Govt. bans arrivals from UK, Belgium and Norway

Monday, 16 March 2020 00:09 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government yesterday banned arrivals from UK, Belgium and Norway for two weeks, extending the number of countries in the list to over 15.

Any already enroute passengers will be subject to mandatory quarantine process.

Prior to yesterday there were travel bans imposed and/or visa restrictions for arrivals/nationals from 13 other countries. They are Korea, Iran, Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden, Austria, Qatar and Bahrain.

The Government said for nationals from Italy, Iran and Korea who had been previously issued with visa, multiple entry visa and residence visa will not be allowed to enter Sri Lanka for two weeks. For nationalities from 9 other visas, multiple entry visa or residence visa already granted will be suspended for two weeks.

Passengers from the 11 countries already en route will be quarantined upon arrival.

Nationals from Singapore, the Maldives and Seychelles who previously enjoyed visa-free entry will be included to the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system until further notice. They will have to apply their visa via online through ETA and will be subjected to the quarantine procedure.

Those holding diplomatic, official and service passports are exempted from the latest restrictions.

Tourism industry worst-hit by COVID-19; shifts focus on staff salaries, job security

Danish corona-hit firms get State aid to pay 75% of salaries