Free visa on arrival policy to commence from Nov. 7

The free visa on arrival policy for seven countries will only be physically implemented from November 7, 2023 as there are some areas that need to be cleared, said Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Priyantha Fernando yesterday.

He said that some regulations have to be directed to both Immigration departments and this is now in progress. He said from November 7, Sri Lanka will be similar to Singapore and Maldives and few other countries where tourists from the designated several countries, India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia Indonesia and Thailand could simply just walk in to Sri Lanka (with non blacklisted passports) by filling a form at the airport. “No prior registration is needed.”

He said that they requested from the government to be given this facility for three countries India, China and Russia and the balance four came as a surprise to them. This sanction was granted by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry and Minister of Internal security, Tiran Alles.

He said that though the government may lose revenue from visa fees (ranging from USD 25 to 35) this would be compensated with a higher number of arrivals. When asked why Sri Lanka has to pay over Rs 20,000 as visa fees to Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia when their tourists visit Sri Lanka for FREE he said this is unfair and will have to be taken up by higher authorities of the government. “Reciprocal measures are needed in this regard.”

Meanwhile Chairman. Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLIHM) Shirantha Peiris said that today Sri Lanka is operating with around 40% of trained staff and to overcome this crash courses are introduced in all 25 districts free of charge. This has attracted over 4,000 youth. “After undergoing training they will have to work in Sri Lanka before being awarded the SLITM certificate.

The Asian Development Bank has assisted this program providing Rs. 25 million.

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