Country-Specific Information:

• The Sri Lanka Ministry of Healthhas confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka.
• Due to a recent increase in cases, the government of Sri Lanka has enacted preventative measures, including curfews as well as limited travel restrictions. Follow the instructions of local authorities, including those related to physical distancing and face covering. Failure to respect preventative measures could result in involuntary quarantine or criminal charges.
• The government of Sri Lanka has established hotlines for tourists who are facing problems scheduling transportation to the airport for departure:

• +94 (011) 244-4480
• +94 (011) 244-4481
• +94 (011) 597-8730
• +94 (011) 597-8734
• +94 (011) 597-8720

Entry and Exit Requirements:

• Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter?

• • On March 17, 2020 the government of Sri Lanka announced that all international airports in Sri Lanka would be closed to arriving international commercial passenger flights. A date has not been set for reopening.
  • According to Sri Lankan authorities, during this period, aircraft departures, passenger connections, and transits to other flights will be permitted. Flights arriving without passengers for the purpose of picking up departing passengers will also be permitted.
  • Cruise ship or private vessel passengers will not be allowed to disembark.

• Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes.
• Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry?
• Visas on arrival have been suspended. All arriving passengers must be in possession of a valid visa before traveling.

Movement Restrictions:

Is a curfew in place? Yes. Curfews are in effect for multiple areas.  Due to frequent changes, please check https://www.dgi.gov.lk/news/press-releases-sri-lanka/covid-19-documents for the most up-to-date information.

Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? Intermittent. Limited travel restrictions may be enacted at short-notice.

Quarantine Information:

• Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine?

• • All arriving passengers are required to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine followed by an at-home 14-day self-isolation. 

COVID-19 Testing:

• Visitors are required to show a negative PCR test, taken within 72 hours, prior to boarding a flight to Sri Lanka.
• Upon arrival in Sri Lanka another PCR test will be done.
• A third test will be required prior to release from quarantine. 

Transportation Options:

• Are commercial flights operating? Yes. Commercial flights are operating for outbound passengers and limited arrivals for returning Sri Lankan citizens.

Consular Operations:

• The U.S. Embassy is currently providing routine American Citizen Services (i.e. passports, consular reports of birth abroad, notarial services).
• As of August 21, the United States Embassy in Sri Lanka has resumed certain nonimmigrant and immigrant visa services, including:

• • F, M, certain J categories (alien physician, government visitor, international visitor professor, research scholar, short-term research scholar, specialist, secondary school student and college/university student), and C1/D.
  • IR1, IR2, IR5, CR1, and CR2.
  • Applicants for H1B, H2B, L1, and certain J categories and their dependents covered by Presidential Proclamation 10052 should request an appointment only if you have reason to believe you may qualify for one of the exceptions listed in the Proclamation here.

Local Resources: 

• Travelers are encouraged to review information available at:

• • COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov
  • American citizens with questions on entry requirements to the United States may visit the Department of Homeland Security COVID-19 website.
  • For the latest information regarding COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website.
  • You are encouraged to visit travel.state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security. Please also visit the website of the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate to see information on entry restrictions, foreign quarantine policies, and urgent health information provided by local governments.
  • Travelers are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. The Department uses these Alerts to convey information about terrorist threats, security incidents, planned demonstrations, natural disasters, etc. In an emergency, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate or call the following numbers: 1(888) 407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1 (202) 501-4444 from other countries or jurisdictions.
  • Review and follow the CDC’s guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus.
  • The Sri Lanka Ministry of Health website contains information regarding the COVID-19 response.