Referring to this, the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Sri Lanka has announced the implementation of a new initiative granting free tourist visas to Indian travellers, who constitute the largest inbound group to the island nation. This move will come into effect immediately, which is part of a broader strategy initiated by a cabinet decision.
If reports are to go by, the decision extends the free tourist visa privilege to travellers from six other countries, namely China, Malaysia, Russia, Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand. This initiative is a part of a response to rebuild the debt-trapped country’s tourism sector, following the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which significantly impacted the influx of tourists.
The step is particularly significant considering the economic challenges faced by the nation, including a debt crisis and shortages of essential items like food, medicine, cooking gas, and fuel. In an effort to address these issues, the International Monetary Fund had earlier agreed to provide a USD 3 billion bailout to Sri Lanka in March.
The newly introduced pilot project offers free tourist visas for the initial 30 days of stay and will remain in effect until March 31, 2024. Travellers arriving from India as well as the six other designated countries, will benefit from dual entry status upon arrival. However, it is important to note that the visa validity will be restricted to a 30-day stay in Sri Lanka.
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Historically, India has been Sri Lanka's primary source of inbound tourism, and recent arrival figures underscore its significance. In October 2023, Indian arrivals topped the list with over 28,000 visitors, constituting 26% of the total arrivals.
