Children under 12 can travel visa-free

Friday, 13 January 2012 00:54 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Cabinet approval given, transit passengers also exempt

Cabinet approval has been given for children under the age of 12 to travel without visa to Sri Lanka.

Cabinet Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told media at the weekly briefing that the exemption had been approved to facilitate tourism in the country. Accordingly transit passengers who exit the country within two days of arrival are also exempt from visa.

The cabinet proposal was made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Minister of Defence and Urban Development.

“It would be very favourable for Sri Lanka, as it would make this system attractive while boosting visits by foreigners with their children. Further, it is considered that if transit passengers are given exemption from processing fees up to 48 hours, as on numerous occasions, they conclude their visits within that period of time,” he said.

Sri Lanka is expecting record tourist arrivals exceeding 950,000 and is aggressively promoting the industry. After concerns were expressed by India, the proposed visa fees were slashed and the Government has insisted that the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is functioning well. Sri Lanka also hopes to attract more than US$ 1 billion in Foreign Direct Investment and also has approved 92 new hotel projects to facilitate the industry.