The Sri Lankan government has launched a new initiative granting visa-free entry to citizens from 35 countries, including India, for a six-month period starting October 1. This decision, approved by the Cabinet, is aimed at boosting tourism to the scenic island nation, according to Harin Fernando, Adviser to the Ministry of Tourism.
The visa-free scheme includes major economies like China, Germany, and Australia, as well as Japan, France, and Canada. Several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, are also on the list.
This move comes in the wake of recent controversy over increased fees for on-arrival visas in Sri Lanka, which were managed by a foreign company.
In October 2023, Sri Lanka had piloted a project offering free visas to travellers from India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand. While that initiative ended in March 2024, the new scheme has been expanded to include more countries.
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Under the previous pilot project, travellers enjoyed dual entry status upon arrival, with visas allowing for stays of up to 30 days.
India has traditionally been the largest source of tourists to Sri Lanka. In October last year, more than 28,000 Indian tourists visited, making up 26 percent of total arrivals, with Russian tourists following at over 10,000.
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry highlighted the importance of India in Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, calling the bilateral relationship a cornerstone of Sri Lankan foreign policy. Additionally, Sri Lankan MP V Radhakrishnan noted that 60 percent of all visitors to Sri Lanka come from India, stressing the need for collaboration between the two nations, especially in tourism.