Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Monday, 7 June 2021 00:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Government has decided not to limit the number of visitors arriving via Sri Lanka Tourism’s bio-secure bubble arrangement, provided they hold tourist visas, resident visas or are dual citizens. The relaxation is in place with immediate effect.
Previously, the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) allowed only 75 passengers per aircraft, including tourists. According to the new directive, airlines can bring in any amount of passengers with tourist visas, resident visas and those who are dual citizens via the ‘Sri Lanka Tourism Bio-Bubble Route’ (details accessible via www.srilanka.travel/helloagain) with an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation.
Those coming outside these arrangements will be limited to 75 passengers per flight.
In addition, dual citizens, resident visa holders and Sri Lankan passport-holding family members of foreign passport holders arriving via the Sri Lanka Tourism Bio-Bubble Route, with confirmation from SLTDA and confirmed booking at a Safe and Secure Level 1 hotel, do not require further approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka or the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. The CAASL, on 5 June, communicated the new rules to all airlines.
The relaxation aims to boost tourism and business travel after consultation with health and other relevant authorities.
On 1 June, Sri Lanka welcomed the first batch of tourists after a 10-day restriction on inbound travellers to curb imported infections during the ongoing third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
After a near 10-month closure, Sri Lanka, on 21 January, reopened borders to resume inbound international travel to the country. Since then, nearly 14,000 tourists have arrived while complying with health and safety guidelines via the Sri Lanka Tourism Bio-Bubble Route.
On Friday, the CAASL, however, informed all airlines that passengers with a travel history to South American countries and South Africa will not be allowed to disembark in Sri Lanka with immediate effect until further notice. This move was on top of existing restrictions on incoming passengers with a travel history (including transit) from India and Vietnam in the past 14 days.
The CAASL said the decision was taken in accordance with instructions received from the Tourism and Aviation Ministry due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation.
