Sri Lanka is considering extending the visa waiver for Indian visitors beyond March 2024. This extension could ensure continued seamless travel to the island nation.
First introduced as a pilot initiative in November last year, the program, set to end on March 31, 2024, allows Indian travelers to enjoy visa-free visas for the initial 30 days of their stay. Upon arrival, visitors will be granted dual entry privileges, with visa validity limited to 30 days within Sri Lanka, VisaGuide.World reports.
According to local media, India remains a key source market for Sri Lanka, contributing significantly to its recovery from recent disasters.
During a session at OTM 2024, the Minister in charge of Tourism, Lands, Sports and Youth Affairs, Harin Fernando, conveyed the government’s aspiration to extend the visa-free entry policy first introduced in December 2023.
The objective is to position Sri Lanka as an effortlessly accessible destination for Indian tourists, offering them the convenience of a stress-free vacation with a simple check-in process, the Economic Times explains.
Emphasizing the importance of India, the Minister highlighted its ranking as the second-largest source market for Bali. Moreover, regarding overall foot traffic, India holds the sixth position. She further elaborated that India’s large population represents considerable potential.
The three-day OTM event includes over 1,600 exhibitors from 60 countries and representatives from 30 Indian states and Union territories. It serves as a platform for business networking and interaction, connecting with more than 35,000 industry professionals and buyers.
In November 2023, in addition to Indians, Sri Lanka removed the visa requirement for other citizens who come from the following countries:
- China
- Indonesia
- Russia
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Japan
The visionary initiative, led by the Comptroller General of Immigration and Emigration, aims to revitalize the tourism sector. It extends to individuals holding various types of passports from selected countries, including diplomatic, official, public, service and ordinary passports, thereby fostering a visa-free environment.
Under this program, tourists are granted a 30-day visa-free period and the added flexibility of a double-entry option, allowing them to re-enter Sri Lanka within 30 days of their initial arrival.
Furthermore, eligible travelers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before their arrival, with the application process simplified and free of charge until the program ends on March 31, 2024.