Sri Lankan passport holders will no longer be eligible for visa-free entry to Thailand with effect from September 15, according to reports.
The move has been introduced under Thailand’s revised entry regulations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the revised visa exemption and visa-on-arrival measures were published in the country’s Royal Gazette on August 31.
The changes were made following a review approved by the Thai Cabinet in May.
Accordingly, the previous 60-day visa-free stay facility has been withdrawn, while the list of countries eligible for visa-free entry for short-term visits has also been revised.
The Thai government has taken the decision after considering national security, tourism and economic interests, reciprocal bilateral benefits, the reduction of additional visa exemptions, and the use of Thailand’s electronic visa (e-Visa) system.
Under the new regulations, Sri Lankans travelling to Thailand after September 15 will be required to obtain the appropriate visa before travelling.
Visa applications can be submitted through Thailand’s online e-Visa system. The Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo also issued a notice on September 4 informing the public about the new visa measures.
However, Sri Lankan tourists who enter Thailand before September 15 under the existing visa exemption scheme will reportedly be allowed to remain in the country until the end of the period authorised by Thai immigration authorities.
