COLOMBO – Sri Lanka's virus-battered tourism industry can reopen for foreign guests from August but under strict guidelines, including multiple coronavirus tests during their stay, officials said Saturday.
Tourism was only just recovering from the effects of last year's Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people, including 45 foreigners, when the virus halted international travel to the island and forced hotels to shut, leaving tens of thousands of people jobless.
Sri Lanka's tourism ministry said travellers will be able to visit from August 1, but they must carry a COVID-19 free certificate issued not earlier than 72 hours before boarding.
Even with this document, tourists will have to take a virus test at the airport upon arrival.
A further check will be done four to five days later -- and a third if staying for more than 10 days.
"While this may be inconvenient it is essential to safeguard everybody and provide peace of mind," the ministry said.
The regular visa fee of $40 has been increased to $100, visitors can only stay in hotels designated by the ministry, and are not allowed to use public transport on the island.
In addition, only those who will spend a minimum of five days in Sri Lanka will be allowed in.
The country has reported 11 deaths and 1,801 infections since its first coronavirus patient was identified on January 27.
The number of visitors to Sri Lanka dropped to 1.91 million last year, down from 2.33 million in the previous year.
Pakistani rupee witnessed upward trajectort against US dollar and other currencies amid positive economic cues.
On Wednesday, the US dollar moved down and was being quoted at 283.7 for buying and 286.75 for selling.
Euro remained stable at 309 for buying and 312 for selling. British Pound rate increased to 361 for buying, and 364 for selling.
UAE Dirham AED dropped to 77.6 whereas the Saudi Riyal rate stands at 76.
Source: Forex Association of Pakistan. (last update 09:00 AM)
Currency | Symbol | Buying | Selling |
---|---|---|---|
US Dollar | USD | 283.7 | 286.75 |
Euro | EUR | 309 | 312 |
UK Pound Sterling | GBP | 361 | 364 |
U.A.E Dirham | AED | 77.6 | 78.3 |
Saudi Riyal | SAR | 76 | 76.8 |
Australian Dollar | AUD | 187.72 | 188.22 |
Bahrain Dinar | BHD | 758.58 | 766.58 |
Canadian Dollar | CAD | 209 | 211 |
China Yuan | CNY | 39.93 | 40.33 |
Danish Krone | DKK | 41.41 | 41.81 |
Hong Kong Dollar | HKD | 36.49 | 36.84 |
Indian Rupee | INR | 3.42 | 3.53 |
Japanese Yen | JPY | 1.49 | 1.56 |
Kuwaiti Dinar | KWD | 923.13 | 932.13 |
Malaysian Ringgit | MYR | 60.97 | 61.57 |
New Zealand Dollar | NZD | 175.89 | 177.89 |
Norwegians Krone | NOK | 26.68 | 26.98 |
Omani Riyal | OMR | 740.01 | 748.01 |
Qatari Riyal | QAR | 78.36 | 79.06 |
Singapore Dollar | SGD | 211 | 213 |
Swedish Korona | SEK | 27.45 | 27.75 |
Thai Bhat | THB | 8.09 | 8.24 |
KARACHI – Gold prices in the local market continue to decline in line with the international market.
On Wednesday, the price of a single tola of 24-karat gold stands at Rs219,400 and 10 grams of 24k gold costs Rs188,100.
Each tola for 24 karat is Rs216,700, 22 Karat is Rs198,640, and 21 karat rate per tola is Rs189,613 and 18k gold rate is Rs162,525.00 for single tola.
In the global market, the precious metal moved down, and hovers around $2023 per ounce after drop of around $10.
City | Gold | Silver |
---|---|---|
Lahore | PKR 219,400 | PKR 2,625 |
Karachi | PKR 219,400 | PKR 2,625 |
Islamabad | PKR 219,400 | PKR 2,625 |
Peshawar | PKR 219,400 | PKR 2,625 |
Quetta | PKR 219,400 | PKR 2,625 |
Sialkot | PKR 219,400 | PKR 2,625 |
Attock | PKR 219,400 | PKR 2,625 |
Gujranwala | PKR 219,400 | PKR 2,625 |
Jehlum | PKR 219,400 | PKR 2,625 |
Multan | PKR 219,400 | PKR 2,625 |
Bahawalpur | PKR 219,400 | PKR 2,625 |
Gujrat | PKR 219,400 | PKR 2,625 |
Nawabshah | PKR 219,400 | PKR 2,625 |
Chakwal | PKR 219,400 | PKR 2,625 |
Hyderabad | PKR 219,400 | PKR 2,625 |
Nowshehra | PKR 219,400 | PKR 2,625 |
Sargodha | PKR 219,400 | PKR 2,625 |
Faisalabad | PKR 219,400 | PKR 2,625 |
Mirpur | PKR 219,400 | PKR 2,625 |
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