Sri Lanka to Launch E-Visa for Indian Tourists in January

Sri Lanka has introduced a new six-month pilot program starting October 1, 2024, offering free 30-day tourist visas to travelers from 35 countries, including India. This initiative aims to boost international tourism and strengthen Sri Lanka's position as a leading travel destination in South Asia.

The program waives the standard visa fees, making it more convenient for visitors from countries such as India, China, and several European nations. The initiative aligns Sri Lanka with regional competitors like Thailand and Singapore, which already offer simplified visa-free or reduced-fee entry policies to attract international tourists.

Sri Lanka's tourism sector, a crucial driver of its economy, has shown significant recovery in 2024. Revenue in the first half of the year exceeded $1.5 billion, a sharp increase from $875 million during the same period in 2023. The government anticipates that the free e-visa program will further increase tourist arrivals during the peak travel season, contributing to economic growth and supporting local businesses.

This move is part of Sri Lanka's broader efforts to revitalize its tourism industry, which faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the financial crisis in 2022. By easing travel restrictions and reducing entry costs, the program aims to make Sri Lanka a preferred destination for global travelers, particularly for Indian tourists, who have historically been among the country's top visitor demographics.

With picturesque beaches, historic landmarks, and a rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka hopes this visa reform will provide a significant boost to its tourism economy and position the country as a must-visit destination in the region.