Sri Lanka to Issue Free Visas to Tourists from 5 Countries

In a significant move to promote tourism and bolster international relations, Sri Lanka is set to waive visa fees for travellers from five prominent nations.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Tourism and Lands, Harin Fernando, who disclosed that a joint Cabinet paper with Minister of Public Security, Tiran Alles, has been submitted for approval.

Visa Fee Exemption for International Tourists

The Cabinet paper, which is awaiting official approval, outlines the plan to exempt tourists from China, Russia, India, Thailand, and Indonesia from visa fees. Although these travellers will still be required to obtain visas for security purposes, no charges will apply.

Minister Harin Fernando elaborated on the rationale behind this decision, stating that its primary objective is to entice more tourists from these nations.

Sri Lanka aims to attract a staggering five million tourists annually in the years to come. This initiative aligns with the nation’s ambition to further establish itself as a premier tourist destination.

A Strategic Move to Attract Global Tourists

Furthermore, Sri Lanka’s prominence as one of the 20 nations recommended by China for its citizens to visit adds an extra layer of significance to this policy. By eliminating visa fees for citizens from these five key nations, Sri Lanka aims to foster stronger tourism ties and cultivate goodwill on the global stage.

Sri Lanka Visa Information

As of now, Sri Lanka offers a variety of visa options for international tourists, including:

Visa on Arrival (VOA): Citizens of 48 countries can obtain a VOA upon arrival at Colombo International Airport (CMB). The VOA is valid for 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): Citizens of most countries can apply for an ETA online at the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration website. The ETA is valid for 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days.

Tourist Visa: Citizens of certain countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, require a tourist visa to enter Sri Lanka. Tourist visas can be obtained at Sri Lankan embassies and consulates around the world.

Visa Fees

The visa fee for a tourist visa is US$20. The visa fee for an ETA is US$35. There is no visa fee for citizens of the five nations who will be eligible for free visas under the new policy.

Travellers from India, China, Thailand, Russia, and Indonesia, on the other hand, would benefit from the recently announced visa-fee exemption and will not have to pay anything to enter the nation.

How to Apply for a Sri Lanka Visa

To apply for a Sri Lanka visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your intended date of departure from Sri Lanka.
• Visa application form: The visa application form can be downloaded from the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration website.
• Passport-sized photo: You will need to submit a recent passport-sized photo with your visa application.
• Proof of accommodation: You will need to provide proof of accommodation in Sri Lanka for the duration of your stay.
• Proof of onward travel: You will need to provide proof of onward travel, such as a flight ticket or bus ticket, out of Sri Lanka.

Processing Time

The processing time for a Sri Lanka visa varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the country from which you are applying.

Tourist visas are typically processed within 3-5 working days. ETAs are typically processed within 24 hours.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka is a beautiful island nation with a lot to offer tourists. The country is home to stunning beaches, lush rainforests, ancient temples, and vibrant culture. The new policy of issuing free visas to tourists from China, Russia, India, Thailand, and Indonesia is a welcome move that is sure to boost tourism in Sri Lanka.