Free Tourist Visas For India & Six Other Countries, Says Sri Lanka

The enchanting allure of Sri Lanka lies not just in its breathtaking beaches and the azure Indian Ocean that cradles it, but also in its profound cultural heritage, storied past, and the abundant biodiversity that thrives within its bounds. This island nation has become a favoured vacation spot for travellers from India and beyond. In February 2024, it was announced that Sri Lanka was considering extending its visa exemption for Indian travellers beyond March to maintain its allure and entice more frequent visits from the Indian market. The latest development is that Sri Lanka has decided to continue offering visa-free entry to tourists from India and six other selected countries in a bid to increase tourist arrivals.

This move is aimed at making travel to Sri Lanka more accessible and convenient for international visitors. The countries benefiting from this initiative include India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, whose citizens can now enjoy up to 30 days of visa-free travel to Sri Lanka.

The office of President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued a statement on Monday saying, “It was decided today to maintain the existing USD 50 fee for a 30-day visa for foreigners visiting the country and the free visa service currently offered to citizens of seven countries — India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.” The government’s decision to retain the existing visa fees and free visa service follows days of stiff criticism directed at the new on-arrival visa system, which was being handled by a foreign company at the Bandaranaike International Airport here.

About The Visa-Free Scheme

Launched as a pilot project in October, the visa-free entry scheme underscores Sri Lanka's dedication to enhancing tourism and facilitating smooth travel experiences for tourists from principal markets. While this visa-free entry permits travellers from specified countries to remain in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days, it mandates that they secure their visa through an online application, prior to their arrival.

In April 2024, Sri Lanka launched a new online visa application system, making travel to the island nation easier. This development replaces the older Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) process, offering travellers a more streamlined and user-friendly experience worldwide. The new system, created in collaboration with GBS Technology Service and IVS Global Institute, allows travellers to apply for visas directly through the Department of Immigration and Emigration's online portal. This eliminates the hassle of paper applications and simplifies the process for everyone.