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Is it safe to travel to Sri Lanka? Latest UK travel advice amid crisis and Covid entry requirements explained

Is it safe to travel to Sri Lanka? Latest UK travel advice amid crisis and Covid entry requirements explained

Sri Lanka is in the grip of deadly political unrest that has wounded 200 and killed at the very least 7, such as an MP whose household was attacked by protestors.

The key minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa, has resigned. He is now in hiding at an undisclosed locale soon after specific ops soldiers conducted a remarkable overnight raid to rescue him from protestors who stormed his official residence in Colombo in the early hrs of 9 May.

Clashes in between professional and anti-authorities protestors in the streets of the money and all around the state have transpired towards the backdrop of an unprecedented financial crisis.

The British Government has not issued assistance versus travel to Sri Lanka, despite the continuing unrest.

Right here is the latest on no matter whether it is safe and sound to travel to Sri Lanka.

What is happening in Sri Lanka?

Protests have been ongoing due to the fact 31 March and a point out of crisis was declared on 6 May well. An island-extensive curfew is now in place.

The state is in the grip of the worst economic disaster in virtually 75 a long time which has led to a shortage of standard materials together with gasoline and medicine.

The protests and financial disaster are a further setback for Sri Lanka soon after a bloody civil war that finished in 2009 and the Easter terrorist bombings in 2019.

What components of Sri Lanka should really I keep away from?

The worst violence has happened in the money Colombo, a lot of it centered about the Galle Deal with space.

Other protests and episodes of violence have flared up all-around the region.

What has the Foreign and Commonwealth Business office encouraged relating to journey to Sri Lanka?

The Overseas and Commonwealth Business office (FCO) up-to-date their guidance for Sri Lanka on 9 May well with reference to the ongoing violence and advising that visitors keep away from protests and comply with the suggestions of local authorities.

The FCO web site now reads: “Several incidents have taken location currently (9 May perhaps) involving violence towards protesters, such as in the Galle Experience spot in which authorities employed tear fuel and water cannons. Incidents have also taken position in the vicinity of Beira Lake in Colombo, and in Kandy. Even further incidents could just take put in the Galle Facial area location, and in other parts. You need to avoid all protests and comply with the assistance of area authorities.”

Are tour operators cancelling vacations to Sri Lanka?

No, vacations from the United kingdom to Sri Lanka are nevertheless functioning and tour operators are advising customers that it is still risk-free to journey.

On the other hand, some operators are tweaking itineraries. Asia specialist Experience Vacation Team is changing holiday schedules to stay away from Colombo, this means that “people can delight in the seaside or inside for longer,” Managing Director Sam Clark instructed Vacation Gossip.

What if I want to terminate my vacation to Sri Lanka?

Unless of course the FCO suggest versus all but critical journey to a country, your vacation insurance policy is not likely to pay back out if you want to cancel.

You can consider inquiring your vacation company to reschedule your split but they will be below no obligation to do so.

What are the Covid entry specifications for Sri Lanka?

All travellers, regardless of vaccination standing, will have to total a wellbeing declaration variety and fork out $12 (£9.50) for mandatory Covid insurance.

Completely vaccinated travellers and little ones underneath the age of 12 are exempt from pre-departure PCR screening.