Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ In a move poised to boost tourism and ease travel, Sri Lanka has unveiled a significant policy change starting October 1, 2024. Accordingly, the Sri Lankan government will extend visa-free access to citizens from 35 countries, including India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This new policy, lasting for six months, aims to boost Sri Lanka’s tourism sector and simplify travel for international visitors. Sri Lanka, often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean,’ has long been a popular destination for travelers seeking its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant landscapes.
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Sri Lanka announces visa-free entry
The decision to grant visa-free entry was announced by Sri Lankan Tourism Minister Harin Fernando. According to media sources, Fernando stated, “This visa-free entry will be available for a period of six months.” This announcement follows an interim order from the Sri Lankan Supreme Court on August 2, which led to the suspension of the e-visa portal managed by IVS-GBS and VFS Global. Prior to this change, Indian travelers could apply for an e-visa or opt for a visa on arrival. However, with the e-visa service now suspended and the free visa extension for Indians that ended on May 31, 2024, travelers could still utilize the visa-on-arrival option until the new visa-free policy kicks in. Additionally, for Indian nationals, the standard visa fee has been $50, approximately Rs 4,197. The new visa-free policy will alleviate this cost, making travel to Sri Lanka even more attractive.
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Which countries will benefit?
Under the new visa-free access policy, citizens from a diverse group of nations will benefit. In addition to India, the United Kingdom, China, the United States, and Germany, the list includes countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Australia, Denmark, Poland, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Nepal, Indonesia, Russia, and Thailand. Other nations included are Malaysia, Japan, France, Canada, the Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Israel, Belarus, Iran, Sweden, South Korea, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and New Zealand. Furthermore, visa-free travel permits entry without the need for a visa prior to arrival, simplifying the travel process by bypassing complex visa procedures and associated fees. Travelers typically need only a valid passport, although some countries may require additional documents such as proof of onward travel or payment of an airport departure tax.
India – Sri Lanka’s largest tourism partner
Indian tourists have consistently ranked as the largest group visiting Sri Lanka, making up 20% of total arrivals in 2023. Accordingly, the Sri Lankan government’s recent move is anticipated to further increase these numbers. Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has already been making strides to attract Indian visitors. For example, in October 2023, visa fees for Indian tourists were waived, a policy extended until May 31, 2024. Additionally, Harin Fernando has actively promoted Sri Lankan tourism in India through various roadshows, aiming to attract more visitors. Recent statistics from the Sri Lanka Development Authority reveal that in 2024, the country welcomed 246,922 Indian tourists, a substantial increase from previous years. This trend highlights the growing appeal of Sri Lanka as a travel destination among Indian nationals.
Revitalizing Sri Lanka’s tourism sector
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has faced significant challenges in recent years, notably following the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which resulted in a dramatic decline in tourist numbers. Hence, the introduction of free visa access for citizens of 35 countries represents a crucial step towards rejuvenating the tourism industry and attracting a broader international audience. According to the Sri Lankan central bank, the country’s tourism sector earned $1.5 billion in the first half of 2024, a notable increase from $875 million during the same period the previous year. This upsurge in revenue underscores the positive impact of policies aimed at boosting tourism.
Other visa-free destinations for Indian nationals
The list of countries now offering visa-free entry to Indian nationals includes a range of destinations with varying lengths of stay permitted. For instance, Sri Lanka allows a 30-day stay, while Barbados and Dominica offer more extended periods of 90 and 180 days, respectively. Other countries with visa-free entry options to India are Barbados, Bhutan, Dominica, El Salvador, Fiji, Gambia, Grenada, Haiti, Iran, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Macao, Malaysia, Mauritius, Micronesia, Nepal, Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vanuatu.
Entry requirements for visa-free countries
Travelers to visa-free countries are generally required to present a valid passport and may need to provide proof of an onward or return ticket, sufficient funds, accommodation, and travel insurance. Additionally, some countries might request a criminal record check or customs declarations. Overall, Sri Lanka’s new visa-free entry policy is a strategic initiative to enhance its appeal as a premier travel destination. By simplifying travel procedures and reducing costs, the Sri Lankan government aims to attract a greater number of international visitors and support the resurgence of its vital tourism sector.
