Sri Lanka approves free tourist visas for seven countries
Sri Lanka is granting free tourist visa entry for travelers from seven countries.
In order to boost inbound Sri Lanka tourism, free tourist visas will be issued through March 31, 2024 under a pilot scheme.
It is valid for nationals of China, India, Russia, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
It is a move to boost tourist numbers with a goal of reaching five million arrivals by 2026.
Following a severe financial crisis last year, Sri Lanka tourism has rebounded, welcoming over one million tourists so far this year.
The top market is India, followed by Russia, according to the Sri Lanka Development Authority.
Sri Lanka tourism spending reached $1.3 billion in the first eight months of 2023.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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