Cabinet nod to extend visa for stranded Ukrainian, Russians

• Tourism Ministry confirms travellers of both countries could stay till ban on air travels lifted 

The Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday has approved further extending free visas for Ukrainian and Russian tourists until further notice, considering the prevailing unrest between the two countries.

This is the second time their visa has been extended from the previous approval on 28 February to extend the visa free of charge for two months. 

Russia and Ukraine are considered top tourist source markets for Sri Lanka, especially during the post-pandemic industry revival process. 

A Tourism Ministry official told the Daily FT that the decision was approved as air space between the two countries is currently banned for international operations. 

Against this backdrop, the tourists from Ukraine and Russia that are stranded could stay in Sri Lanka till the conflict between the countries is over and the ban on air travel is lifted. 

The proposal tabled by Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday.

As per the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), 1,993 Ukrainian tourists are currently in the country, while the number of Russians staying in Sri Lanka is 6,942 at present.