(CNN) – The island nation of Sri Lanka is now open to tourists from all countries.
Sri Lankan Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga made the official announcement during a news conference on Thursday, confirming that they would reopen the country’s borders on 21 January. Both international airports in the country reopened on the same day.
“The livelihood of about 3 million people depends on tourism in Sri Lanka,” Ranatunga told the media. “It is our national responsibility to take into account the needs of our citizens who depend on this industry.”
As part of efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19, Sri Lanka has created a “biological bubble”, which will give visitors a relative amount of freedom to travel within the country, while observing security protocols.
While there is no minimum time for a visitor to stay in the country, anyone from abroad must stay in a government-approved hotel or resort for up to two weeks after arrival.
This means that travelers who come only for a short trip will stay at their resort at all times, while people who are planning longer stays will be able to move more freely within Sri Lanka once they have completed their two weeks of semi-quarantine.
The five star Anantara Peace Haven in Tangalle is on the list of approved hotels.
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle
For example, as part of the “biological bubble”, attractions like Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Holy Tooth Relic) and the Royal Botanical Garden, both in the central city of Kandy, require visitors to come as part of an organized tour group or with an approved Sri Lankan guide.
They must travel in a private vehicle and not make unauthorized side stops. Some sites only allow tourists during designated times or on certain days of the week.
Currently, 55 hotels and resorts fall under the “safety and security level one” guidelines. They are not allowed to accept any local guests or host any events as long as they are part of the bio bubble.
With extra security come extra fees.
In addition to paying for flights and accommodation, travelers are responsible for the cost of health insurance sanctioned by the Sri Lankan government ($ 12) and up to three Covid tests in the country ($ 40 each).
Everyone entering the country must provide proof of a negative coronavirus test done 96 hours prior to travel and complete an online health declaration form. Guests will be tested again at their own expense on the fifth and seventh days after arrival and people staying more than seven days will have to take a third test the following week.
Once the two weeks have passed and they have a negative coronavirus test, travelers can stay at their hotels or move to another of the approved hotels. Airbnbs, guest houses and other forms of accommodation are off limits. Public transport is discouraged.
Sigiriya Fortress is among about a dozen Sri Lankan attractions open to foreign tourists.
ALEX OGLE / AFP / AFP / Getty Images
While almost all countries can be shown to show that their tourism revenue was hit amid the coronavirus pandemic, Sri Lanka suffered from a particularly unhappy time.