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Sri Lanka has announced a major boost to its tourism industry by granting visa-free entry to citizens from 35 countries but unfortunately, Pakistan is not included in this list. Starting October 1, 2024, visitors from these countries will be able to stay in Sri Lanka for up to six months without a visa.
Visa-Free Access
The Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved this visa-free policy to attract more international tourists by simplifying entry procedures. Harin Fernando, Adviser to the Ministry of Tourism, confirmed that the policy will apply to a wide range of countries.
Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry
The visa-free entry policy will include nations such as,
- India
- United Kingdom
- China
- United States
- Germany
- 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
- New Zealand
Free Tourist Visas for Select Countries
In addition to this new policy, Sri Lanka continues to offer free tourist visas to visitors from certain countries, including China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
Visa-Free Entry
Visa-free entry allows citizens of specified countries to enter Sri Lanka without needing a visa in advance. Travelers must meet certain conditions, such as holding a valid passport, having sufficient funds, and possessing a return or onward ticket.
How Visa-Free Entry Works
Eligible travelers can enter Sri Lanka without obtaining a visa beforehand. Upon arrival, they will go through immigration procedures and be granted a tourist visa.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
- No Pre-Arrival Visa: No need to apply for a visa before your trip.
- Immigration Upon Arrival: Present your passport at immigration upon arrival.
- Tourist Visa: Receive a tourist visa upon arrival.
Previous Controversies
This new policy follows concerns over increased fees for on-arrival visas, previously managed by a foreign company. Previously, travelers from countries like India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia had enjoyed free tourist visas.
Suspension of E-Visa Services
Sri Lanka has temporarily suspended its e-visa services to streamline the new visa-free policy and prevent confusion among travelers. During this period, eligible travelers from the 35 specified countries will benefit from visa-free entry instead of needing an e-visa.
With the introduction of visa-free entry and the temporary suspension of e-visa services, Sri Lanka aims to make it easier for a broader range of international visitors to explore the country, enhancing its appeal as a top tourist destination.
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