With the continual change in protocols due to the pandemic, we outline the last-known situation below for yacht arrivals. Skippers should follow the recommended links in “resources” to confirm the latest protocols. Always check with your intended port of arrival before getting underway to be 100% certain of what is required. Please e-mail editor@noonsite.com if you find protocols have changed.

COVID-19:  OPEN

Yachting Protocols:

October 2022

• An agent is required to clear into and out of Sri Lanka.
• Fully vaccinated travellers are exempted from pre-boarding and on arrival covid-19 test.
• Note: Proof of vaccination card (in English) must be carried throughout their travel.
• Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated persons of 12 years and above should mandatorily carry a negative Covid-19 PCR test result done within 72 hours prior to departure or a Rapid Antigen Test result done within 48 hours priors to departure. They will be exempted from on arrival (day one test).
• Children below 12 years are exempted from testing (pre-boarding & on arrival) and quarantine.
• Submission of a Health Declaration form is no longer required.
• Contact info@srilanka.travel.

Our thanks to Isle Shipping (Pvt) Ltd for updates throughout the Pandemic.

Resources:

•  https://www.srilanka.travel/
  

Reports:

• Indian Ocean: Covid19 Field Report (March 20, 2020)
  
• Turkey to Indonesia via the Red Sea (October 2020)
  

Contacts:

Commodore Anura Danapala of the Sri Lankan Navy (+94 248 251 5051).

History:

• From 16 March, 2020, restrictions were put in place for people arriving from a range of countries.
• Arriving yachts had to complete a “General Health Report,” “Health Status Report,” and “Maritime Declaration of Health” in advance of arrival via their agent.
• Health checks were introduced on arrival, the visa on arrival service was suspended but travelers already in Sri Lanka were granted visa extensions.
• On 26 March maritime borders closed and visiting yachts were denied entry into ports and marinas.
• The entire country went into total lock down with a 24 hour curfew.  The curfew was lifted every 4-5 days for 6-8 hours to allow people to access stores.
• Transiting yachts were permitted to anchor outside the harbor to re-supply, but crew were not permitted to go ashore. Agents were not permitted to work during the lockdown but the Navy assisted some boats with supplies.
• Yachts within Galle port area, that were already in the country prior to the lock down, were confined to within the port area and not permitted to leave – making getting money and provisions difficult.
• In May the Australian High Commission in Colombo actively tried to organize a safe harbor option in Sri Lanka for those yachts in Maldives who needed safe haven during the SW Monsoon.
• In Galle the curfew was lifted during morning hours in May and reimposed at 20:00 Hrs every night Monday to Friday.
• Sri Lanka airport opened to visitors on 21 January with visas only granted to air travelers staying at an approved resort. Maritime borders and entry of pleasure vessels remained closed.
• In July 2021 maritime borders re-opened, however, with vague rules for pleasure vessels and strict fines if protocols were no adhered to. Agents advised that yachts avoid Sri Lanka for the time being.

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