Wednesday, 24 June 2020

Jetstar Asia postpones Colombo inaugural flight to October 2020 after Sri Lanka issued rigid requirements on travellers

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                 / KUCINTA SETIA


According to Jetstar Asia Airways on 24 June 2020, the budget airline has postponed its inaugural flight to Colombo from Singapore from 1 July 2020 to 26 October 2020.

Passengers affected by the flight suspension period have been refunded or are in the process of refunds.

Due to the pandemic, Sri Lanka plans to re-opens its borders to tourists on 1 August 2020 under rigid circumstances.

A negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is required prior to boarding and on arrival in Sri Lanka. The test should be no older than 72 hours prior to boarding. The PCR test on arrival will be conducted free of charge.

Upon arrival, safety and quarantine measures must be followed:

  • No quarantine on arrival unless symptoms are detected.
  • Arrangements are being made to get PCR test results within four to six hours by August — currently, it takes 24 hours to receive the results. If it takes 24 hours, you will be able to select a hotel for a one-night stay from a list of certified four- or five-star hotels in Colombo or Negombo until the test results are received.
  • A further test will be done four or five days after arrival by a mobile unit in coordination with the tourist's certified accommodation provider.
  • Travellers staying for more than ten days will be required to take a third test during their stay.
  • In case of a positive PCR result, quarantine in a designated hotel or hospitalisation will take place depending on the details of the case. Quarantine would usually be 14 to 21 days if symptoms are detected.

Arranging transportation prior to arrival, with the accommodation provider or travel agent is recommended. Public transport should not be used.


During the pandemic, all travellers to Sri Lanka will require a valid visa that will be issued for 30 days and can be extended for up to six months after arrival. Further relaxation for long stay guests is currently under consideration, which will enable tourists to have five-year multiple-entry visas with a maximum of six months stay. Visa fee is 100 US Dollars.

In order to apply for a visa, tourists must have the following:

  • Booking details at Certified Accommodation
  • Itinerary in Sri Lanka
  • Return ticket
  • Proof of medical insurance

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