FREE VISA FOR INDONESIANS TO SRI LANKA, LONELY PLANET’S BEST TRAVEL DESTINATION IN 2019

Sri Lanka introduced a free visa scheme for tourists from Indonesia and another 47 countries with effect from 1^st August 2019.

Sri Lanka is a multifaceted destination with eight UNESCO world heritage sites including the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy and the Dutch fort of Galle, beaches, wildlife and many places of natural beauty, including the upcountry area which features emerald green tea plantations, waterfalls and hilly vistas

Tourists from Indonesia have to fill the free visa form at the Bandaranaike International Airport to be presented to the Immigration counter. To avoid the congestion at the immigration counter, all tourists are advised to fill the form available online at www.eta.gov.lk for a one month’s stay then print the approval notice and show it to the immigration officer at the Airport. The service is on a free of charge basis.

Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs Minister, Mr. John Amaratunga said that the policy would remain in place for six months. Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, Mr. RMPSB Ratnayake said that free tourist visa will be issued for a 30-days period.

Sri Lanka welcomed a record 2.33 million tourists in 2018, and was named the world’s top travel destination for 2019 by the Lonely Planet travel guide.

Sri Lanka was also named as the Best Safari Destination outside of Africa by Forbes Magazine and the best emerging destination in Asia by Lemming Travel.

Starting from 2^nd to 15^th August, Sri Lanka holds the Grand Pageant of Asia called “Esala Perahera” in the historic city of Kandy . This is a stunning visual spectacle of musicians, dancers, and various other performers, including fire dancers, accompanied by a large number of caparisoned Tuskers and Elephants parading the streets. The “Randoli Perahera”, the most elaborate event, will be paraded the streets from 10^th to 14^th August and the final “Perahera” will on 15^th August.

For further information on destination of Sri Lanka, visit Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau website : https://www.srilanka.travel/

There is a daily flight from Jakarta to Colombo by Sri Lankan Airlines.