Sri Lanka Grants Visa-Free Access to 35 Countries from Oct31

Sri Lanka has announced that it will grant visa-free access to Indian nationals and citizens from 34 other countries starting from October 31, 2024. This decision is part of a broader effort by the Sri Lankan government to boost tourism and strengthen international ties.

The visa-free policy is expected to make travel to Sri Lanka more accessible and attractive for tourists, potentially increasing the influx of visitors and contributing to the country’s economy. The move to allow visa-free entry aligns with Sri Lanka's strategy to revitalize its tourism sector, which has faced challenges in recent years due to various economic and political issues.

By simplifying the entry process for visitors from key countries, including India, which is one of Sri Lanka's largest tourist markets, the government hopes to stimulate growth in tourism-related industries such as hospitality, transportation, and retail.

Indian nationals, in particular, are likely to benefit significantly from this new policy, given the close geographical and cultural ties between the two countries. The ease of travel could lead to more frequent visits for leisure, business, and familial purposes, further strengthening the bilateral relationship. The inclusion of other countries in this visa-free scheme also highlights Sri Lanka's intent to diversify its tourism base and attract visitors from a wider range of regions.

This initiative comes at a crucial time as Sri Lanka looks to recover from economic difficulties exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and political instability. By opening its doors to a larger number of tourists without the barrier of visa requirements, Sri Lanka aims to position itself as a more competitive and appealing destination in the global tourism market.