The Cabinet has approved the implementation of a ‘one chop’ visa system for 38 visa-free countries, with immediate effect, according to Harin Fernando, Advisor to the Ministry of Tourism.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Fernando explained that the ‘one chop system,’ similar to that used in Singapore, involves a simplified process of issuing visas or visa extensions with a single official stamp or seal on the applicant’s passport.
“This stamp indicates that the visa has been approved and authorized without the need for additional approvals or complex procedures,” Fernando said, emphasizing that the new approach aims to make the visa process quicker and more straightforward for applicants.
While the Cabinet had previously decided to grant visa-free access to 35 countries starting October 1, 2024, the latest decision accelerates this initiative, bringing it into effect immediately.
Source – dailymirror.lk
