Sri Lanka

COVID-19 Global Port Restrictions

All Ports

Crew Changes

Crew Changes can now be performed by using Colombo Bandaranayake International Airport (BIA) as informed by the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA).

On/Off signers need to stay at IC (Isolation Center) for at least 40hrs after landing in order to do PCR test and obtain the result. Likewise, in this 40hrs On/Off signers are in need to arrange all Custom/immigration formalities to board the vessel and to arrange Airport departure for off signers. 

  • There is no need for prior approval from Foreign Secretary for arrival of foreign seafarers/sea Marshals.
  • Foreign seafarers/ sea marshals are free to arrive / depart on Commercial flights
  • The fully vaccinated foreign sea farers / sea marshals require no quarantine / isolation –See section H.3 of the health measures referred above.
  • Not vaccinated / partially vaccinated foreign seafarers / sea marshals arriving by commercial flight / sea require to comply with H.1 of health measures referred above. Arrangements are already in place for Isolation Centers for foreign sea marshals where foreign seafarers (d) above could also be accommodated in compliance with H.1.

Chinese Nationality – Crew 

Chinese nationality off signers should obtain 2x PCR test and 2 x antibody tests from Government Approved 2 Private hospitals as a mandatory request of the Chinese Government and they need to undergo 21 days of quarantine period and quarantine confirmation letter is mandatory to request for the Green code to fly.

As per the latest rule from the Chinese Embassy only 03 x Chinese National off signers of 01 ship can be repatriated via single flight schedule Chinese off signers who has disembarked after 06th of August 2021 must be quarantined for 21 days as an mandatory requirement of the Chinese government.

Currently strict Health guide lines and island wide Travel restrictions have imposed by the Government since covid 19 Positive cases are approx. 550per day /Average deaths of 25per day, which also very high when compared to previous occasions. However Sri Lanka Ports Authority together with all Private container terminals (SAGT/CICT ) will continue to work and provide their services to Customers during this Travel restriction /Holiday period by taking internal measures with their staff/venders/service providers . 

Most of the Government /Private officers are still operating under “Working from Home (WFH) basis” or with limited staff as a precautionary measure for COVID-19.

Disclaimer: As local conditions and regulations can change by the hour, before making any firm plans please contact Dubai.Ops@waterfront-ms.com to give you the latest updates for individual countries.