TikaWeeks #12-3/2020: Sri Lanka & Maldives update
Posted by John on 18th March 2020
The Government of Maldives has announced a ban on entry into Maldives of anyone who has left or transited the UK in the last 14 days, with effect from 23.59 local time (18.59 GMT) tonight (18 March 2020). This does not affect British Nationals already in Maldives who should follow the advice of local authorities. If you are already in Sri Lanka, the government has announced that visit visas will be extended to 12 April 2020, if necessary, although an extension fee will be charged.
Maldives update
The Government of Maldives has announced a ban on entry into Maldives of anyone who has left or transited the UK in the last 14 days, with effect from 23.59 local time (18.59 GMT) tonight (18 March 2020). This does not affect British Nationals already in Maldives who should follow the advice of local authorities.
From 17 March 2020, guest houses and city hotels on all islands across Maldives are banned from accepting any new bookings for 14 days. This ban does not affect guests currently checked-in to any facilities.
Please refer to the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) for current official travel advice for Maldives
Sri Lanka update
If you are already in Sri Lanka, the government has announced that visit visas will be extended to 12 April 2020, if you stay beyond the standard 30 days’ limit before this date. The government has confirmed that you can either visit the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo on 08 & 09 April 2020 to pay the relevant fee and get this endorsed in your passport; or complete the process at the airport on departure, but please be aware that there could be long queues for this service at the airport.
Today (18 March 2020), the Sri Lanka government imposed a curfew along the central and north west coasts, stretching from Puttalam to Negombo, just north of Colombo. The curfew has been called in order to facilitate searches by the security forces for Sri Lankan nationals who may have evaded quarantine measures. If you are affected by the curfew you should follow the instructions of the security forces.
All historical and archaeological sites are closed in Sri Lanka during the special holiday period recently granted by the government (16-19 March 2020).
Please refer to the FCO for current official travel advice for Sri Lanka
Categories: Accommodation, Flights, Health, Maldives, News, Sightseeing, Sri Lanka, Travel tips
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