Sri Lanka has announced a significant boost to its tourism sector by introducing a visa-free entry policy for citizens from 35 countries, effective from October 1, 2024. Unfortunately, Pakistan is not included in this list. Under the new policy, visitors from the eligible countries will be allowed to stay in Sri Lanka for up to six months without needing a visa.
Visa-Free Entry Policy
The Sri Lankan Cabinet approved this initiative to simplify entry procedures and attract more international tourists. Harin Fernando, Adviser to the Ministry of Tourism, confirmed that the policy will apply to a diverse range of nations.
Read More: Top Visa-Free Destinations for Travelers Holding a US Visa
Eligible Countries for Visa-Free Entry
The visa-free access will include:
- 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 new visa-free policy, Sri Lanka will continue offering free tourist visas to visitors from China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
How Visa-Free Entry Works
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
- No Pre-Arrival Visa: No need to apply for a visa before your trip.
- Immigration Upon Arrival: Present your passport at immigration upon arrival.
- Tourist Visa: A tourist visa will be issued upon entry.
Previous Controversies
This new policy comes in response to previous concerns about increased fees for on-arrival visas, which were managed by a foreign company. The countries previously benefiting from free tourist visas included India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Suspension of E-Visa Services
To streamline the new visa-free policy and avoid confusion, Sri Lanka has temporarily suspended its e-visa services. During this period, travelers from the 35 specified countries will benefit from visa-free entry rather than requiring an e-visa. With these changes, Sri Lanka aims to enhance its appeal as a top tourist destination by making it easier for a wider range of international visitors to explore the country.
