Reports from the National news paper – Daily Mirror, as well as the International News Agency – Reuters confirm that tourists from key source markets will be issued free visas in a bid to increase tourist traffic to Sri Lanka. Until 31st March 2024, tourists from the following countries will be able to avail Free Sri Lankan visa: China, India, Russia, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Visitors from the aforementioned nations will be required to obtain visas via the online procedure (for security purposes) but will not be charged a fee.
Sri Lanka is a country with a population of 22 million people that has been facing challenges in its tourism industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a severe financial crisis. Also known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, the island nation has famous beaches, ancient temples, and a tea industry known for its aromatic tea. The country also boasts rich culture and heritage, well-preserved historical ruins, a gorgeous hill-country landscape, exciting wildlife opportunities, and warm hospitality!
At present, the tourism industry has observed a turnaround in 2023, with a million arrivals registered by September, and this figure is expected to reach 1.5 million by December. This has been a great motivation since 2019, and the industry is hoping to see better figures in hopes of the free Sri Lankan visa announcement.
A pilot program is underway by Sri Lanka Tourism to boost tourism recovery and hit a target of five million arrivals by 2026.
Plan your holiday in Sri Lanka
Are you eligible for a free visa to Sri Lanka? Plan your tour, customize your itinerary, and book your tour with Travel Treasures Sri Lanka. All you have to do is get in touch with us online or via WhatsApp and our team of friendly consultants will help curate a tailor-made itinerary to suit your requirements.