Sri Lanka immediately introduces visa-free travel for citizens of 38 countries

Sri Lanka will immediately introduce visa-free travel for citizens of 38 countries from September 3, 2024. The innovation was originally scheduled to come into effect on October 1, but the authorities have decided to speed up the process. The change is due to the temporary suspension of the e-visa system, which was previously used for entry for up to 30 days with the possibility of double entry.

Sri Lanka's Cabinet, building on Singapore's one-touch approach, approved the decision in a bid to reduce congestion at immigration checkpoints and speed up the processing of entry documents. According to the foreign minister, the new policy simplifies visa procedures and makes the country more accessible to foreign tourists.

The updated Visa Waiver Program covers 38 countries, up from the previously announced 35 countries, although the exact list of new countries has not yet been released. The full list of 35 visa-free countries can be found on the Sri Lanka Visa page.

Citizens of countries not on this list will still have to apply for a visa through the Sri Lanka Immigration Department, this excludes them from the new visa-free program.

It is also expected that the e-visa system will be re-launched in October 2024. However, to date, the exact details have not been officially announced on Sri Lanka's migration portal.

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