Sri Lanka is rolling out the welcome mat for tourists! The Department of Immigration and Emigration has announced that free visa entry for citizens of seven countries has been extended indefinitely.
This decision, communicated through a circular issued on May 30th by Immigration Controller General Harsha Ilukpitiya, applies to travelers from India, Indonesia, China, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan.
Previously, free visa entry for these nationalities was a pilot program launched in October 2023 and initially set to expire in March 2024. It was then extended to April 2024.
This latest move eliminates the expiration date, making travel to Sri Lanka even more accessible for citizens of these key tourist markets.
Tourists can take advantage of this free visa program in two ways:
- Apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa) beforehand on the Department of Immigration website [www.immigration.gov.lk] (select e-Visa for non-residents).
- Obtain a visa upon arrival at Sri Lankan ports of entry.
This decision is a significant boost for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, aiming to attract more visitors and revitalize the sector.