(CNN) – The island of Sri Lanka is now open to tourists from all countries.
Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga made the official announcement during a press conference on Thursday, confirming that they will reopen the country’s borders from 21 January. Both of the country’s international airports were reopened on the same day.
“The existence of about 3 million people depends on tourism in Sri Lanka,” Ranatunga told media. “It is our national responsibility to take into account the needs of our citizens who depend on this industry.”
As part of efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19, Sri Lanka has created a ‘bio-bubble’ that will offer visitors a relative degree of freedom to travel within the country while still complying with security protocols.
Although there is no minimum time a visitor has to spend in the country, someone coming from abroad must stay in an approved hotel or resort until two weeks after arrival.
This means that travelers who only come for a short trip will only stay in their resort all the time, while people who stay longer can move more freely within Sri Lanka once they have completed their two-week semi-quarantine.
The five-star Anantara Peace Haven in Tangalle is on the list of approved hotels.
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle
As part of the ‘bio-bubble’, attractions such as Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) and the Royal Botanic Gardens, both in the central city of Kandy, should attract visitors as part of an organized tour group. or with an approved Sri Lankan guide.
They must drive in a private vehicle and make no unauthorized stops. Some sites only allow tourists during certain time slots or on certain days of the week.
Currently, 55 hotels and resorts fall under the “safe and secure level one” guidelines. They may not accept local guests or host events while they are part of the bio-bubble.
Extra fees are associated with extra security.
In addition to the flight and accommodation, travelers are also responsible for the cost of Sri Lanka’s health insurance ($ 12 US) and up to three Covid tests in the country ($ 40 each).
Everyone entering the country must provide proof of a negative coronavirus test taken within 96 hours of travel and complete a health declaration form. Guests are tested again at their own expense on the fifth and seventh day after arrival and people staying longer than seven days must take a third test the following week.
Once the two weeks are over and they undergo a negative coronavirus test, travelers can stay at their hotel or switch to another one of the approved hotels. Airbnbs, guest houses and other forms of accommodation are off limits. Taking public transportation is discouraged.
Sigiriya Fortress is one of the approximately twelve attractions in Sri Lanka that are open to foreign tourists.
ALEX OGLE / AFP / AFP / Getty Images
Although almost every country can demonstrably show that its tourism revenue has suffered a blow amid the coronavirus pandemic, Sri Lanka has suffered the unfortunate timing.