After large numbers of countries placed restrictions on Russian nationals following the invasion of Ukraine two years ago, many flocked to Sri Lanka when it effectively offered near-indefinite stays.
Indeed, nearly 200,000 Russians and 5,000 Ukrainians visited the country last year, according to Sri Lanka’s tourism department.
However, a Sri Lankan government official announced today that the country will stop issuing free long-term visas to Russian and Ukrainian nationals who have lived in the Indian Ocean Island nation for the past two years.
In the wake of Ukraine’s invasion in February 2022, Sri Lanka had allowed Russians and Ukrainians to stay in the country without paying for visas, but they will now have to pay the charges.
The rate is about $50 (£39) for a 30-day visa, if they wish to stay in Sri Lanka, Public Security Minister Tiran Alles told Reuters.
“Whoever wants to stay back can apply for new visas,” Alles added. “They can immediately renew their visas and remain here.”
Last week, immigration authorities said they were ending the free long-term visa scheme for Russian and Ukraine nationals, setting a 7 March deadline for the departure of those without new visas in a notice that sparked comment on social media.
Priantha Fernando, the chairman of the island’s tourism body, said around 300 to 400 Russians and Ukrainians were estimated to have been staying in Sri Lanka since February 2022.
“This has nothing to do with normal tourists,” Fernando said. “We are more than welcoming them… there is no issue.”
New Russian tourists will still be eligible for free visas under a separate promotion scheme adopted from last November.
The latest announcements come after outrage over a “whites only” party that was allegedly advertised at a Russian-run nightclub.
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