Inbound travellers’ procedures revised

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – The procedure for inbound travellers to Sri Lanka, in place since March 2020 has been revised, based on a joint decision made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Immigration and the Civil Aviation Authority and as agreed by the Presidential Task Force for Economic Revival and Poverty Alleviation.

The Government has thus initiated several procedures which will take effect from 26 December, 2020. The Government of Sri Lanka, Foreign Ministry and National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) will continue to arrange special repatriation flights for the Government quarantine facilities in coordination with Sri Lanka Missions abroad for migrant workers, students, patients, short term visa holders, Government and Military Officials.

However, Sri Lankans or foreigners of Sri Lankan origin (Holders of Dual Citizenship) will be allowed to travel on any commercial / non- repatriation flights to Sri Lanka without the approval of the Foreign Secretary and / or the Civil Aviation Authority subject to the limit of passengers per flight determined by the Civil Aviation Authority, based on concurrence / consultation of NOCPCO subject to compliance with paid quarantining at a designated hotel. It is the sole responsibility of the Airline concerned to ensure that the passengers allowed on board under the above arrangement will strictly adhere to the paid quarantine procedure.

The revision of procedure for inbound travellers will be subject to review based on further assessments made on new guidelines. Tourist flights will also be allowed from 26 December.