After the series of attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka with more than 200 deaths, the Federal Foreign Office updated the travel advice for the South Asian island nation. "Travelers are asked to avoid the places of attack, to follow the local media, to keep in close contact with tour operators and airlines and to follow instructions from security forces," writes the ministry in Berlin.
Observe curfew
At the same time, the Foreign Office appealed to travelers to observe the imposed curfew. The lock should initially apply until early Monday morning. According to the airport authority, rides to the airport at Colombo with a valid passport and flight ticket are allowed despite the curfew.
Be at the airport four hours before departure
The situation was confusing. "With far-reaching security measures such as barriers, but also restrictions in air traffic and increased controls before entering the airport building and the departure is expected." Travelers should arrive at the airport no later than four hours before departure.
Communicate via SMS or telephone
Social media such as Facebook or Whatsapp have been temporarily shut down by Sri Lanka's government to stop the spread of hate messages and misinformation. The Foreign Office advises: "Travelers should let their relatives know that they are well, preferably by text message or conventional telephone call." This should take into account that the telephone and Internet connections could be overloaded, writes the Office. On Twitter, the ministry regularly updates the warnings and cues. Concerned Sri Lankan Travelers can call 030-50000.
Dinuka Liyanawatte / REUTERS
How do the German tour operators react?
Many German tour operators are trying to clarify whether their guests are safe. Excursions over the tropical island were canceled as a precaution, travelers were taken back to their hotels.
The tourism have some hotels on offer, which have become the target, said a spokeswoman in Frankfurt. So far, there are no indications that DER holiday guests are affected. The travel company has a nearly four-figure number of tourists in Sri Lanka.
Help guests who want to leave prematurely with the organization, the spokeswoman said. Travel from Germany to Sri Lanka with departure until next Wednesday (24.4.) Could be canceled.
Like DER Touristik, TUI in Hannover stated that, according to the current state of affairs, no customers were victims of the attacks. At the moment, try to contact the approximately 150 guests nationwide on their mobile phones or through the tour guides on site.
The travel agency Thomas Cook have no guests in the affected hotels, said a spokeswoman in Oberursel. "We continue to expect significant restrictions." The tourists should stay in their accommodation and avoid the capital Colombo.