Lanka now offers multiple entry visas valid up to five years to boost tourism

Sri Lanka has extended its multiple-entry tourist visa up to five years to boost tourism, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando said yesterday.

The Minister said that Sri Lanka now offers one-year multiple entry visas. The country also issues single entry visas, with a six-month stay period.

The Minister said that the Cabinet of Ministers approved his proposal on Monday.

“The Cabinet agreed to extend five-year multiple entry tourist visas, for 35 countries, to help boost repeat tourism in Sri Lanka. A tourist can stay in Sri Lanka for six months in one stretch with this scheme,” he said.

The Minister said that the country had earlier offered a digital nomad visa for tourists, for up to three months. This was introduced to attract foreigners engaged in remote work.

The Minister said that tourism has picked up in July and August. He added that they expect one million tourists will arrive in Sri Lanka in 2022.

“We expect two billion dollars from tourism this year,” he said. (RK)