Government to extend visas of Ukrainian tourists in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st) ; The Government has focused on extending the visa period for Ukrainian tourists who are unable to return to their home country due to the conflict.

Accordingly, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga stated that the Government is considering extending the visas of Ukrainian tourists who are unable to travel to their home country due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and further stated that this proposal will be presented at the Cabinet meeting held tomorrow (28).

The Minister also pointed out that the Ministry of External Affairs is already in discussions with the Department of Immigration and Emigration in this regard.

Minister Ranatunga also mentioned that since visas are issued to tourists for a minimum period of one month, necessary steps will be taken after considering the expiration date of visas for Ukrainian tourists in the country.

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