Cabinet approves visa-free entry for visitors from 7 countries

The Cabinet has approved visa-free entry to travellers from India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand with immediate effect.

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando said that the move is part of a pilot project which will be in effect till 31 March 2024.

Sri Lanka records the highest number of tourist arrivals from India, China and Russia.

The Government feels the move will help attract more tourists to Sri Lanka from the seven countries.

Tourists from these countries will be able to obtain visas when visiting Sri Lanka, without a fee.

The Cabinet also decided to provide opportunities for easy access to world heritage and historical places for foreign tourists without traffic jams.

For this purpose, it has been decided to issue a single payment package ticket for all the relevant places and provide the opportunity to buy the ticket at the airport or online.

It was also decided to provide tickets required for Sri Lanka Railways tourist coaches through the online system or provide an opportunity to purchase them at the airport as a one-time ticket.?(Colombo Gazette)