Sri Lanka’s visa rules are changing for Brits with immediate effect

Brits heading to Sri Lanka will no longer need to pay for a visa, after Sri Lankan authorities have chosen to waiver visa fees for visitors.

The country's Tourism Development Ministry has brought in new rules which means that visitors coming to the island for tourism or business travel will be able to obtain a free visa valid for up to one month's stay.

The waive of fees will apply to 48 countries, which includes the United Kingdom, according to Reuters .

You will still need a visa to enter the country, but this can be obtained either on arrival or you can apply for the visa online.

You can find out more about the entry requirements for Sri Lanka in the FCO's Sri Lanka travel advice .

Until now the country charged between $20-$40 for its visas.

The change came into force on Thursday 1st August and is expected to last for six months when the authorities will re-assess the policy.

The move comes in a bid to revive tourism to the tear drop island, which drastically reduced after a series of bombings in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday left over 250 people dead and even more injured.

At the time, the FCO issued a warning against all but essential travel .

However the British authority subsequently changed its travel advice again in June , when it re-opened the country to tourists.

The waiving of the visa fees isn't the only move by authorities to try and encourage visitors to return.

Back in July, it was revealed that the country would be reducing airline fees for six months, while a number of hotels and restaurants are also offering discounted rates.

Of course the tear drop island has long been a firm favourite with explorers.

After all, it's renowned for offering up heaps of beautiful places to visit , not to mention it's also home to some pretty fantastic beaches .

Check the latest FCO travel advice for Sri Lanka before you travel.

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