Sri Lanka is set to enhance its tourism sector with the launch of a new visa-free entry program starting October 1, 2024. Under this initiative, eligible visitors will receive a 30-day tourist visa at no cost upon arrival. The program will initially operate as a pilot until April 2025, offering visa-free entry to tourists from approved countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
By eliminating visa fees, the Sri Lankan government aims to position the country as a top travel destination, similar to popular locations such as Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. This initiative is designed to attract more international tourists and capitalize on the rapidly expanding global tourism industry.
For more details on the new visa program and a list of eligible countries, travelers are advised to consult relevant tourism and immigration authorities. Starting October 1, 2024, and continuing through April 2025, travelers from the following countries will be eligible for a free 30-day tourist visa to Sri Lanka:
Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States.
