On-arrival visas: Cabinet approval granted

27 February 2019 05:41 am - 10 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Cabinet is yesterday reported to have yesterday endorsed a proposal to extend the on-arrival visa facility for citizens of several foreign countries including Japan, Thailand, Singapore and the member-states of the European Union.

Tourism Development Minister John Amaratunga submitted the cabinet paper to grant 6-month visas for stays in Sri Lanka on arrival in the country.

The Minister is said to have sought such an arrangement as a means of boosting tourist arrivals to the country and told the Daily Mirror that he had originally sought approval only for Thai nationals, but his cabinet colleagues including President Maithripala Sirisena wanted it extended to other countries as well.

He said it would be initially implemented for a trial period.

“Depending on its success, we will decide whether to further extend this facility,” he said and added that his ministry had a projected target of three million tourist arrivals this year. (Kelum Bandara)

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Comments - 10

Andrew Silva Wednesday, 27 February 2019 09:19 AM

It is not clear does this means that Thai Nationals get visas on arrive Free of Charge? Thanks to advise

Dee Wednesday, 27 February 2019 09:22 AM

For Thailand as well? Good Good! The entertainment and recreation industry will boom!

Mrs Mohini Perumal Wednesday, 27 February 2019 09:27 AM

SL born foreign citizens should be given one year visa. This will help them to come over here and give their best to improve economy of the country.

sacre blieu Wednesday, 27 February 2019 09:30 AM

How about the non-genuine arrivals. There have been complaints that this facility have been misused by a good number of visitors for illegal activities.

RW Wednesday, 27 February 2019 10:10 AM

Please improve the airport. It is already congested.

I.D.M.Karunarathna Wednesday, 27 February 2019 11:05 AM

It' s very difficult to get business visa for Thailand. Please work closely with them and try to get more relaxed business visas for Thailand.

sach Wednesday, 27 February 2019 11:20 AM

This is a stupid move. Tourists rarely stay more than 30 days. Only the trouble makers of NGO type stay. illan keam yahapalana style again

ConcernedCitizen Wednesday, 27 February 2019 11:44 AM

It should be a reciprocal arrangement. We should support Singapore to have an on arrival visa arrangement as the reciprocate the same courtesy towards us. However other countries don't even respect sri lankan, why then sell our dignity to get your SUVs, BMWs with their foreign dollars. We have overseas missions , Let them apply through those missions and automate the visa approval. For god sake work, nothing in this life comes easy and we need to earn that respect by working hard. Do not think that only tourist come down from those countries, drugs also flow to our land when you open the flood gates without a check. Finally, our foreign mission should have some work to do for the facilities they enjoy overseas.

Samson Wednesday, 27 February 2019 07:59 PM

We should not do this unless reciprocal arrangements are in place. Also 6 months is too long, maximum period must be 3 months.

Kujitha Wednesday, 27 February 2019 09:47 PM

It is very true that Business visa for Thailand is a nightmare.Why can SL

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On-arrival visas: Cabinet approval granted

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