For the first time, Laos has granted visa-free travel access to Sri Lanka, along with 51 other countries, in an effort to boost the international tourism industry. This visa-free policy will be effective until December 31, 2024. Additionally, the duration of stay for a multiple-entry visa has been extended from 30 to 60 days.
Other South Asian countries benefiting from this policy include the Maldives, Nepal, and Bangladesh. However, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bhutan have yet to receive this privilege. China has also been granted visa-free access.
Recently, Thailand also offered free visas to Sri Lankans, adding to the list of popular countries where Sri Lankans enjoy visa-free travel, such as Singapore, Seychelles, and the Maldives. For Sri Lankans traveling to Thailand, they must show a passport, hotel booking, return air ticket, and a minimum of Thai Baht 20,000 (around USD 560) in currency notes as part of the visa requirements.