Amid rising cases of the COVID-19 infections, authorities in Sri Lanka issued a revised set of guidelines, including quarantine measures, for foreign tourists visiting Sri Lanka. The guidelines would also be applicable to duel citizens. 

Guidelines issued by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health say passengers arriving in Sri Lanka two weeks after receiving the Covid vaccine can proceed to their destination if a PCR test taken within 24 hours confirms that they are not infected with the virus. 

Non-vaccinated persons, as per the new guidelines, are required to undergo mandatory quarantine at a quarantine center or quarantine hotel upon arrival in the country.

Vaccinated tourists must stay at the same hotel for seven days after the PCR test. During that time they are allowed to travel under the bio-bubble concept.

The new rules also mandated passengers entering Sri Lanka to get prior approval from Sri Lankan foreign ministry or other authorities. Passengers are also required to submit a health declaration to the staff of health officers posted at airports. 

In recent weeks, the country saw several cases of new strains of the COVID-19, prompting authorities to tighten border control measures. The fresh restrictions could also hamper the recovery in the tourism sector. Fresh quarantine measures are likely to discourage inbound travelers.