Sri Lanka has unveiled an exciting new policy granting visa-free entry to citizens from 35 countries, including India, effective from October 1, 2024. This initiative, set to last for six months, is designed to invigorate the country’s tourism sector by making travel easier and more accessible. The visa-free entry extends to several major economies, such as China, Germany, Australia, Japan, France, and Canada, as well as key Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
This move comes on the heels of a previous pilot project that offered free visas to travelers from a select group of countries, including India, which expired in March 2024. Under that program, tourists enjoyed dual entry status with visa validity for up to 30 days. The success of this earlier initiative has prompted the Sri Lankan government to expand the program, now welcoming visitors from a broader range of nations.India has consistently been the largest source of tourists to Sri Lanka, accounting for a significant percentage of total arrivals. In October of the previous year alone, over 28,000 Indian tourists visited the island, making up 26 percent of all visitors. The deep-rooted bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy, with tourism playing a pivotal role in this connection.
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry and Sri Lankan MP V Radhakrishnan have both emphasized the importance of this visa-free initiative in further strengthening the ties between the two nations. With 60 percent of Sri Lanka’s visitors hailing from India, this policy is expected to further boost the tourism sector, benefiting both countries economically.Travelers from India and the other included nations can now look forward to exploring Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities without the hassle of visa applications. This development is set to make Sri Lanka an even more attractive destination for international tourists.
