US to grant eligible Sri Lankans five-year visas

Colombo, April 4 - The US Embassy in Colombo announced yesterday that effective immediately Sri Lankans travelling to the United States will be eligible to receive multiple entry visas valid for a five year period.

Those travellers whose visa requests are approved and have compelling reasons to travel often to the United States due to business or family considerations will automatically be issued the five-year validity visas.

Previously Sri Lankans could obtain a US visa for a maximum period of one year, states a US Embassy press release.

In addition the United States will eliminate the $95 issuance fee which had previously been charged for approved visa. Sri Lankans will continue to be charged the $100 visa application fee, a standard fee mandated by Congress and applied to all nationalities.

"This change in the validity period for most multiple-entry visas will make travelling to the US much more convenient and efficient for most Sri Lankan travellers," stated US Ambassador Jeffrey Lunstead.

"Moreover since Sri Lanka is also making immigration adjustments in response to the US decision we hope to see more American business people and tourists come to visit the island. This change is another sign of the close relationship our two countries enjoy."

While the decision to issue a visa will continue to be made in accordance with the same strict and rigorous process to deter fraud, legitimate travellers will benefit from the new visa policy.

This improvement should serve to strengthen commercial and personal ties between Sri Lanka and the United States.