The project will work in pilot mode until the end of March
Sri Lankan authorities have announced the start of issuing free visas for Russian citizens. This was announced by the head of the Foreign Ministry Ali Sabri on his Facebook page (“Twitter”). The project will operate in pilot mode until March 31.
In addition to the Russian Federation, citizens of China, India, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia will be able to issue free entry permits.
Previously, Russians could apply for a Sri Lankan visa through a special website, when personally contacting the consulate in Moscow, as well as upon arrival. Moreover, the E-visa could only be paid with a foreign bank card or UnionPay. The electronic permit cost the citizens of the Russian Federation $ 50, and upon arrival in the country – $ 60. Children under the age of 12 were exempt from the fee.
Russian tour operators have not yet received an official document from the host companies of Sri Lanka on the start of issuing free visas. This was reported, in particular, in the Resort Holiday tour operator. “The information appeared early in the morning. I think that explanations will be received during the day, including from airlines,” says Commercial Director Anna Tkachenko.
The expert notes that the news is very positive for Russian tourists. “$50 is a small cost, but if you count for a family of four, you will get a noticeable amount, almost 20 thousand rubles.”
