Proposal to extend visa by 2 months for 4,000 Ukrainian tourists before Cabinet today

The Government is considering to extend the visas of Ukrainian tourists, who are unable to return to their motherland given the unrest between Russia and Ukraine. 

A special note in this regard is most likely to be presented to the Cabinet of Ministers today. The visa for Ukrainian tourists will be extended for two months, the Daily FT learns.  

Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga yesterday said that the Foreign Affairs Ministry is already in discussions with the Department of Immigration and Emigration to explore opportunities of extending the visa for Ukraine tourist in Sri Lanka.

As visas for tourists are issued for an average minimum of one month, the Minister said that he hopes to take the necessary steps considering the expiry of visas for Ukrainians staying in the country.

According to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) data, nearly 4,000 Ukrainian tourists are currently in the country, while the number of Russian tourists staying in Sri Lanka is close to 11,500.