Location: Sri Lanka
Event: The Sri Lanka Ministry of Health confirmed 120 cases of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka
Recent Updates:
These updates are being sent daily for the benefit of new registrants in STEP. New information is listed the top bullets:
- If an American Citizen is determined to have COVID-19, he or she is likely to be placed in mandatory quarantine in a local government hospital, consistent with Sri Lankan protocols. The Embassy is severely limited in its ability to visit individuals under quarantine and may be unable, as a practical matter, to secure the release of U.S. citizens until their complete recovery.
- The number of commercial flights departing Sri Lanka has significantly diminished. The following airlines are still providing very limited commercial flights departing Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan Airlines and Qatar Airways. Flight schedules and availability change frequently. The embassy has no plans to charter flights for U.S. citizens, and continues to encourage travelers, who live in the United States, to return home.
- Curfews remain in effect throughout the country with changes announced on short notice.
- Travel to the airport for ticketed passengers is permitted. Travelers should be prepared to show their passports and airline tickets at checkpoints. Taxi drivers will be allowed to return from the airport if they have a copy of their passenger’s ticket.
On March 19, 2020, the Department of State issued a global Level 4 Health Advisory (Do Not Travel) advising U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel. Many countries are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and are implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice. Airlines have cancelled many international flights and several cruise operators have suspended operations or cancelled trips. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe.
In Sri Lanka, all incoming passenger arrivals have been suspended indefinitely. Aircraft departures, passenger connections, and transits to other flights are permitted. Travelers should be prepared for additional travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with their airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available. We strongly encourage travelers to depart as soon as possible as scheduled flights may be cancelled with little advance warning. There are no plans for chartered or other evacuation flights from Sri Lanka to the United States. Commercial options for travel to the United States are still available on Sri Lanka Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, and Aeroflot.
The Sri Lankan government declared an island-wide curfew as of 2 p.m. on March 26, 2020. Travel to the airport for ticketed passengers will be permitted. However, travelers will need to use alternate routes due to the closure of expressways. Travelers should be prepared to show their passports and airline tickets at checkpoints.
The government of Sri Lanka has established hotlines for tourists who are facing problems scheduling transportation to the airport for departure:
+94 (011) 244-4480
+94 (011) 244-4481
+94 (011) 597-8730
+94 (011) 597-8734
+94 (011) 597-8720
The government of Sri Lanka has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Schools and universities are closed until April 20, 2020. Sporting events, festivals, and large gatherings have been banned. All national parks, major cultural tourist attractions, wildlife parks, and national museums are closed, and tour groups are prohibited. Visit the local government COVID-19 website https://srilanka.travel/covid19/ for updated information.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo has suspended routine visa services. For American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website https://lk.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/ for additional information.
On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of US personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.
Visit the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health Epidemiology Unit COVID-19 website http://www.epid.gov.lk/web/index.php?lang=en for updated health information.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 lk.usembassy.gov/COVID-19-information/ )for information on conditions in Sri Lanka.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy – Colombo Sri Lanka
+94 11-249-8500 phone
+94 77-725-6307 phone (after hours emergencies)
colomboacs@state.gov - State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - Sri Lanka Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
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