Colombo: Sri Lanka has opened its borders to India after a long anticipated hiatus. Fully vaccinated travellers will only require a negative PCR 72 hours prior to arrival and an on-arrival PCR test at a certified hotel. They will then be allowed to roam across the country freely.
Sri Lankan Airlines will operate four weekly flights to Chennai, three to Mumbai, and one to Bengaluru under its new schedule, and is expected to introduce significant frequency enhancements. Under the new schedules, the airline will be resuming services between Colombo and the Indian points; Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Trivandrum and Cochin with flights once a week, whilst Hyderabad and New Delhi will be connected to Colombo with twice-weekly flights. Further, the airlines’ operations out of Chennai and Mumbai will expand up to five times a week whilst its Bangalore-Colombo services will be enhanced to flights three times a week. Sri Lankan Airlines has also commenced a buy one-get one free campaign to induce travellers to fly to Sri Lanka.
Ms. Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson, Sri Lanka Tourism stated, “We look forward to welcoming our closest neighbours yet again, so they may experience the variety that Sri Lanka has to offer. Our country’s heritage, culture, wildlife, nature, beaches and more have always proven to be popular among Indian travellers, and they will be able to visit destinations across the country, while following the relevant health guidelines.”
Sri Lanka has had a significant vaccination drive in the last few months, and has one of the highest vaccination rates in Asia. The current protocol states any vaccination type accepted by the country of origin will also be accepted here. Children under the age of 18 who have not received vaccination will be able to follow their vaccinated parents on the same itinerary, and will have to undergo a second test if they complete more than 10 days in Sri Lanka. The full list of guidelines can be accessed at the Sri Lanka Tourism Portal srilanka.travel/helloagain
Fernando further added, “The relaxed guidelines are extremely clear, and we invite all travellers and travel agents to visit the portal to learn more about pre-arrival procedures, insurance and more.”
India has historically been one of the top two markets to Sri Lanka due to the proximity, the flight connectivity and the diversity that Sri Lanka offers. Given the high volume of visitors that other countries saw immediately upon opening, the same intensity of booking is expected of Sri Lanka as well. All additional information regarding the country and relevant tourism sites can be accessed via srilanka.travel
