Sri Lanka to offer relaxed safety protocols for foreign tourists

2021-01-19 15:35:33 GMT2021-01-19 23:35:33(Beijing Time) Xinhua English

COLOMBO, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka will relax restrictions on foreign tourists when the country re-opens its international airports later this week for commercial flights, the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) was quoted by local media as saying on Tuesday.

The SLTDA reportedly said it had published a more relaxed set of safety protocols for visitors, which will allow the tourists to explore the island nation with fewer restrictions.

The authority said the safety protocols have been approved by the Health Ministry.

According to the renewed protocol, requirements for tourists entering the country include having a negative PCR test result from an accredited laboratory 96 hours before departure and staying at safe hotels during the initial 14 days of the trip.

The hotels, which must be certified COVID-19 "safe and secure", will not be allowed to accept bookings to hold any events or banquet functions for locals, the SLTDA said.

"This ensures the creation of a bio-bubble for the international visitors, assuring the safety of the local communities, employees of the industry and the visitors to the industry," the SLTDA said.

Sri Lanka will re-open its international airports on Jan. 21 for commercial flights after being shut since March, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Enditem

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