It is again possible to travel to Sri Lanka for a holiday in 2024. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers are welcome in the country. Taking a COVID-19 test is no longer required to enter the country. Read more about applying for the required visa and about the coronavirus rules for travelling to Sri Lanka.

COVID-19 in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka generally weathered the coronavirus pandemic outbreak well, despite a heavy wave of infections in the summer and autumn of 2021 due to the spread of the Delta variant. Because of this wave of infections, many measures were taken during this period to reduce infection rates. Entry restrictions were introduced for foreigners, and the country also intensified their vaccination campaign. Even with the emergence of the Omicron variant, infection rates remained relatively low compared to those of most western European countries.

Based on these positive developments, the Sri Lankan government decided to gradually ease entry restrictions. On 7 December 2022, the last COVID-19 international travel measures were lifted. This means that in 2024, there are no checks on whether incoming travellers are vaccinated against the coronavirus. Anyone can travel to the country regardless of vaccination status. The testing requirement for unvaccinated travellers has also been lifted.

Preparing for your holiday to Sri Lanka

Very few coronavirus cases have been reported in Sri Lanka since March 2022. As a result, most coronavirus rules in the country have been lifted and the virus no longer plays a meaningful role in the daily life in Sri Lanka. However, this does not mean that there are no longer any health risks. Read the following paragraphs carefully to travel to Sri Lanka well-prepared.

Apply for Sri Lanka visa

Before you travel to Sri Lanka, you must first apply for a visa. You can easily fill in the online visa application form via this website. The visa costs £79.95 per person. Children are also required to have a visa. Once granted, the visa can be easily downloaded and printed. It is not necessary to have an exact departure date at the time you apply for the visa. However, when filling in the Sri Lanka visa application form, you need to enter an expected arrival date. The actual arrival date may be up to 3 months earlier or later.
Apply for the Sri Lanka visa

Are you not fully vaccinated against the coronavirus?
You are fully vaccinated if you have received at least two vaccinations against COVID-19, or one in case you are vaccinated with the Janssen / Johnson & Johnsonʼs vaccine. If you are not fully vaccinated, you currently cannot apply for the visa on this website. However, you are allowed to travel to Sri Lanka. Check with the Sri Lanka embassy how to obtain the required visa for your trip.

Rules for international travellers lifted

As of 7 December 2022, travellers will no longer be checked for proof of vaccination on arrival in Sri Lanka, which means that vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals may travel to the country. Proof of testing is also no longer required, regardless of vaccination status and age.

Additional measures after arrival in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, it is no longer mandatory to keep your distance or wear a mask. However, to prevent infection with the coronavirus, it is still recommended in 2024 to practice good hygiene measures when necessary. This is especially advisable to high-risk groups and the unvaccinated.

After a long period of border closures because of COVID-19, Sri Lanka is once again issuing tourist visas

What rules apply for the return journey?

The British government cautions against travel to Sri Lanka due to the current economical and political problems. Are you travelling from Sri Lanka back to the UK? All COVID-19 rules for returning travellers have been lifted. This means you do not have to get tested for COVID-19, regardless of your vaccination status. Filling out a passenger locator form is also no longer necessary.

Are you travelling to Ireland? Like the UK, Ireland also lifted all COVID-19 rules for returning travellers. No passenger locator form is required and you also do not need to be tested for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status.

Disclaimer: Although Sri Lanka is increasingly getting the coronavirus under control, rules can still change quickly. While this page has been compiled with care, it cannot be guaranteed that all the information is complete and up-to-date at all times. Before making any travel plans, you are strongly advised to inquire with your airline, travel agent or tour operator about the rules and measures you should take into account.