Location:  Sri Lanka 

Event:  New COVID-19 cases, including the B.1.1.7 and other variants, have increased sharply through Sri Lanka to new highs.  In an effort to control the spread of COVID-19, the Government of Sri Lanka has imposed travel restrictions and isolation orders on many areas throughout the country.  These restrictions, as well as the areas under isolation orders, can change with little advance notice.  Currently, the Government has imposed restrictions on inter-provincial travel, including travel in/out of Western Province until midnight on May 30.  The Government has also instituted island wide restrictions (essentially, a general curfew) beginning May 21 at 23:00 and ending on May 25 at 04:00 and from 23:00 on May 25 until 04:00 on May 28.  Additionally, the Government declared May 24-25 as special government holidays designed to limit movement and encourage individuals to remain home. As part of the curfew and travel restriction, there will be checkpoints and an enhanced police presence throughout Sri Lanka.

Travel to the airport for ticketed passengers outside the Western Province will be permitted.  Travelers should be prepared to show their passports and airline tickets at checkpoints.

Recent updates: 

The Government of Sri Lanka has issued revised guidelines under Alert Level 3.  New Alert Level 3 guidelines restrict many essential businesses, to include supermarkets, retail stores, restaurants, and financial institutions to 25 percent of maximum occupancy.  Day cares, schools, cinemas, swimming pools, bars, clubs, spas, and other services are closed. Meetings, weddings, conferences, and large gatherings are not permitted.

Visit the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health Epidemiology Unit COVID-19 website for the latest updates.

Travel:  U.S. citizens who wish to depart Sri Lanka should take advantage of available commercial transportation options now.  Passengers should check the airline and destination country websites for updated information.  Travel to the United States via Qatar is still possible, but transit through airports in the UAE is not currently possible.  If an American Citizen is determined to have COVID-19, he or she is likely to be placed in mandatory quarantine in a local government hospital, consistent with local protocols.  The Embassy is severely limited in its ability to visit individuals under quarantine and may be unable to secure the release of U.S. citizens until their complete recovery. 

The U.S. government does not have the capability to provide COVID-19 vaccinations or testing services to private U.S. citizens abroad.  U.S. citizens who wish to return to the United States for a vaccine are reminded that proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, taken within 72 hours of their flight’s departure, is required for air travel to the United States. Travelers transiting via Qatar must show a negative COVID-19 test result within 48 hours of their departure. After arrival in the U.S., a follow up test is needed within 5 days, and individuals who are not fully vaccinated (as defined on cdc.gov), must self-quarantine for 7 days. Requirements to return to a residence abroad will vary by country.

Travelers should be prepared for additional travel/airline restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. 

Actions to Take:

• Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
• Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov forthe latest information.
• Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
• Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 (lk.usembassy.gov/COVID-19-information/ )for information on conditions in Sri Lanka.

Assistance:

• U.S. Embassy – Colombo Sri Lanka
  +94 11-249-8500 phone
  +94 77-725-6307 phone (after hours emergencies)
  ColomboACS@state.gov
• State Department – Consular Affairs
  888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
  Sri Lanka Country Information
• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
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