Prior to issuing visits visas for Sri Lankan ex-servicemen, authorities in Russia now require Sri Lanka’s Defence Ministry clearance.
The new decision has been confirmed through a post on platform X, by Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Ali Sabry, VisaGuide.World reports.
The decision comes following a meeting Sabry held with the Russian Ambassador in Colombo, Levan S. Dzhagaryan.
Russia will now require Sri Lanka Defence Ministry clearance for visit visas of ex-servicemen. The upcoming visit by the State Minister of Foreign Affairs to Russia will enable further discussions to find a solution to this matter.
According to the Minister, Sri Lanka’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tharaka Balasuriya, will visit Russia in the near future, and this will allow further decisions in order to find a solution regarding the issue.
Sri Lanka Ended Free Long-Term Visas to Russians & Ukrainians
In February this year, the government of Sri Lanka halted the issuance of free long-term visas to nationals of Russia and Ukraine who have lived in Sri Lanka for the past two years.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, authorities in Sri Lanka have allowed nationals of Russia and Ukraine to remain in this country without paying for visas. However, they are now obliged to pay the charges.
According to a report from Reuters, the rate for a 30-day visa is $50 in order to stay in Sri Lanka, as confirmed by Sri Lanka’s Public Security Minister, Tiran Alles.
Whoever wants to stay back can apply for new visas. They can immediately renew their visas and remain here.
According to official data, more than 288,000 nationals from Russia and about 20,000 from Ukraine have entered Sri Lanka in the last two years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Sri Lanka Intensifies Efforts to Boost Tourism
As part of efforts to boost the tourism sector, Sri Lanka started to grant 30-day visas on arrival and extensions for up to six months.
The data provided by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) revealed that in 2023, the country welcomed a total of 1,487,303 tourists, thus accounting for an increase of 106.6 per cent compared to 2022 statistics.
The same source revealed that in December alone, more than 210,300 tourists arrived in Sri Lanka.
According to SLTDA, among the top source markets in December were India, the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, Australia and China.