Sri Lanka has announced a significant boost to its tourism industry by granting visa-free entry to citizens from 35 countries, including India, the UK, and the US. This policy will be implemented starting October 1, 2024, and will allow visitors to stay in the island nation for up to six months.
Expanded Visa-Free Access
The Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved the visa-free policy to attract more international visitors by simplifying entry procedures. Harin Fernando, Adviser to the Ministry of Tourism, confirmed that the new policy will cover a diverse list of nations.
Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry
The list of countries eligible for visa-free entry includes India, the UK, the US, China, Germany, and many others. You can find the complete list on the Sri Lankan government’s official website or consult with the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in your country.
- India
- United Kingdom
- China
- United States
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Spain
- Australia
- Denmark
- Poland
- Kazakhstan
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- Nepal
- Indonesia
- Russia
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Japan
- France
- Canada
- Czech Republic
- Italy
- Switzerland
- Austria
- Israel
- Belarus
- Iran
- Sweden
- South Korea
- Qatar
- Oman
- Bahrain
- New Zealand
Free Tourist Visas for Select Countries
In addition to the newly introduced visa-free policy, Sri Lanka continues to offer free tourist visas to visitors from certain countries. Travelers from India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia have been receiving tourist visas free of charge.
Understanding Visa-Free Entry
Visa-free entry allows citizens of specified countries to enter Sri Lanka without needing a visa beforehand. Travelers must meet certain requirements, such as:
- Holding a valid passport
- Having sufficient funds for their stay
- Possessing a return or onward ticket
Visa-free entry simplifies travel, allowing eligible visitors to explore Sri Lanka without undergoing lengthy visa procedures.
Visa-free entry allows citizens of eligible countries to travel to Sri Lanka without obtaining a visa in advance. Upon arrival, they will go through immigration procedures and be granted a tourist visa.
- Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Sri Lanka.
- No Pre-Arrival Visa: You don’t need to apply for a visa before your trip.
- Immigration Upon Arrival: Upon arrival at the Sri Lankan airport, you will go through immigration procedures and present your passport.
- Tourist Visa: You will be granted a tourist visa upon arrival.
Background and Previous Controversies
This new visa-free policy follows earlier concerns over increased fees for on-arrival visas, managed by a foreign company. Previously, travelers from India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia had enjoyed free tourist visas to Sri Lanka.
In a related development, Sri Lanka has temporarily suspended its e-visa services. The suspension aims to streamline the new visa-free policy and prevent confusion among travelers.
During this period, eligible travelers from the 35 specified countries will benefit from visa-free entry instead of applying for an e-visa. The suspension reflects Sri Lanka’s commitment to providing a seamless entry process for tourists while the new policy is in effect.
Final Words
With the introduction of visa-free entry and the temporary suspension of e-visa services, Sri Lanka aims to enhance its appeal as a tourist destination, offering easier access to a broader range of international visitors.
