Sri Lankan authorities allow foreigners to enter, though officials may suspend entry for individuals with travel history in the past 14 days to locations with increased COVID-19 activity. Inbound international passenger flights are operational with protocols, such as wearing facemasks. Inbound passengers requiring self-paid on-arrival testing may avail of facilities at the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), authorized laboratories, quarantine venues, and some approved hotels.
All entrants must hold a valid visa and a completed health declaration form. Vaccinated arrivals must present vaccination certificates and certified English translations if applicable. Authorities consider passengers who have completed vaccination at least 14 days before entry as fully vaccinated. Other fully vaccinated categories include people aged between 12-18 years with one vaccine dose, and/or those who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection in the past six months.
Fully vaccinated passengers are exempt from any on-arrival test or quarantine. Unvaccinated arrivals above 12 years old must take an on-arrival test, quarantine at home or a designated facility until the seventh day of arrival, and undergo an exit PCR or RAT test. However, unvaccinated arrivals below 18 years old accompanied by fully vaccinated parents are exempt from quarantine if their on-arrival test is negative. Partially vaccinated entrants must quarantine until two weeks have passed since their final dose, or seven days, whichever is earlier. Additional quarantine is necessary for people who test positive with a cycle threshold (CT) value higher than 30. Entrants requiring quarantine at designated facilities must pre-book approved accommodation for at least eight days after arrival.
Most outbound passengers must take a PCR test within 72 hours before departure; foreign nationals and holders of official or diplomatic visas may be exempt. Disembarkation from international passenger ships, such as cruise liners and ferries, is barred indefinitely; however, ports are operating for cargo transport. Foreigners already in Sri Lanka may apply to extend their visas.