Sri Lanka introduced a visa-free entry program for tourists

Sri Lanka has recently launched a pilot program that has already started and will run until 31 March 2024. Under this program, tourists from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia and Thailand will be allowed visa-free entry. This change in Sri Lanka's visa policy is part of a strategy to develop the island's tourism sector, which has a significant impact on the economy.

Sri Lanka's tourism industry aims to attract 2 million tourists this year, significantly exceeding the previous target of 1.5 million. The introduction of visa-free travel is part of a comprehensive effort to revitalize the tourism sector, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the country's financial crisis. Travel will become more affordable and convenient, and Sri Lanka is hoping for a significant increase in tourist arrivals, which will provide the country with much-needed revenue. Various attractions such as beaches, nature, culture and adventure are being heavily promoted to attract a wide range of tourists.

Following Sri Lanka's example, Thailand has also decided to introduce visa-free entry for tourists from India and Taiwan. The new rules will apply from November 10, 2023 to May 10, 2024. This decision was taken to attract more tourists during the peak travel season. Thailand has already lifted the visa requirement for Chinese nationals and is now looking to develop its tourism sector, which plays an important role in the country's economy. The decision by Thailand and Sri Lanka reflects the general trend in Asian countries to relax visa requirements in order to boost the tourism industry and recover from the pandemic.