COVID-19 Information – Sri Lanka

Last updated: May 11, 2023

The CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.

Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Are there COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens? No
- With immediate effect, all visitors to Sri Lanka are no longer required to produce a COVID-19 vaccination certificate at the Sri Lankan airport or any seaport. Please visit helloagain (srilanka.travel) for the most up-to-date information.
- Effective January 1, 2022, all visitors to Sri Lanka (whether vaccinated or unvaccinated) must purchase COVID insurance, currently set at 12 USD/month. Please visit helloagain (srilanka.travel) for the most up-to-date information.
- A visitor wishing to stay more than 30 days in Sri Lanka, may apply for a visa extension. The Short Visit visa may be extended up to 90 days from the date of arrival at the first instance and further 90 days at the second instance. For more details, please visit http://www.immigration.gov.lk.
Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? No
Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? No

Quarantine Information 

Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? No.
Due to frequent changes, please check http://eta.gov.lk/slvisa for information about visa and tourism restrictions in Sri Lanka.

COVID-19 Testing

Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Sri Lanka? Yes
If so, are test results reliably available within 24 hours? Yes, but please confirm with the testing site you are using as to whether they can return results within the necessary timeframe.
Citizens can obtain a COVID-19 test in Sri Lanka at any private hospital. The average cost per test is around 7,000 Sri Lankan Rupees (approximately $20).
Test results are forwarded via e-mail.
The Sri Lanka Ministry of Health website contains information regarding the COVID-19 response.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Are vaccines available in Sri Lanka for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes.
- Vaccines are only available to U.S. citizens, age 30 or older, with resident visas. Other U.S. citizens who wish to be vaccinated should travel to the United States to do so.
Six (6) vaccination centers have been set up in Colombo for the public to get vaccinated. Colombo residents need to contact their area Ministry of Health officer or Public Health Inspector’s office and register for the vaccine, or they can go to the nearest center and wait to be vaccinated.
Oxford Astra-Zeneca, Covishield (Serum Institute of India), Sinopharm, Gamaleya (Sputnic V) and Pfizer are available in Sri Lanka. Customers often have no choice in which vaccine they receive when going to vaccine clinics in Sri Lanka. U.S. citizens who would like to receive a specific vaccine may travel to the United States to do so.
Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.

Local Resources

Movement Restrictions

Fines for Non-Compliance 

Non-compliance with host country rules regarding social distancing or other COVID-19 prevention measures may result in fines or arrests.

By U.S. Embassy Colombo | 11 May, 2023 | Topics: Alert