The Immigration and Emigration Department has announced the immediate implementation of a free visa initiative for nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan.
The move is effective till 31 March 2024 and serves as a pilot project aligned with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Under this initiative, foreign nationals from the specified countries holding Diplomatic, Official, Public Affairs, Service and Ordinary passports are eligible to benefit from a visa-free scheme. However, they are required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka, with the application fee waived till the program’s conclusion in March 2024.
Tourists availing themselves of this scheme can enjoy a 30-day visa-free period, and a unique feature permits a double entry within 30 days from their initial arrival in Sri Lanka, as outlined in the official statement from the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
The free ETA application remains open only till 3 March 2024, and the 30-day free visa period cannot be extended beyond this timeframe. The statement emphasises that after the specified date, visitors seeking an extension must apply for a visa extension, subject to the appropriate fees.
The Controller (Visa) for the Controller General of the Immigration and Emigration Department underscored that the visa-free scheme exclusively pertains to the seven mentioned countries, while other nations must adhere to Sri Lanka’s standard rules and regulations for ETA.
