Location: Sri Lanka
Event: The Sri Lanka Ministry of Health confirmed 53 cases of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka.
On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of U.S. personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.
The government of Sri Lanka has taken steps to limit the spread of COVID-19. All incoming passenger arrivals have been suspended until March 25, 2020. Aircraft departures, passenger connections, and transits to other flights will be permitted. Flights arriving without passengers for the purpose of picking up departing passengers will also be 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.
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.
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.
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 3 Health Advisory for COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 2 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Warning for COVID-19 in Europe advising travelers to avoid non-essential travel to Europe.
Due to the potential for checkpoints and curfews and consistent with the Government of Sri Lanka’s efforts, the U.S. Embassy has restricted its personnel from traveling to the Northern, North Central, North Western, Central, Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, and Uva provinces, as well as any areas under curfew, for non-official business
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 or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 https://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 U.S.
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.
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
