Sri Lanka to revive visa-on-arrival, but not yet for India and China

According to the latest news, the Sri Lankan government is now considering to revive its visa-on-arrival facility. The Sri Lanka visa-on-arrival scheme was suspended after the Easter attacks, but now the country is planning to bring it back for 39 countries, barring India, and China. It is likely to go in effect from August 1.

The country’s visa-on-arrival was suspended on April 25, after the April 21 attack killed 258 people. At that time, the visa-on-arrival policy was laid out to increase tourism during the off-season period. But now, according to reports, John Amaratunga, the Tourism Development Minister, alongside the Department of Immigration and Emigration, are working on a proposal that would seek the approval of the Sri Lankan Cabinet for the revival of free visa, and as well as the visa-on-arrival scheme. The programme, if revived, will return for a trial period of six months. However, the visa on arrival programme is going to open up for 39 countries, except India and China for the time being. If the trial is a success, India and China will also be extended this advantage to in the future.

The Sri Lankan government is also going to put in place a strong monitoring system that will keep a tab on people coming into the country. The new system is going to work to prevent criminals and troublemakers from entering the country.