Are vaccinations or health certificates required for entry into Sri Lanka?

Good news! Traveling to Sri Lanka is now very convenient. Simply put, most of the COVID-19 related requirements have been lifted.

You no longer need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, nor do you need to undergo PCR or antigen tests. You can enter the country normally, regardless of your vaccination status. The online Health Declaration Form, which was previously required, has also been abolished.

So, from a health certificate perspective, traveling to Sri Lanka is now almost the same as before the pandemic, with no special restrictions.

However, there is one special situation you need to be aware of: the Yellow Fever vaccine.

This regulation has actually always been in place and is unrelated to COVID-19. It only applies to travelers arriving from countries/regions with a risk of Yellow Fever. For example, if, within 10 days before entering Sri Lanka, you have visited or transited (usually meaning a stay of more than 12 hours) through certain African or South American countries, then you will need to present your "yellow book" (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis) showing proof of Yellow Fever vaccination.

But if you are traveling directly from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Europe, or most other places, you do not need to worry about this issue at all.

Here's a summary with some practical tips for you:

1. Prepare with confidence: You don't need to prepare any COVID-19 related certificates or tests.
2. Check your itinerary: As long as your itinerary does not involve Yellow Fever endemic countries, you don't need to worry about that vaccine.
3. Final confirmation: Although policies are very relaxed now, just in case, I personally make it a habit to check the official website of your airline for destination entry requirements about a week before departure. Airlines are the first point of policy enforcement, and their information is usually the most up-to-date.
4. Travel health: Although not mandatory, for a more worry-free trip, consider consulting a doctor before departure for recommended travel vaccinations (such as Hepatitis A, Tetanus, etc.) and prepare some common medications.
5. Travel insurance: It is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance that includes medical coverage. This is more practical than any health certificate and can be a great help if anything unexpected happens.

All in all, traveling to Sri Lanka is now very hassle-free, almost back to a "go-as-you-please" state. Go ahead and enjoy the sun, sand, and tea!