US updates travel advisory on Sri Lanka to level 4

US State Department updates its Travel Advisory on Sri Lanka to Level 4, or 'Do Not Travel' citing a very high level of COVID-19 in the country.

Travel Advisory on Sri Lanka states "Do not travel to Sri Lanka due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to terrorism".

Hirunews spoke to Nancy T. VanHorn, Information Officer, US Embassy Colombo today(25) and she stated that the Terrorism component includes the language from earlier advisories and remains unchanged. According to Nancy T. VanHorn, Information Officer, the Travel Advisory level was raised to 4 solely due to COVID and not to any terrorism threat information. The Embassy has provided a press release which is given below;
------
MEDIA NOTE - May 24, 2021
State Department Travel Advisory Updates

In order to provide U.S. travelers detailed and actionable information to make informed travel decisions, the Department of State regularly assesses and updates our Travel Advisories, based primarily on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travel Health Notices (THNs) and secondary factors such as commercial flight availability, restrictions on U.S. citizen entry, and impediments to obtaining COVID test results within three calendar days. 

The following Travel Advisories have been updated to reflect the current CDC THNs for COVID-19. 
We continue to monitor health and safety conditions around the world, working with the CDC and other agencies, as conditions evolve.  
This week, the following Travel Advisories have been assessed and reissued with updates, raised to a Level 4 – Do Not Travel: 

Japan
Sri Lanka 
This week, the following Travel Advisory has been assessed and reissued with updates, lowered to a Level 3 – Reconsider Travel. 
Antigua and Barbuda 
--------

The updated information on Sri Lanka on the US Embassy - Sri Lanka site is as follows;

COVID-19 Information – Sri Lanka
Last updated: May 24, 2021

The Sri Lanka Ministry of Health has confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sri Lanka, including the B.1.1.7 variant.

In areas with an increase in cases, the government of Sri Lanka will enact preventative measures, including curfews as well as travel restrictions. Follow the instructions of local authorities, including those related to physical distancing and face covering. Failure to respect preventative measures could result in involuntary quarantine or criminal charges.

New guidelines restrict many essential businesses, to include supermarkets, retail stores, restaurants, and financial institutions to 25 percent of maximum occupancy. Day cares, schools, cinemas, swimming pools, bars, clubs, spas, and others are closed. Meetings, weddings, conferences, and large gatherings are not permitted.

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
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 72 hours?
Yes.
Citizens can obtain a COVID-19 test in Sri Lanka at any private hospital. The average cost per test is 9,000-13,000 Sri Lankan Rupees (approximately $50-$70).
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:
Has the government of Sri Lanka approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use?
Yes.
Are vaccines available in Sri Lanka for U.S. citizens to receive?
No. Vaccines are only available to U.S. citizens with resident visas. U.S. Citizens who wish to be vaccinated should travel to the United States to do so.

Six 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.

Which vaccines are available in Sri Lanka?
Oxford Astra-Zeneca, Sinopharm.

Entry and Exit Requirements -

Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter?
No.
On May 19, 2021 the government of Sri Lanka announced that all international airports in Sri Lanka would be closed to arriving international commercial passenger flights until 1 June.

Cruise ship or private vessel passengers will not be allowed to disembark.

Travelers transiting Qatar require a negative PCR test within 48 hours of departure.

Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry?
Yes.
Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry?
Yes.
A visitor wishing to stay more than 30 days in Sri Lanka, may apply for an 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. 

Is a curfew in place?
The Government has imposed restrictions on inter-provincial travel, including travel in/out of Western Province until midnight on May 30. The Government has also instituted island wide restrictions (essentially, a general curfew) beginning May 21 at 23:00 and ending on May 25 at 04:00 and from 23:00 on May 25 until 04:00 on May 28. Additionally, the Government declared May 24-25 as special government holidays designed to limit movement and encourage individuals to remain home.

Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel?
Yes.
The Government of Sri Lanka has imposed restrictions on inter-provincial travel, including in/out of Western Province, from May 11 until May 30, 2021. As part of the travel restriction, there will be checkpoints and an enhanced police presence on the borders of provinces.
Travel to the airport for ticketed passengers will be permitted. Travelers should be prepared to show their passports and airline tickets at checkpoints.