The Cabinet of Ministers has authorized President Ranil Wickremesinghe to implement visa-free access for 38 countries with immediate effect, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry announced today.
This decision comes in response to delays faced by tourists at Katunayake Airport due to issues with the new visa issuance system.
Minister Sabry revealed on ‘X’ that the government has adopted Singapore’s streamlined ‘one-chop’ approach, where a visa or visa extension is issued with a single official stamp or seal on the applicant’s passport. This move aims to reduce congestion at visa counters.
Former Tourism Minister and Presidential Advisor on Tourism Affairs Harin Fernando also confirmed the immediate launch of the ‘One-Chop’ visa-free system. He added that the Cabinet has given the President full authority to implement the system.