Travel to Sri Lanka without PCR tests

Sri Lanka returns its doors to the world as a country rich in sightseeing and natural beauty. Sri Lanka also has lovely endless beaches and lush places. Sri Lanka is the world's leading tea grower due to its tropical environment and ideal geography.

When you visit Sri Lanka, you will have various options for activities, ranging from adventure to water sports and resorts. Good news for travelers visiting Sri Lanka: the government has agreed to waive PCR testing in some situations, making your stay on the paradise island more pleasant and relaxing. Let's keep an eye on the travel needs to assist you in organizing a pleasant vacation to Sri Lanka.

Some elements relating to Sri Lanka travel rules changed in 2022, which is excellent news for visitors who have pre-departure vaccination to Sri Lanka. To get more PCR test-free travel information, please read the entire article.

1. PCR test for travel in Sri Lanka

PCR test for travel in Sri Lanka

Some factors changed in 2022 regarding Sri Lanka travel rules that are good news for travelers who have pre-departure vaccination to Sri Lanka. Set eyes on this full article to have travel knowledge.

Fully Vaccinated people do not need PCR test for travel in Sri Lanka

• Travelers have pre-departure vaccination to Sri Lanka, they have injected all recommended doses in their primary series of COVID-19 vaccine, and one booster dose when eligible.
• Children between the ages of 12 and 18 who have received at least a single dose of a recognized vaccine (at least 2 weeks before travel).

Sri Lanka no longer requires a PCR test for travel in Sri Lanka for fully vaccinated travelers. This announcement was promulgated on February 27th, 2022, and has been valid from March 1st, 2022.

Children under 12 years can enjoy privileges as fully vaccinated people and are free from Sri Lanka airline’s PCR test or Rapid Antigen tests (RAT).

Travelers who have obtained at least a dose of a recommended vaccine and touched with COVID-19 within 6 months to 7 days prior to going to Sri Lanka are considered fully vaccinated people. They are exempted from entry without Sri Lanka Airlines's PCR test or RAT. Instead, they must have a valid document to demonstrate their COVID-19 infection past history.

“Fully Vaccinated” travelers can feel free to choose any type of accommodation such as homestay, hostel, condotel, etc.

Fully vaccinated arrivals have to print the certificate of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record and certificate of COVID-19 vaccination (at least 14 days prior to travel) but it is not digital proof or NHS appointment card from vaccination centers. Travelers need to submit a Health Declaration Form when they enter Sri Lanka.

It is so important to complete pre-departure vaccination to Sri Lanka. Not only protects you from the COVID-19 pandemic but also helps you enter more easily. Make sure you bring the document enough to prove your full vaccination to ensure a hassle-free visit.

Read details here: Sri Lanka Entry Requirements

Sri Lanka airline’s PCR test

Not Fully Vaccinated status and PCR test for travel in Sri Lanka

• Travelers are unvaccinated or did not have enough “recommended doses” of a COVID-19 vaccination, they also did not have past history of Covid-19 inflection.
• Travelers have obtained at least a dose of a recommended vaccine and touched with COVID-19 more than 6 months prior to going to Sri Lanka.
• Travelers are between the ages of 14 and 18, are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, they also do not have any past history of COVID-19 inflection.

Passengers in this category are required a negative PCR test (which is valid no more than 72 hours before departure flight), or a negative Rapid Antigen Test report (which is valid within 48 hours before departure flight). Travelers need to submit a Health Declaration Form when they enter Sri Lanka.

Applicants who are not fully vaccinated(except children 12-18 years) are mandatorily required to reserve a safe & secure certified Level 01 hotel for quarantine purposes.

If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated, you also spend 7 nights/ 8 days in a Tourism Bio Bubble to enjoy a great time under protection.

Case of transit: Any Sri Lanka airline’s PCR test needs?

First of all, you have required a Sri Lanka transit visa. It is not necessary to get a transit visa if you do not intend to get away from the transit area, but you are not permitted to enter the country without a Sri Lanka transit visa.

If you are transiting through Sri Lanka, you are exempted from the requirements of the Sri Lanka airline's PCR test as long as your next flight does not exceed 10 hours from arrival.

Visit: Is transit visa required for Sri Lanka?

2. Entry requirements to Sri Lanka for foreigners

Sri Lanka e-Visa is required

For international travelers who have their first visit to Sri Lanka, you can check the 2022 Sri Lanka visa requirement to determine whether you need a visa or not.

It is so convenient that all travelers can apply online for an electronic visa to enter Sri Lanka. The passport number and email address are documents that you have to prepare for a Sri Lanka e-Visa. You just wait for 3 business days to receive e-visa.

You also absolutely get a visa on arrival at the airport but we will not recommend it because of the crowded airport, this increases the risk of Covid-19. Just need to fulfill our Apply for a Sri Lanka e-Visa Online Form and we take care of the rest.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive. Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

COVID-19 insurance

It is compulsory to show your Covid-19 insurance when you want to travel to Sri Lanka. The COVID-19 insurance must have been at least the level of 75,000 USD coverage that is required for all travelers (both fully vaccinated and not vaccinated). You are better to buy travel insurance that covers COVID-19 expenses, which protects you from not only COVID-19 but also other problems when abroad. Travel Insurance is a provision for future risks.

Sri Lanka travel advice

3. Sri Lanka travel advice

Travelers should make a plan to complete pre-departure vaccination Sri Lanka registration; it is entirely for their own protection. Update the latest information of Sri Lanka Travel Restrictions to make sure your trip smoothly.

Check travel papers such as a visa, passport, travel insurance, COVID-19 recovery, vaccination record, and COVID-19 vaccination certificate twice.

It’s vital for tourists to update and effectively implement Sri Lanka travel guidelines to ensure a safe voyage and a memorable experience. It is preferable to have backup plans in place to adjust for any local laws or to prolong present limits.

Be prepared for changes to your plans. During COVID-19, no journey is risk-free. Countries may impose further travel restrictions or new rules on short notice, for example, in response to a new COVID-19 version. Check with your travel operator or airline for any changes in transportation that may cause your return trip to be delayed.

If you test positive for COVID-19 but are not exhibiting any symptoms, you will be asked to quarantine in a separate part of the same hotel under the supervision of the hotel doctor/local health authorities. Close relatives of the COVID-19-positive individual may also be forced to quarantine in a separate part of the hotel.

Plan ahead of time to ensure that you: 

• Can access money;
• Understand what your insurance will cover;
• Can make preparations to prolong your stay and be gone for a longer period of time than intended.

Individual nations' travel statuses can change quickly, and we understand how difficult it can be to keep up. That is why we are providing you with the information you require while arranging a trip. Learn about country-specific entrance regulations like border status, PCR COVID-19 testing requirements, and quarantine procedures.

Before you book, double-check your country's official government website. Fortunately, our Sri Lanka e-Visa services can assist you with quick and economical service. Test out our platform to ensure we have all you need for your next trip to Sri Lanka.