Sri Lanka announces visa-free travel for tourists from India, 6 other countries

Sri Lanka has introduced a visa-free entry initiative for visitors from seven countries, including India, China, and Russia, as part of a pilot project. This decision, announced by the country's Foreign Affairs Minister, Ali Sabry, received approval from the Sri Lanka Cabinet.

The pilot project, which begins immediately, will be in effect until March 31, 2024. Minister Sabry shared this update, stating, "Cabinet approves issuing of free visas to India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia & Thailand with immediate effect as a pilot project till 31 March."



Recently, the Ministry of Tourism had revealed that a Cabinet Paper was presented during a previous Cabinet meeting, suggesting the issuance of free tourist visas to foreigners from five countries who plan to visit Sri Lanka as tourists.

Sri Lanka's tourism industry is setting its sights on a higher target for 2023, with the aim of attracting 2 million visitors, up from the previous goal of 1.5 million.

Tourism, a significant contributor to Sri Lanka's foreign exchange earnings, faced challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic and political crises in the South Asian nation. This adjustment reflects the industry's determination to recover and thrive in the face of these challenges.