The entire country is suffering from severe shortages. They are particularly concerned with fuel, which severely limits travel on the island. It is still difficult for tourists travelling alone to obtain gasoline. This situation has a significant impact on public transportation, both public and private (bus, train), which operates at random. Daily power outages are also in effect across the country, though they are typically smaller than in recent months.
With the appointment of a new president, the massive protests on July 9 triggered an important political transition phase for the country. The country is also experiencing a lull in shortages, with supplies remaining limited but better organised. Protests have also become less common in recent weeks.
It is suggested in this context that:
Maintain vigilance during your trip to Sri Lanka and, in any case, avoid any regrouping, preferably of a political nature, while staying regularly informed of the situation’s evolution.
When travelling within the country, use a local travel agency that can manage fuel supplies for registered tourist vehicles.
French visitors are encouraged to register on the breadcrumb trail in order to receive emergency instructions from the embassy.
Coronavirus Covid-19 infection of the lungs (02/08/2022)
It is best to consult the Covid Alert as well as the Ministry of the Interior’s website for the conditions of entry, stay, and exit from the national territory.
Sri Lankan laws and regulations
As the health situation evolves, restrictive measures for entry and movement within Sri Lankan territory are likely to be implemented if the epidemiological context deteriorates significantly. As a result, before embarking on any travel project, it is critical to pay close attention to the information regularly disseminated on the Sri Lankan government’s official website (link: www.srilanka.travel/helloagain), which lists the health protocols in effect in the country.
The most recent health protocols, adopted on April 20, 2022, state:
Tourists are required to obtain an online visa before entering Sri Lankan territory.
Tourists who do not have a complete vaccination schedule must bring a negative PCR test within 72 hours of boarding or an antigen test within 48 hours of boarding prior to applying for this visa (self-tests are prohibited).
Any visitor to Sri Lanka must have travel insurance that covers the risk of Covid-19 infection.
Visitors must fill out an online health form. The Sri Lankan health authorities will require a QR code upon arrival, which will be generated automatically.
Travellers, including those who do not have a complete vaccination schedule, are not required to undergo testing upon arrival in Sri Lanka.
Given the health situation, it is strongly advised to travel with a complete vaccination schedule for at least two weeks before departure, including the indicated booster dose, and documentation to justify vaccination (and / or previous infection).
In the event of a positive screening during their stay, travelers are quarantined for 7 days at their own expense in an authorised structure (level 1 or “level 1” hotels, quarantine hotels, treatment centre of a private hospital).
Given the fluid nature of the situation, it is recommended that you visit the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka’s website on a regular basis.
Maximum vigilance is required due to the possibility of an attack.
As a reminder, because the risk of an attack is high, French residents and visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution.
It is especially important to avoid crowds and to exercise caution when travelling. It is also advised to keep up to date on the situation and risks by consulting the Travel Advice recommendations.
French visitors are encouraged to sign up for the breadcrumb trail in order to receive alerts about the country they are visiting.
(curtesy www.diplomatie.gouv.fr)
