Starting from October 1, 2024, Indian travelers can enjoy visa-free entry into Sri Lanka. This policy will benefit citizens of 35 countries, including India.
Previously, Sri Lanka had offered visa-on-arrival to Indians after the Supreme Court banned the e-visa services by IVS-GBS and VFS Global on August 2, 2024. Now, Indian travelers can enter Sri Lanka without needing a visa.
Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Travel
In addition to India, countries like the UK, US, China, Germany, Australia, and many others are part of this visa-free scheme.
Nations such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, UAE, Nepal, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, France, Canada, and Italy will also benefit from this policy.
What Visa-Free Travel Means
Visa-free travel simplifies the entry process by eliminating the need for a pre-approved visa. Travelers only need a valid passport, which also saves time and visa fees.
Boost to Sri Lanka’s Tourism Economy
Indians made up 20% of Sri Lanka’s total tourist population in 2023, and this visa-free initiative is expected to further boost these numbers.
In the past, Sri Lanka temporarily waived visa fees for Indian tourists in October 2023, which contributed to 2,46,922 Indian tourists visiting the country in 2024.
This policy is seen as a strategic move to enhance Sri Lanka’s tourism revenue, which reached $1.5 billion in the first half of 2024, compared to $875 million in the same period in 2023.
Conditions for Visa-Free Travel
Travelers will need to meet certain conditions to enter Sri Lanka without a visa, including:
A valid passport
Proof of return or onward journey
Sufficient funds for travel expenses
Proof of stay in Sri Lanka
Travel or medical insurance
Clean criminal record
This visa-free entry is a significant move to attract more tourists to Sri Lanka, particularly from India, contributing to the growth of the country’s tourism sector.
