Sri Lanka approves visa-free entry for travellers from seven countries including India

Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved a proposal to grant free visas to travelers from seven countries - China, Russia, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan and Indonesia - with immediate effect as part of a pilot project till 31 March.

Taking to X, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka Ali Sabry said, "Cabinet approves issuing of free visas to India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia & Thailand with immediate effect as a pilot project till 31 March."

Last week, the Ministry of Tourism announced that a Cabinet paper had been presented during the previous Cabinet meeting, proposing the issue of free tourist visas to foreigners from five countries who intend to visit Sri Lanka as tourists.

According to India Outbound, citing officials of Tourism Ministry, the granting of free visas is expected to increase tourist arrivals to five million over the coming years.

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India is the largest source market for Sri Lanka and has been a key focus of the marketing and communication strategy of the tourism ministry, with several roadshows and event conducted in India.

The tourism officials say that another boost to tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka may come from China as Sri Lanka is one of the 20 countries where China has approved visits by Chinese tourists.

The Sri Lankan government is also actively considering introduction of e-ticketing system for most of tourist sites in the country.

With inputs from agencies