Parliament to approve regulations to grant free visas for 40 countries

Regulations aimed at granting free visas to tourists from 40 countries is to be presented to Parliament today (7). 

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told Timesonline that once the legislation is approved, the government will notify Sri Lanka's diplomatic missions in the relevant countries to publicise the matter. 

The free visa regime for these countries will officially come into effect from May 25. Minister Herath said the government will utilize the time period between now and then to launch a publicity blitz in the countries whose passport holders will be entitled to free visas to travel to Sri Lanka. The publicity campaign will target airlines and travel agents in these countries. 

The 40 countries and territories for which free visas to travel to Sri Lanka are to be granted are: UK and Northern Ireland, Germany, Netherlands,  Belgium, Spain, Australia,  Poland, Kazakhstan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,  UAE, Nepal, China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia,  Japan, France, USA, Canada,  Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland,  Austria, Israel, Belarus, Iran, Sweden, Finland,  Denmark,  Korea, Qatar,  Oman, Bahrain,  New Zealand,  Kuwait, Norway, Türkiye and Pakistan.