The Government has relaxed rules on select passengers entering Sri Lanka via the “Sri Lanka Tourism Safety Protocol”.
According to the Daily FT, Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) Director General Captain Themiya Abeywickrama said all airlines have been informed of the revision.
As per the amended rules, airlines operating to Sri Lanka do not require prior CAASL approval for the four categories of passengers who are entitled to arrive under the ‘Sri Lanka Tourism Safety Protocol’.
The four categories are as follows:
1. Foreigners with tourist visa.
2. Sri Lankans who hold dual citizenship.
3. Sri Lankan spouse or close family members (child, mother, father) who is carrying a Sri Lankan passport accompanying a foreign national.
4. Foreign passport holders with a valid residence visa.
The passengers will further not be subject to a mandatory minimum stay, as announced previously.
However, they will be required to follow the guidelines issued on pre-booking hotels classified as level 1- safe and secure accommodation.
Meanwhile, airlines have also been informed by the CAASL that business visa holders and diplomats are not permitted to arrive under the ‘Sri Lanka Tourism Safety Protocol’.
The CAASL Director General Captain Themiya Abeywickrama said all other guidelines issued with regard to passengers arriving under the ‘Sri Lanka Tourism Safety Protocol’ remain unchanged.
Sri Lanka reopened its borders for tourism from 21st January, after a closure of over 10- months due to the coronavirus pandemic. (NewsWire)