Holiday boost as UK travel ban lifted for popular beach destination

ANOTHER popular holiday hotspot has reopened to Brits.

The UK government has lifted its advice warning against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka.

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Up until today, Brits had been warned to stay away from the stunning shores of the South Asian country due to an ongoing economic crisis.

However, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s website now states that the situation is “challenging”, and gives advice on how visitors can keep safe.

This includes staying “vigilant”, avoiding protests and keeping up-to-date on local information.

It is change from their previous advice which advised against “all but essential travel” due to civil unrest in the country, caused by shortages of essentials like fuel and medicine.

They had stated: “The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka, due to ongoing political and economic instability.

“This advice does not apply to airside transit through Sri Lanka’s international airport.”

Brits who go against the advice of the Foreign Office risk having their travel insurance voided if anything goes wrong while abroad.

The ongoing economic crisis facing the country was triggered by a number of factors, including a drop in tourism during the pandemic as well as tax cuts and huge debts to countries such as China.

A series of protests began following a 13-hour daily power cut introduced back in March to save energy.

Therefore while the FCDO no longer advises against travel to Sri Lanka, Brits should remain cautious.

This week, TUI announced it was cancelling holidays to the tropical destination until at least the end of the month.

The travel operator had previously cancelled trips until May 31, due to the then FCDO advice.

Their website stated: “Due to the ongoing political and economic instability in Sri Lanka, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) have advised against all but essential travel.

“As a result, we’ve unfortunately had to cancel all holidays to Sri Lanka departing up to and including 30 June 2022.  

“We will be proactively contacting all impacted customers in departure date order to discuss their options.

“Please note this advice does not apply to customers transiting through Sri Lanka’s international airport and customers currently in resort can continue to enjoy their holiday as planned.

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