Sri Lanka Announces Visa-Free Entry for 35 Countries Starting October 2024

Beginning on October 1, 2024, people from 35 nations—including the US, UK, and India—will be able to enter Sri Lanka without a visa. The goal of this six-month strategy is to facilitate travel by streamlining the process. Furthermore, while temporarily suspending e-visa services, Sri Lanka still grants free tourist visas to travelers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Russia, India, and Japan.

Sri Lanka has announced that allowing nationals from 35 countries—including the US, the UK, and India—to enter the country without a visa will significantly enhance its tourism sector. Visitors will be permitted to stay in the island nation for a maximum of six months under this policy, which will go into effect on October 1, 2024.

Increased Visa-Free Entry

The visa-free policy was authorized by the Sri Lankan Cabinet to streamline entry requirements and draw in more foreign tourists. The Ministry of Tourism’s advisor, Harin Fernando, reaffirmed that a wide range of countries will be included in the new policy.

Nations Permitted for Visa-Free Entry

A long list of nations, including China, Germany, the US, the UK, India, and many more, are exempt from the need for a visa. The official website of the Sri Lankan government has the complete list; alternatively, you can contact the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in your nation.

• United Kingdom
• India
• United States
• China
• Netherlands
• Germany
• Spain
• Belgium
• Denmark
• Australia
• Kazakhstan
• Poland
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• Indonesia
• Nepal
• Thailand
• Russia
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Canada
• France
• Italy
• Czech Republic
• Austria
• Switzerland
• Belarus
• Israel
• Sweden
• Iran
• Qatar
• New Zealand
• South Korea
• Bahrain
• Oman

Free Tourist Visas for Select Countries

In addition to the recently implemented visa-free policy, Sri Lanka still grants free tourist visas to travelers from several nations. Free tourist visas are being given to visitors from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Russia, Japan, and India.

Recognizing Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of a few countries are exempt from requiring a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Travelers have to fulfill specific conditions, like:

• Possessing a current passport
• Having enough money for their stay Having a ticket for the return or continuation
• Visa-free entry makes traveling easier by enabling qualified travelers to see Sri Lanka without having to go through the drawn-out application process.

How Does Visa-Free Entry Work?

Citizens of qualified nations can visit Sri Lanka without a prior visa through visa-free entry. After passing through immigration, they will receive a tourist visa upon arrival.

• Requirements for Passport: The validity of your passport must extend at least six months beyond the time you plan to spend in Sri Lanka.
• No Pre-Arrival Visa: You are exempt from the requirement to apply for a visa ahead of time.
• Immigration Upon Arrival: You will need to show your passport and go through immigration procedures when you arrive at the airport in Sri Lanka.
• Tourist Visa: When you arrive, a tourist visa will be issued to you.

Background Information and Prior Opinions

Prior worries about rising costs for on-arrival visas administered by a foreign corporation gave rise to this new visa-free regime. In the past, Sri Lanka offered free tourist visas to visitors from China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Stopping Services for E-Visas

Relatedly, Sri Lanka has decided to temporarily halt its e-visa program. The suspension is intended to keep tourists informed and simplify the recently implemented visa-free program.

Travelers who meet the eligibility requirements from the 35 listed countries can enter the country without a visa during this time rather than obtaining an e-visa. While the new policy is in place, Sri Lanka is committed to giving tourists a smooth entry process, which is reflected in the suspension.

Final Thoughts

By granting visa-free entrance and temporarily suspending e-visa services, Sri Lanka hopes to increase the number of foreign tourists who choose to visit it by making it more accessible.