Operators should be aware of passenger PCR testing requirements as well as crew health screening rules for flights originating in Sri Lanka that came into effect on October 15.

Passenger PCR testing requirements

All passengers of flights arriving or departing Sri Lanka must carry proof of negative COVID-19 PCR results in English and testing must have been conducted within 72 hours before embarkation
Operators will be responsible for boarding only passengers with negative COVID-19 PCR reports
Passengers who have transited another country on route to Sri Lanka must not leave the airport during their transit period
If passengers do leave the airport of another country on route to Sri Lanka, they must obtain a new PCR report in that country, conducted within 72 hours before embarkation
Passengers leaving Sri Lanka must undergo PCR testing at a facility approved by health authorities and carry proof of their negative result throughout their travel, ready to present it to relevant authorities

Crew health screening

Crew must wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times when traveling and in contact with passengers and external authorities and practice Sri Lankan COVID-19 preventive methods. There are specific rules for crew members of different types of flights originating in Sri Lanka.

For crew of turnaround flights that originate in Sri Lanka and are carrying passengers:

PCR test on arrival in Sri Lanka is not needed for pilots or crew members of turnaround flights originated from Sri Lanka
All crew will be mandatorily quarantined for 7 days in a hotel approved by Sri Lankan Health Authorities and then a further 7-day quarantine at home
During quarantine at the hotel, crew must remain inside their rooms at all times
All crew are subject to mandatory PCR test at a Health Authority-approved facility after 6-7 days in Sri Lanka or if they begin to display COVID-19 symptoms
A negative PCR result will allow the crew member to be released from the hotel, however, a further home quarantine of 7 days must be done
All crew shall be subject to another mandatory PCR test after 13-14 days or as soon as they display COVID-19 symptoms

For crew of layover flights (passenger and cargo) that originate in Sri Lanka:

All crew will be confined to their hotel rooms with meals delivered when in other countries and must use a dedicated vehicle for their ground transportation
After arrival in Sri Lanka, crew will be mandatorily quarantined for 7 days in a hotel approved by health authorities and remain confined to their hotel room
Crew will be subject to PCR testing on arrival if they have laid over for more than 48 hours in another country – the airline should arrange for this testing
All layover crew will be subject to PCR testing at a health authority-approved facility after 6-7 days in Sri Lanka or if they begin to display COVID-19 symptoms
A negative PCR result will allow the crew member to be released from the hotel, however, a further home quarantine of 7 days must be done
All crew will be mandatorily quarantined for 7 days in a hotel approved by Sri Lankan Health Authorities and then a further 7-day quarantine at home followed by PCR testing on day 13-14

For support with your flight operations to Sri Lanka, contact UAS