Report by Aryaa Sinha
The Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ali Sabry, announced on October 24 that it would waive the visa fees for tourists from six countries: China, India, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Japan. This policy is set to continue until March 31, 2024.
Why was the visa fee waived?
The decision to waive visa fees is primarily aimed at revitalising Sri Lanka’s economy, which has been facing various challenges in recent years. These challenges includes the Easter Sunday terror attacks in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, and the unpredictable economic crisis in 2022. By removing the visa fee, Sri Lanka hopes to attract more tourists and stimulate economic growth.
What Does It Mean By Free Visa?
When a country offers “free visas,” it means that citizens from specific countries can enter and stay in that country for a specified period without the need to obtain a visa or pay any visa fees. Travelers from these countries can visit for various purposes, such as tourism, business, or visiting family, without the usual requirement of applying for and obtaining a visa in advance.
The specific details of visa-free travel can vary from one country to another, but it typically means that travelers can enter without the extra paperwork and costs associated with visa applications. However, it’s essential to be aware that there may still be conditions and restrictions, such as a maximum length of stay, and travelers must adhere to the immigration regulations of the host country during their visit.
This initiative makes traveling to Sri Lanka more accessible for citizens of the mentioned countries. Previously, Indian travelers to Sri Lanka were required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) document, which was valid for 30 days and cost INR 2080. The new policy eliminates this cost and simplifies the process for tourists from the specified countries.
How is India special to Sri Lanka?
India holds a vital role in Sri Lanka’s economic growth. It serves as a significant trade partner, fostering economic activity and export opportunities. Indian investments in sectors such as infrastructure and manufacturing contribute to economic development and job creation. The tourism sector benefits from a large influx of Indian tourists. India’s development aid goes towards supporting Sri Lanka’s infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
It’s worth noting that India has consistently been one of Sri Lanka’s top source markets for tourists. In the current year, up to September, more than 2 lakh Indian tourists, accounting for 20% of total tourist arrivals, have visited Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has a lot of natural beauty, tropical climate, Buddhist pilgrim sites, and offers shoppers excellent tea.
Featured Image: Generated by Aryaa Sinha using Bing AI. All other images: Pixabay
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