Sri Lanka extends free tourist visa facility until April 30
5 years ago

Sri Lanka extends free tourist visa facility until April 30

India TV News  

Sri Lanka on Thursday extended the free visa-on-arrival scheme till April 30 for the citizens of 48 countries, including India, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said, as the country tries to revive the tourism sector which was hit by the Easter Sunday bombings. Tourism which contributes 5 per cent to the island's GDP was dealt a severe blow after the ISIS linked local extremist group National Thawheed Jammath carried out suicide bombings which killed over 260 people at three luxury hotels and three churches on April 21. Sri Lanka's tourism arrivals had received a boost by early 2019 with over 10 per cent increase in arrivals year on year. The US, China, the UK, India and Australia were among the countries which issued travel warnings on Sri Lanka following the Easter Sunday blasts.

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History of this topic

Budget travel guide: How to visit Sri Lanka in less than ₹1 lakh
1 month ago

Budget travel guide: How to visit Sri Lanka in less than ₹1 lakh

Hindustan Times  

A tiny teardrop of an island, Sri Lanka is not only a quick getaway from India, it also offers a million options to the travellers - historic towns, tea plantations, beaches, ancient temples and forts, and wildlife reserves. Scale Sigiriya rock fortress: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the ruins of Sigiriya fortress sit atop a 200m-high rock in Central Province; …

Travel hacks for a luxury Sri Lanka trip for just ₹1.5 lakh
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Travel hacks for a luxury Sri Lanka trip for just ₹1.5 lakh

Live Mint  

Indian tourists are the largest group visiting Sri Lanka, thanks to the country’s proximity—a quick 2.5-hour flight from Mumbai—and its affordability. While Indians don’t need a visa for Sri Lanka, they must obtain an electronic travel authorization, which is free and issued online within a few hours of application. The final leg of my trip was a few days in …

Sri Lanka police arrest three people after threat to Israelis at popular tourist spots
2 months, 2 weeks ago

Sri Lanka police arrest three people after threat to Israelis at popular tourist spots

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sri Lankan police arrested three …

Dissanayake government restores old visa system in Sri Lanka
3 months, 1 week ago

Dissanayake government restores old visa system in Sri Lanka

The Hindu  

Sri Lanka’s newly elected government led byPresident Anura Kumara Dissanayake has restored the country’s old visa system, adhering to a recent Supreme Court order that suspended a controversial new portal managed by a consortium including an Indian company. Following the move, Sri Lanka’s visa fee nearly doubled, sparking concern within the island nation’s tourism industry, a key foreign exchange earner. …

Sri Lanka news: India, 34 other countries get visa free access from October 1, policy to last 6 months. Check details
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Sri Lanka news: India, 34 other countries get visa free access from October 1, policy to last 6 months. Check details

Live Mint  

Travellers from as many as 35 countries, including Indians, will be able to enjoy visa-free entry to the island country of Sri Lanka from October this year, PTI reported. As per local reports on August 21, the Sri Lankan government has approved visa-free access to citizens from 35 countries, including India, the United Kingdom, and the United States, for six …

Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court suspends controversial visa process involving Indian company
5 months ago

Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court suspends controversial visa process involving Indian company

The Hindu  

Sri Lanka’s Supreme court on August 2 issued an interim order suspending the government’s new visa scheme, run by a consortium including an Indian company, that earlier sparked controversy over allegations of corruption totalling over a billion dollars. In April this year, Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration switched to a new visa portal, roping in a consortium of …

Tourism-reliant Sri Lanka faces backlash over new visa system
8 months ago

Tourism-reliant Sri Lanka faces backlash over new visa system

The Hindu  

A fortnight after Sri Lanka switched to a new visa issuing system, authorities are facing a backlash over higher visa costs that could deter tourists, “Indian involvement”, and “corruption” in the subject minister’s push to outsource visa processing. The move followed a Cabinet decision last year, based on a proposal from Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, to appoint GBS Technology …

21 Indian nationals detained for illegally operating business on tourist visa in Sri Lanka
9 months, 3 weeks ago

21 Indian nationals detained for illegally operating business on tourist visa in Sri Lanka

India TV News  

Colombo: At least 21 Indian nationals were detained by Sri Lankan authorities for illegally operating a computer-operated business in the country, in violation of the relaxed tourist visa norms, according to officials on Wednesday. Under Sri Lanka's law, those who visit the island nation on tourist visas are prohibited from engaging in any paid or unpaid work. The Indian nationals …

Sri Lanka ends visas for hundreds of thousands of Russians staying there to avoid war
10 months, 1 week ago

Sri Lanka ends visas for hundreds of thousands of Russians staying there to avoid war

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sri Lanka has told hundreds …

Island nations bank on waves of Chinese visitors
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Island nations bank on waves of Chinese visitors

China Daily  

Chinese tourists arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka, on March 1. Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Fiji and some Pacific Island nations with either new or long-existing favorable visa policies for Chinese citizens, are hoping to cash in on the big-spending tourists. Stunning beach resorts combined with attractions including ancient ruins and wildlife safaris have lured visitors to Sri …

Island nations bank on waves of Chinese visitors
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Island nations bank on waves of Chinese visitors

China Daily  

Chinese tourists arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka, on March 1. Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Fiji and some Pacific Island nations with either new or long-existing favorable visa policies for Chinese citizens, are hoping to cash in on the big-spending tourists. Stunning beach resorts combined with attractions including ancient ruins and wildlife safaris have lured visitors to Sri …

Indonesia may issue free entry visas to Indian travellers. Details here
1 year ago

Indonesia may issue free entry visas to Indian travellers. Details here

Live Mint  

In an effort to push up tourist visits and bring a multiplier effect on the economy, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has proposed issuing free entry visas to travelers from 20 countries including India. "The ministry proposed 20 countries with the highest foreign tourists, except for those with existing visa exemptions," Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno …

Thailand extends visa-free entry to Indian, Taiwanese tourists for six months
1 year, 2 months ago

Thailand extends visa-free entry to Indian, Taiwanese tourists for six months

Live Mint  

In an effort to attract more tourists as the high season approaches, Thailand has announced the temporary removal of visa requirements for travellers from India and Taiwan starting next month and continuing until May 2024. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin informed reporters that travellers from India and Taiwan will enjoy visa-free entry to Thailand from November 10th to May 10th this …

Sri Lanka is firmly back on the holiday map – here’s why now is the time to return for affordable adventure
1 year, 2 months ago

Sri Lanka is firmly back on the holiday map – here’s why now is the time to return for affordable adventure

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. It decimated tourism, one of Sri Lanka’s largest foreign exchange earners and an essential cog in the country’s economy, which …

Sri Lanka approves free tourist visas for visitors from India, six other countries
1 year, 2 months ago

Sri Lanka approves free tourist visas for visitors from India, six other countries

The Hindu  

Sri Lanka on October 24 waived visa fee for Indians and tourists from six other countries, as part of its efforts to boost tourist arrivals and help rebuild the island nation’s battered economy following last year’s financial crash. As part of its decisions this week, the Cabinet announced implementation of a pilot project to issue free tourist visas to tourists …

Sri Lanka approves visa-free entry for travellers from seven countries including India
1 year, 2 months ago

Sri Lanka approves visa-free entry for travellers from seven countries including India

Firstpost  

Taking to X, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Ali Sabry said, “Cabinet approves issuing of free visas to India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia & Thailand with immediate effect as a pilot project till 31 March” Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved a proposal to grant free visas to travelers from seven countries - China, Russia, India, Thailand, Malaysia, …

Sri Lanka approves visa-free entry for visitors from India, six other countries
1 year, 2 months ago

Sri Lanka approves visa-free entry for visitors from India, six other countries

Live Mint  

Sri Lanka Cabinet approved issuing of free visas to India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand with immediate effect as a pilot project till 31 March, tweeted Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Ali Sabry. “Cabinet approves issuing of free visas to India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand with immediate effect as a pilot project till …

Sri Lanka plans to attract 2.5 million tourists in 2024
1 year, 3 months ago

Sri Lanka plans to attract 2.5 million tourists in 2024

Deccan Chronicle  

Kolkata: Sri Lanka, which has been on the path of recovery after internal political turmoil, has set a target to attract 2.5 million tourists in 2024 to boost it's economy. Nalin Perera, director general of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority shared the details during the island nation's roadshow in the city to promote tourism weeks after West Bengal chief minister …

Sri Lanka counting on Indian tourists to aid economic recovery
1 year, 6 months ago

Sri Lanka counting on Indian tourists to aid economic recovery

The Hindu  

Sri Lanka is counting on tourists from India, its primary source market, to boost foreign exchange earnings and aid economic recovery, as the island expects fewer tourists from Europe amid the ongoing recession. Addressing participants on Thursday, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said tourism would emerge Sri Lanka’s chief foreign exchange earning sector in the next decade. In 2022, when Sri Lanka …

Sri Lanka to woo greater number of Indian tourists
2 years, 4 months ago

Sri Lanka to woo greater number of Indian tourists

The Hindu  

Sri Lanka’s tourism officials, conscious of the dire need to shore up their country’s economy, plan to woo a greater number of Indian tourists, who constitute the single largest segment of foreign tourists, through new packages such as the Murugan-Shiva Shakthi trails. Referring to the ongoing 25-day-long festival in Nallur, Chalaka Gajabahu, chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, …

Sri Lanka crisis updates | July 13, 2022
2 years, 5 months ago

Sri Lanka crisis updates | July 13, 2022

The Hindu  

Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe instructed the military and police “to do what is necessary to restore order”. July 13 9.40 pm Sri Lanka acting president asks parliamentary speaker to nominate new prime minister Sri Lanka’s acting President and Prime mMnister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has asked the Speaker of Parliament to nominate a new prime minister, his media team said …

As Sri Lanka’s crisis deepens, India extends more assistance
2 years, 8 months ago

As Sri Lanka’s crisis deepens, India extends more assistance

The Hindu  

May 03, 2022 10:38 pm | Updated May 04, 2022 07:43 am IST Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has cleared a proposal to source more fuel from India, through a $200 million short-term loan facility from the Exim Bank of India, as the island nation struggles to cope with a deepening economic crisis. India has extended nearly $3 billion to cash-strapped Sri …

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka is hosting thousands of stranded Ukrainians
2 years, 9 months ago

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka is hosting thousands of stranded Ukrainians

Al Jazeera  

Official figures show about 5,000 Ukrainians and 15,000 Russians visited the island nation in the month the conflict began. “I love Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan people,” Makarenko told the AFP news agency. “Everybody wants to help us.” She, her husband and their five-year-old daughter had been travelling around Sri Lanka for weeks when Russian forces invaded Ukraine. “We stay …

Tourism in Sri Lanka: One step forward, two steps back
2 years, 9 months ago

Tourism in Sri Lanka: One step forward, two steps back

Al Jazeera  

Colombo, Sri Lanka – Tourism in Sri Lanka just can’t seem to catch a break. “We need to find solutions for these people as soon as possible,” President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said in his national address on Sri Lanka’s independence day earlier in February. “As such, whilst strictly adhering to health recommendations, we have acted to restart the tourism industry in …

India tops Sri Lanka’s tourism charts 2021
3 years ago

India tops Sri Lanka’s tourism charts 2021

The Hindu  

India topped Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals in December and the entire year, according to data published by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. For most part of 2020 beginning April, Sri Lanka shut its borders fearing import of COVID-19 cases into the island nation, which was then making global headlines for managing the pandemic well. For December, Sri Lanka recorded …

Sri Lanka bans travellers from India with immediate effect
3 years, 8 months ago

Sri Lanka bans travellers from India with immediate effect

Deccan Chronicle  

Colombo: Sri Lanka on Thursday announced that all arrivals from India will be banned with immediate effect due to the record rise in COVID-19 cases in the neighbouring country. The Director General Civil aviation in a letter to the CEO of the national carrier Srilankan Airlines has said, "in accordance with instructions received from health authorities of Sri Lanka due …

Sri Lanka to Let Tourists Enjoy the Best of Wildlife Experience Sitting at Home
4 years, 3 months ago

Sri Lanka to Let Tourists Enjoy the Best of Wildlife Experience Sitting at Home

News 18  

Sri Lankan authorities announced Wednesday that they will offer livestreams from the island nation’s wildlife parks, in a move to help revive a tourism industry that has been decimated by the coronavirus pandemic. The government’s Tourism Promotion Bureau said livestreaming will initially cover four national parks to showcase the South Asian country’s exotic wildlife, including leopards, bears, elephants, crocodiles and …

Sri Lanka to offer livestreams from wildlife parks
4 years, 3 months ago

Sri Lanka to offer livestreams from wildlife parks

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sri Lankan authorities announced Wednesday …

Sri Lanka suspends visa on arrival for Chinese citizens after first case of coronavirus
4 years, 11 months ago

Sri Lanka suspends visa on arrival for Chinese citizens after first case of coronavirus

The Hindu  

Sri Lanka suspended its policy of granting visa on arrival for Chinese travellers on Tuesday, a day after the health authorities detected the country’s first coronavirus infection. Sudath Suraweera, the chief epidemiologist of the country’s health ministry, said on Monday that a 40-year-old Chinese woman was found positive for the virus. Following the first detection of the coronavirus case, the …

Coronavirus outbreak: Sri Lanka suspends visa-on-arrival for Chinese nationals after tourist from Hubei tests positive for disease
4 years, 11 months ago

Coronavirus outbreak: Sri Lanka suspends visa-on-arrival for Chinese nationals after tourist from Hubei tests positive for disease

Firstpost  

Sri Lankan health authorities on Monday said the country has its first confirmed case of of a person infected with the new virus from China Colombo: Sri Lanka suspended its policy of granting visa on arrival for Chinese travellers on Tuesday, a day after the health authorities detected the country’s first coronavirus infection. Sudath Suraweera, the chief epidemiologist of the …

Sri Lanka lifts 25-year ban on private helicopter flights from Colombo
4 years, 11 months ago

Sri Lanka lifts 25-year ban on private helicopter flights from Colombo

India TV News  

In a bid to boost tourism, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Friday lifted a 25-year ban on the operation of helicopter flights by private operators from Colombo. "We were waiting for a long time for this opportunity," Skylark Aviation Flight Operations Manager Captain Ravi Dharmawickrama told the Daily Financial Times, saying it was a "major landmark" in Sri Lanka's …

Good news, Indian passport holders! Sri Lanka extends free Visa on arrival till April 30
5 years ago

Good news, Indian passport holders! Sri Lanka extends free Visa on arrival till April 30

India Today  

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka anytime soon this New Year? Well, there is good news for you as the country is offering free visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders. The country extended the scheme today where it is offering free visa-on-arrival till April 30 for the citizens of 48 countries. The country had stopped its scheme of giving free visa-on-arrival …

Indian passport holder? Sri Lanka is now offering visa on arrival for free
5 years, 5 months ago

Indian passport holder? Sri Lanka is now offering visa on arrival for free

India Today  

In a bid to promote tourism in the country, from next month, Sri Lanka will offer free visa to Indian passport holders on arrival in the country starting from August 1. The news was announced by the Tourism Ministry of Sri Lanka recently where they said that they will provide the visa on arrival facility to the tourists, including travellers …

Sri Lanka blasts: US issues new travel advisory, authorises voluntary departure of non-emergency govt employees
5 years, 8 months ago

Sri Lanka blasts: US issues new travel advisory, authorises voluntary departure of non-emergency govt employees

India TV News  

The US State Department has issued a new travel advisory in the wake of Sri Lanka bombings. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, hospitals, and other public areas," it said. The advisory added …

Avoid Sri Lanka trip if possible: MEA issues advisory on non-essential travel
5 years, 8 months ago

Avoid Sri Lanka trip if possible: MEA issues advisory on non-essential travel

India TV News  

India on Saturday issued an advisory asking citizens not to undertake non-essential travel to Sri Lanka in view of the recent wave of bombings in which over 250 people were killed. "In view of the prevailing security situation in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of terror attacks on April 21, Indian nationals intending to travel to Sri Lanka are advised …

Indians advised to avoid non-essential travel to Sri Lanka after Easter Sunday bombings
5 years, 8 months ago

Indians advised to avoid non-essential travel to Sri Lanka after Easter Sunday bombings

India Today  

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday issued a travel advisory for Indians travelling to Sri Lanka and advised them to avoid "non-essential" travel where the situation continues to be precarious in the wake of the Easter Sunday serial terror blasts. The advisory issued by the MEA said, "In view of the prevailing security situation in Sri Lanka in the …

‘Indian tourists not cancelling trips to Sri Lanka’
5 years, 8 months ago

‘Indian tourists not cancelling trips to Sri Lanka’

The Hindu  

Sunday’s terror strikes in Sri Lanka – that is otherwise considered to be among the most popular tourist spots for Indians – have caused a huge dent in the country’s tourism prospects. Koushik Varaghur, from Chariot World Tours, said they had tourists who were on tour in Sri Lanka at present, but were not in Colombo at the time of …

Sri Lanka: after the terror attacks, what are travellers’ options?
5 years, 8 months ago

Sri Lanka: after the terror attacks, what are travellers’ options?

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. On Tuesday morning, 23 April, the Foreign Office updated its travel advice to warn: “Terrorists are very likely to carry …

Sri Lanka blasts likely to have ‘adverse impact’ on tourism: Tour operators
5 years, 8 months ago

Sri Lanka blasts likely to have ‘adverse impact’ on tourism: Tour operators

India TV News  

The near-simultaneous blasts targeting three churches and as many luxury hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday may have an "adverse impact" on the upcoming summer holiday season in the country, a well-known tourist destination, tour operators and hoteliers said. A string of near simultaneous blasts struck three churches and luxury hotels frequented by foreigners in Sri Lanka on Easter …

Sri Lanka to give UK tourists free visa on arrival for six months
5 years, 8 months ago

Sri Lanka to give UK tourists free visa on arrival for six months

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy UK visitors to Sri Lanka can get a free visa from 1 May 2019. Before the …

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