You can now travel to Sri Lanka without paying a visa fee! The country’s cabinet has approved a new policy to grant free tourist visas to travellers arriving from India and six other countries.
The other nations eligible for this free Sri Lankan visa are China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand. The visas will be available until March 31, 2024, as part of a pilot project. Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry shared the news on social media.
Why Sri Lanka has launched a zero-fee visa for seven countries
Cabinet approves issuing of free visas to India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia & Thailand with immediate effect as a pilot project till 31 March –
— M U M Ali Sabry (@alisabrypc) October 24, 2023
This initiative aims to boost the country’s economy, allowing travellers from these seven countries to enter Sri Lanka without paying any visa fee. According to a report in Mint, Sabry had said in March that India plays a crucial role in the country’s foreign policy.
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India continues to be one of Sri Lanka’s top inbound tourism markets, and the country has introduced various initiatives such as the India-Sri Lanka ferry to attract more visitors.
In September, Sri Lanka welcomed over 30,000 Indian tourists, constituting approximately 26 percent of inbound travellers from abroad. China followed as the second largest group with 8,000 visitors. Travel to Sri Lanka faced challenges in 2019, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and political tensions, as reported by PTI.
Sri Lanka is known for its lush forests, beaches and exotic tropical cuisine.
(Hero and feature image credit: Dylan Shaw/Unsplash)
Related: Some Of The Best Things To Do In Sri Lanka That Should Be A Part Of Your Itinerary
Written By
Anushka Goel
Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument.
