(No Like Yet)
Published on : Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Sri Lanka’s virus-battered tourism industry can reopen for foreign guests from August under strict guidelines. However, all foreign tourists might have to undergo several corona virus tests during their period of stay, said the officials.
Tourism in the island country was only just recovering after last year’s Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people, including 45 foreigners, when the virus stopped all international travel to the island forcing hotels to shut and leaving tens of thousands of people jobless.
Sri Lanka’s tourism ministry said that travelers will be able to visit from August 1, but they need to carry a COVID-19 free certificate issued not earlier than 72 hours before boarding.
Tourists will still need to take a virus test at the airport upon arrival. A further check will be done four to five days later, along with a third one if anyone wishes to stay for more than 10 days.
The ministry said, “While this may be inconvenient, it is essential to safeguard everybody and provide peace of mind.”
The regular visa fee of $40 has been increased to $100, and visitors can only stay in hotels designated by the ministry, and are not allowed to use public transport on the island.