US asks citizens to 'reconsider' travel to Sri Lanka in new advisory


(MENAFN- NewsIn.Asia)

April 7 (newsin.asia) – The United States in its latest travel advisory on Wednesday has cautioned its citizens from travelling to Sri Lanka amid the ongoing economic crisis and unrest in the country. 

Pointing to the fuel and medicine shortages in Sri Lanka, the US' new 'Level 3' advisory also mentioned terror threats as a concern. 

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates from around the world

The new travel advisory on Sri Lanka:

Reconsider travel to Sri Lanka due to COVID-19 and fuel and medicine shortages. Exercise increased caution in Sri Lanka due to terrorism.

READ: No takers for Finance portfolio as time runs out to leave for IMF

Read the Department of State's COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 and related restrictions and conditions in Sri Lanka.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Sri Lanka due to COVID-19, indicating a high level of COVID-19 in the country. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine. Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC's specific recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

Sri Lanka is experiencing shortages of fuel and cooking gas as well as some medicines and essential food items, due to the ongoing economic situation in the country. There have recently been protests over the economic situation and queues at gas stations, grocery stores, and some pharmacies. Protests have occurred throughout the country and have mostly been peaceful. In some instances, police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters. 

There have also been daily planned power outages across the island, as well as some unplanned power outages, as fuel for backup generators are increasingly scarce. Public transportation in some instances has been limited or curtailed.

Travellers should monitor local media for updates on the ongoing situation.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, hospitals, and other public areas.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in remote areas.

Read the country information page .

If you decide to travel to Sri Lanka:

  • See the U.S. Embassy's web page regarding COVID-19.
  • Visit the CDC's webpage on Travel and COVID-19.
  • Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities.
  • Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
  • Review the Crime and Safety Report for Sri Lanka.
  • U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler's Checklist .

For similar articles, join our Telegram channel for the latest updates. – click here

MENAFN07042022000191011043ID1103974220


NewsIn.Asia

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.