Sri Lanka has extended visa-free entry for India and select countries until May 31, 2024, aiming to boost tourism and facilitate travel between nations. The initiative, initially introduced as a pilot project, requires applicants to apply for a visa through the official website and pay a $50 fee. The move aims to ensure affordability and accessibility, promoting tourism and economic growth.
The Sri Lankan government has announced an extension of visa-free entrance for travelers from India and a few other countries till May 31, 2024, in an effort to increase tourist numbers and ease international travel. The Cabinet of the nation has accepted this resolution, which permits citizens of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Russia, Japan, India, and Malaysia to enter Sri Lanka without a visa for a 30-day stay.
The idea was first unveiled as a trial in October and is part of a larger drive to revitalize Sri Lanka’s tourist sector. It is necessary for travelers from the above nations to apply for a visa in advance of their trip via the official website. With a 30-day validity term, the free visa facilitates easy travel and exploration of the stunning island country.
The $50 price for tourists acquiring a 30-day entry visa will remain in place, the government has determined, despite recent controversy concerning excessive visa fees imposed by a private business. A number of tourism industry players have pushed for this charge limit, citing the need to attract visitors while maintaining accessibility and affordability.
Due to domestic political and economic unrest as well as the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic, Sri Lanka’s tourist sector has encountered several difficulties. The prolongation of access without a visa coincides with initiatives to aid in the nation’s recovery from these difficulties.
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Furthermore, Sri Lanka has specified certain prerequisites for Indian nationals requesting travel permits. Among them are:
possessing a passport that is currently valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka.
The necessary fees must be paid together with the completion of an online visa application form by applicants.
They also need to provide verification of their reservations for lodging in Sri Lanka and confirmation of their return or further trip.
medical records, such as a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever if traveling from a region affected by the disease.
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By ensuring that visitors follow health and safety procedures and are well-prepared for their trip, these standards hope to provide for an easy and hassle-free travel experience.
This action is anticipated to improve travel options and encourage tourism between Sri Lanka and its neighbors, bolstering relations internationally and boosting the island nation’s economy.
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