The on-arrival visa facility for visitors has been suspended, with regard to four African countries, with immediate effect. This has been done as a precautionary measure to prevent the entry of Ebola virus, the External Affairs Ministry said.

External Affairs Ministry Public Relations Officer Satya Rodrigo said the privilege to obtain visas on arrival will not be offered to the four African countries -- Nigeria, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia -- until further notice. He said this decision had been taken in order to reduce the likelihood of persons infected with Ebola virus from entering the country.

This action is consequent on a request by the Health Ministry.

“But people can still apply for visas through the embassies after submitting a medical report,” said Mr. Rodrigo. (Chaturanga Pradeep)