COLOMBO, Feb 29: Sri Lanka has announced the discontinuation of free long-term visas for Russian and Ukrainian nationals who have resided in the country for the past two years, a government official stated on Thursday. Since the onset of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022, Sri Lanka had waived visa fees for Russians and Ukrainians, allowing them to stay without payment.

However, they will now be required to pay the standard visa charges. According to Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, the fee for a 30-day visa is approximately $50 for those wishing to extend their stay in Sri Lanka. "Those who wish to remain in the country can apply for new visas," Alles explained. "They can promptly renew their visas and stay here." Last week, immigration authorities announced the termination of the free long-term visa program for Russian and Ukrainian nationals, setting a deadline of March 7 for those without new visas to depart, a notice that generated discussion on social media. Priantha Fernando, chairman of the island's tourism body, estimated that about 300 to 400 Russians and Ukrainians have been residing in Sri Lanka since February 2022.

"This does not affect regular tourists," Fernando clarified. "We are more than happy to welcome them... there is no problem." Britain, Germany, India, and Russia are the leading sources of visitors to Sri Lanka, which has already welcomed nearly 400,000 tourists in 2024. In an effort to recover from its worst financial crisis in decades, Sri Lanka aims to attract approximately 2.2 million tourists by December. However, new Russian tourists will still be eligible for free visas under a separate promotional scheme implemented since November last year. This scheme allows tourists from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand to continue receiving free visas until March 31.