In the current context of economic and political crisis, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends going through a travel agency to stay in the country.
It was expected , it is now done: the Quai d’Orsay has updated its recommendations for Sri Lanka. During a recent trip to France to reassure about the situation in his country, the Sri Lankan Minister of Tourism did not hide his hopes of seeing the warning from the Quai d’Orsay reduced.
If the Ministry of Foreign Affairs no longer encourages the postponement of any non-essential travel project in the country, as was the case until now, it recommends on the other hand to “consider a tourist trip only by resorting to a travel agency” which, in “this context of strong tensions and shortages” (…) will be able to provide all useful details regarding the material conditions of the stay, in particular travel”.
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Significant shortages affect the whole country, always indicates the Quai d’Orsay. Shortages that particularly concern fuel, which greatly complicates travel on the island. “Securing gasoline is particularly difficult for tourists traveling on their own. Public transport, both public and private (bus, train), are heavily affected by this situation and operate randomly, ”explains the Quai d’Orsay. But due to the economic weight of tourism for the country, since the start of the crisis, priority has been given to professionals in the sector so that they can have fuel for the vehicles transporting their customers.
The Quai d’Orsay also recommends to “stay away from any gathering, a fortiori of a political nature”, and to keep informed of the evolution of the situation on the spot. Curfews may also be imposed on all or part of the territory in the event of a deterioration of the situation. It is recommended to strictly respect them and to follow the instructions of the local authorities, adds the Quai d’Orsay.
