Courtesy Hiru News

On May 6th, it was decided to maintain the current USD 50 fee for a 30-day visa for foreign visitors to Sri Lanka. Additionally, the free visa service extended to citizens of seven countries – India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia – will persist. However, the responsibility for visa issuance will be solely managed by the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

This decision highlights the government’s commitment to facilitating tourism while ensuring streamlined visa procedures. By maintaining the existing visa fees and extending free visa services to select countries, Sri Lanka aims to attract tourists and foster international relations.

The decision to centralize visa issuance under the Department of Immigration and Emigration reaffirms the government’s focus on efficiency and accountability in visa processing. This centralized approach is expected to enhance oversight and streamline visa services for both visitors and officials.

As Sri Lanka navigates its tourism strategy amidst global challenges, maintaining competitive visa policies is crucial for attracting visitors and bolstering the tourism sector’s contribution to the economy.