Daijiworld Media Network - Colombo

Colombo, May 26: Sri Lanka has announced free on-arrival visas for tourists from 40 countries, including India, as part of efforts to boost tourism arrivals.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration on Monday said visitors from the eligible countries, as well as nations having bilateral reciprocal agreements with Sri Lanka such as Singapore, Maldives and Seychelles, must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival.

Under the new arrangement, tourists will receive a free 30-day visa with a double-entry facility valid from the date of first arrival.

India continues to remain Sri Lanka’s largest source market for inbound tourism.

Apart from India, countries covered under the scheme include Russia, United Kingdom, United States, Germany, China and Denmark among others.

Officials said the move is aimed at encouraging foreign tourist arrivals and supporting Sri Lanka’s tourism-driven economic recovery.