Colombo on August 30, : In an effort to improve the tourism industry in the midst of the economic downturn, the Sri Lankan government on Tuesday said that the nation has extended its multiple-entry tourism visa for five years.
Tourism Minister Harin Fernando said that Sri Lanka currently offers a one-year, multiple entry visas, according to Xinhua news agency.
The country also offers single-entry visas with an extended stay of six months.
Fernandor claimed that the cabinet of ministers had approved his plan on Monday.
“Cabinet has agreed to allow five-year multiple entry visas to 35 countries to boost the number of tourists returning in Sri Lanka.Tourists can remain in Sri Lanka for six months in one time with this plan,” he said.
The Minister stated that the country previously offered the three-month “digital nomad” visa to tourists , aimed at foreigners who are engaged in remote-based work.
The Minister stated that tourism increased in July and in August, following the anti-government protests waned.
He said that they are expecting 1 million visitors to arrive in Sri Lanka in 2022.
“We expect to earn $2 billion in tourism revenue this year.” he said.
