The pilot project, effective immediately, will run until March 31, 2024, and grants free visas to tourists from India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia & Thailand.
Sri Lanka has launched a visa-free travel program for tourists from seven countries, including India, China, and Russia, as part of a pilot initiative. This decision, announced by Sri Lanka’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ali Sabry, has received approval from the Sri Lanka Cabinet.
The pilot project is effective immediately and will continue until March 31, 2024. Minister Sabry conveyed this development, noting, “The Cabinet has approved the issuance of complimentary visas to visitors from India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand with immediate effect as a pilot project until March 31.”
In an earlier statement in March, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry highlighted the significance of the country’s relationship with India in its foreign policy. Visitors from these nations can now acquire visas for Sri Lanka at no cost, marking a substantial change. India has historically been the primary source of inbound tourism for Sri Lanka.
The Ministry of Tourism had previously presented a Cabinet Paper during a Cabinet meeting, proposing the issuance of free tourist visas to foreigners from five countries planning to visit Sri Lanka for tourism.
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has set ambitious targets for 2023 to attract 2 million visitors, an increase from the previous goal of 1.5 million. Tourism plays a significant role in Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange earnings, but it has faced challenges due to the country’s COVID-19 pandemic and economic and political crises. This adjustment reflects the industry’s determination to recover and thrive despite these challenges.
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