Travelling to Sri Lanka from India – India signs air bubble agreement with Sri Lanka

Has Sri Lanka opened borders for Tourists? Is Sri Lanka open for Indian Tourists in particular? Is Sri Lanka Travel restrictions still in place? What is air bubble agreement? What are the COVID restrictions to travel Sri Lanka from India? Read through to get a complete insight on this.

Sri Lanka, being home to diverse languages, cultures and traditions, is undoubtedly one of the favourite spots for Indians to visit. Before planning to visit Sri Lanka this COVID season, let us understand the Sri Lankan Tourism news, Sri Lanka travel restrictions and the entry requirements in detail. Check through this article to know everything before making your plan to Sri Lanka.

India Finalises Air Bubble Pact with Sri Lanka

Air bubble agreement is a kind of bilateral agreement signed by two countries where both the countries create a set of restrictions to allow airlines of both the countries, thereby enabling international flights between them.

India has signed an air bubble agreement with Sri Lanka. With this air bubble agreement in effect, International flights are allowed to operate between these two countries with pre-conditions.

Also Read: 10 Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Air Travel Bubble Pact for Travelling to Sri Lanka

India has signed air bubble agreement with 27 other countries making Sri Lanka to be the 28^th one. Other nations which have signed such agreement with India include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, France, Germany, Maldives, Iraq, Japan, Kenya, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, the United States of America, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates along with few others. Within the SAARC countries, Sri Lanka is the 6^th country that has made air bubble agreement with India.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation in its official page had tweeted the following:-

“Attention travellers! India has finalized an air bubble agreement with Sri Lanka, making it the 6th such arrangement in SAARC region & the 28th in total. All the eligible passengers will be able to travel between the 2 countries in the near future. Travel safe!”

With Sri Lanka opening the tourism market in near future, this will definitely become the twin Island competitor with Maldives.

Also Read: 10 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

Can Indians Travel to Sri Lanka Now?

With COVID numbers increasing exponentially, the international commercial flight operations stand cancelled at this point of time since the Indian Government has extended the ban up to 30^th April, 2021. However, fights under bubble agreement i.e the specific country with which the pact has been signed will continue to operate.

Also Read : Countries Open for Travel in April

Sri Lanka from India – Departure Check

Before starting off to Sri Lanka from India, make sure you cross the below checklists.

1. Airlines may request a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure.
2. Before-hand, visit the country’s official website to have a trouble-free journey.

Sri Lanka from India – Arrival Check

It is important to follow the COVID restrictions imposed in the country to help yourself during this COVID season.

1. All travellers arriving in Sri Lanka should mandatorily carry a negative PCR test result in English language. The test should have be taken within 72 – 96 hours of departure.
2. Travellers who have received the recommended 2 doses of vaccine should carry the original verification card/ certificate in English language.

Quarantine Procedures for Travelling to Sri Lanka from India

1. Every traveller, inclusive of children; should submit a complete Health Declaration Form at Airport Health Office.
2. Every traveller will be transferred to a Quarantine centre managed by the Sri Lankan Government/ certified Quarantine hotel after completing the rest of the formalities at the airport.
3. Travellers, if vaccinated should produce the original verification card at the quarantine centre/hotel.
4. Every traveller above 12 years will be subjected to a PCR test on day 1 at the quarantine centre/hotel.
5. If the traveller is fully vaccinated* they would not follow any quarantine procedures and they are allowed to explore the country.
6. If the traveller tests negative on arrival, they would have to follow a 14-day quarantine procedure where they will be tested again on day 14 called the exit PCR.
7. If the traveller tests positive in arrival, all the close contacts will be isolated and will be taken to further treatment process.

*2 weeks of completion after taking 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine is regarded as fully vaccinated.

Also Read: Do’s and Dont’s for Sri Lanka Vacation

Sri Lanka Covid-19 Travel Tips

1. Carrying masks and sanitisers along with you will offer you complete protection in this Sri Lanka Quarantine Tourism.
2. Make sure to follow the Sri Lanka Quarantine restrictions and adhere to the rules to keep yourself safe.
3. Keep the documents – the vaccine verification card/ the negative PCR test result handy.
4. Visit their official website to keep yourself updated and to have a hassle-free journey.

It is highly recommended to get yourself fully vaccinated to avoid wasting time at Quarantine centres.

Also Read: Perfect 5 day Sri Lanka Itinerary

FAQs before travelling to Sri Lanka from India

1. Is Sri Lanka Open for Indian Tourists?

Yes, Sri Lanka is open for Indian tourists.

2. What are the Sri Lanka entry requirements?

You will have to carry either a negative PCR test result or a fully vaccinated verification certificate.

3. Are flights operating to Sri Lanka currently?

Under the air bubble agreement, flights operate to Sri Lanka from India.

Sri Lanka being one the closest neighbours of India, has become one of the most preferred destinations this COVID season. For more amazing travel recommendations, visit Pickyourtrail website. Sit back, here are some near to perfect Sri Lanka tour packages and International tour packages for you. Else, if you need to do it yourself, come let us customise it together.

Reference Links

1. Outlook Traveller
2. The Hindu
3. The Times of India
4. SriLankan Airlines