In a strategic move to revitalize its tourism sector, Sri Lanka has unveiled a significant initiative by offering free tourist visas to travelers from seven nations, including India. The Department of Immigration and Emigration’s announcement marked the launch of this endeavor, aiming to bolster the country’s tourism sector that suffered a downturn since the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.
With immediate effect, Indian tourists, along with visitors from China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand, will receive free tourist visas upon arrival in Sri Lanka. The initiative, a result of a Cabinet decision made in October, targets the revival of the island nation’s tourism sector, heavily impacted by the aftermath of the Easter Sunday bombings.
This pilot project, scheduled to continue until March 31, 2024, offers visitors dual entry status upon arrival, with the visa’s validity restricted to a 30-day stay in Sri Lanka.
India traditionally stands as Sri Lanka’s primary inbound tourism market. October 2023 statistics showed a significant influx of Indian tourists, leading with over 28,000 arrivals, constituting 26% of the total arrivals. Russian tourists followed closely as the second-largest group, with over 10,000 arrivals, while British tourists ranked third, with over 8,000 arrivals.
The country’s tourism sector had been grappling with a decline since the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, a tragic event resulting in the loss of 270 lives, including 11 Indians, and leaving over 500 injured. This downturn, coupled with Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic challenges, including shortages of essential items like food, medicine, and fuel, prompted the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to approve a USD 3 billion bailout in March to aid the country’s ailing economy.
Sri Lanka’s initiative to offer free tourist visas aims to invigorate the tourism sector, encouraging visitors from key markets to explore the island nation’s cultural and natural wonders while contributing to its economic revival.
Sources By Agencies
