre departure COVID 19 testing 
  • There are no restrictions for fully vaccinated travelers
  • Local COVID 19 Insurance is not mandatory

 Guidelines in detail:

1. Entering into the country via airports and seaports

 a. Fully vaccinated persons who have obtained recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine and depart two weeks after obtaining the vaccine are exempted from pre-boarding and on arrival (day 01) COVID-19 test.

b. Children of two years to eight years, if depart two weeks after obtaining at least a single dose of Pfizer/Moderna Vaccine, will be considered as Fully Vaccinated and exempted from pre-boarding and on arrival (day 01) COVID-19 test.

c. Persons who have taken at least a single dose of a two-dose vaccine and after vaccination had COVID-19 infection during the past six months will be considered as fully vaccinated and exempted from pre-boarding and on arrival (day 01) COVID-19 test.

d. Persons who had COVID-19 infection within past six months and after the infection taken a single dose of a two-dose vaccine will be considered as fully vaccinated and exempted from pre-boarding and on arrival (day 01) COVID-19 test.

e. Unvaccinated/partially vaccinated persons of 12 years and above should mandatorily carry a negative COVID – 19 PCR test report done within 72 hours prior to embarkation OR Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) report done within 48 hours prior to embarkation. Self-swabs are not allowed. They will be exempted from on arrival (Day One test).

f. Persons with a history of COVID-19 infection more than 6 months before date of departure with a single dose of a two-dose vaccine are NOT considered as fully vaccinated and should arrive with a negative pre-boarding COVID-19 test. They will be exempted from on arrival (Day One test).

g. Children below 12 years are exempted from pre-boarding COVID-19 testing.

h. Submission of Health Declaration Form is not required.

i. The compliance to the entry requirements should be ensured by the operating airline prior to boarding of passengers. The vaccination certificate/PCR or RAT test report should be checked for above entry requirements.

2. On arrival PCR/RAT

a. On arrival PCR or Rapid Antigen Test is NOT required for persons arriving by air who are considered as fully vaccinated or arriving with a negative Covid-19 test (PCR/RAT) report as stipulated in section 1.

3. Quarantine requirement

 a. No quarantine requirement for persons arriving by air who are considered as fully vaccinated or arriving with a negative Covid-19 test (PCR/RAT) as stipulated in Section 1.

4. Seafarers/sea marshals/passengers arriving via seaports

 a. Vaccination and COVID-19 test requirement in Section 1 is applicable to Seafarers/sea marshals/passengers arriving via seaports.

b. However, considering the practical situation, pre-boarding COVID-19 testing is exempted for persons who are not fully vaccinated. They should undergo mandatory on arrival COVID 19 test (PCR or RAT)

c. If the CT value of the on arrival COVID-19 PCR test is below, should isolate for 7 days. If the CT value is >30, can be released without isolation. Sri Lankan nationals can isolate in their residence. Foreign nationals should isolate at an Intermediate Care Centre managed by private hospital/Safe and Secure Certified Hotel/at their residence if available.

d. No quarantine required for 12 years and above if fully vaccinated OR if on arrival COVID-19 test is negative.

e. Children below 12 years are exempted from COVID-19 testing (pre-boarding & on arrival) and quarantine.

 5. General measures

 a. The original vaccination certificate / vaccination card/ verifiable evidence of vaccination, PCR test report/RAT test report should be produced. If the above documents are not in English language, should produce an English translation together with the original certificate/card/test report.

b. Persons with COVID-19 infection should depart from their country to travel to Sri Lanka after 7 days of onset of COVID-19 infection. They should carry a diagnosis card or verifiable evidence or positive COVID-19 test report (PCR/RAT) as a proof of past history of illness.

c. Fully vaccinated status – If taken a two-dose vaccine (Pfizer, Sinopharm, Moderna, AstraZeneca etc.) or recommended combination of vaccine (e.g. Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca) or if taken a single vaccine (e.g. Janssen etc.) and depart two weeks after obtaining the vaccine.

d. Foreign national passport holders must have an insurance cover for at least USD 50,000 including cover for hospitalized treatment for COVID-19 infection. The intended period of stay in Sri Lanka and additional 14 days should be covered by the insurance.

e. If foreign nationals/tourists become COVID-19 positive after arriving to Sri Lanka, they should isolate for 7 days in an approved Private hospital/Intermediate Care Centre managed by the private hospital/Safe and secure certified hotel where they are staying/if available, in their residence. Sri Lankan nationals can isolate at home.

This guideline is effective for the persons arriving in Sri Lanka via airports or seaports from 00.00 Hrs on 18th April 2022 and persons who have already arrived.