The Sri Lankan cabinet has approved a proposal to offer free visas to travelers from seven countries – India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand for a period of five months, effective immediately as a pilot project until March 31. The move aims to attract more tourists to Sri Lanka and boost tourism, with the goal of increasing tourist arrivals to five million in the coming years, according to the Tourism Ministry of Sri Lanka.
The decision is also expected to streamline the visa application process, saving both time and money for travelers. The initiative comes as part of broader efforts to enhance the country’s tourism sector, and the cabinet has plans to introduce an e-ticketing system for most tourist sites in the country in the near future.
Last week, a proposal to issue free tourist visas for travelers from five countries was presented in the Cabinet meeting. The joint presentation was made by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Tourism and Lands Minister Harin Fernando, Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry.
This move is a significant step to promote tourism, especially after the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted the travel and tourism industry. By offering free visas, Sri Lanka aims to make itself a more attractive destination for international tourists and encourage a steady influx of visitors from the specified countries during the five-month period.
As the pilot project is rolled out, authorities will likely monitor its impact on tourism and evaluate the effectiveness of the initiative. The decision aligns with the broader strategy to revitalize the tourism sector and position Sri Lanka as a preferred destination for global travelers.
