Good news! Sri Lanka is once again visa-free for Indian travelers. Credit: Canva
In a move aimed at boosting tourism and strengthening diplomatic ties, Sri Lanka The Indian government has announced that it will offer visa-free entry to Indian citizens and 34 other nationalities from October 1, 2024. “This visa-free entry will be available for a period of six months,” Tourism Minister Harin Fernando was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
While Sri Lanka had been exempt from visas for Indians till May 31, 2024, recently, an interim order by the Supreme Court suspended the e-visa portal run by IVS-GBS and VFS Global. Since then, Indians can apply for the visa-on-arrival option till October 1. The current visa fee for Indians is $50 (INR 4,197).
Now, this major policy change is expected to bring a surge of visitors to the island nation, known for its stunning beaches, ancient ruins and vibrant culture. The visa-free policy will make it easier and more convenient for travelers from eligible countries to explore Sri Lanka’s diverse attractions.
The 34 countries included in the visa-free regime are: India, United Kingdom, China, United States, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Australia, Denmark, Poland, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, 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.
Sri Lanka and India
Indian travellers have long been Sri Lanka’s most loyal tourists, accounting for 20% of all arrivals in 2023. The recent announcement of visa-free entry is expected to further amplify this trend, attracting even more Indian visitors to the island nation hoping to revitalise its tourism industry, which has been hit by several challenges in recent years. By offering visa-free entry, the government aims to attract more international visitors and boost the country’s economy.
Sri Lanka has made consistent efforts to attract Indian tourists. In October 2023, the country temporarily waived visa fees for Indian and six other nationality travellers. According to the Sri Lanka Development Authority, India remains the largest source of tourists, with 246,922 Indian visitors in 2024. This surge in tourism has significantly boosted Sri Lanka’s economy, with tourism revenue reaching $1.5 billion in the first half of 2024.
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