Who will benefit?
Citizens from various countries, such as India, the UK, China, the US, and Germany, will benefit from visa-free travel to Sri Lanka. Countries on the list include the 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, and New Zealand.
What is visa-free travel?
Visa-free travel enables entry into a country without prior visa approval, simplifying travel by skipping complicated visa procedures and saving on fees. Many countries have agreements with India, allowing Indians to visit without extensive paperwork. Typically, only a passport is needed for customs clearance in visa-free nations, but some may require additional documents such as proof of onward travel or an airport/departure tax.
Sri Lanka’s New Strategy to Attract Indian Travelers
Sri Lanka's visa-free policy is expected to boost Indian tourists, who make up 20% of total arrivals in 2023. The country waived visa fees for Indian and six other nations in October 2023, which was extended until May 31, 2024. Harin Fernando has been promoting tourism in India through roadshows. In 2024, Sri Lanka received 246,922 Indians, followed by 123,992 from the UK, according to the Sri Lanka Development Authority.
Major Boost for Sri Lanka's Tourism
Sri Lanka's tourism sector has been struggling since the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, leading to a decline in tourist arrivals. The introduction of visa-free travel for 35 countries is a step towards reviving the industry and attracting more international visitors. In the first six months of 2024, Sri Lanka earned $1.5 billion from tourism.
