COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (September 3, 2024) — The Sri Lankan government has announced a significant policy shift aimed at easing visa congestion by extending visa-free access to citizens of 38 countries, mirroring a similar system adopted by Singapore.
The Council of Ministers has granted the President the authority to implement this new visa policy, which will come into effect on October 1, 2024. Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabri explained that this move is intended to streamline entry processes and enhance tourism and business opportunities.
Under the new policy, citizens from 35 countries, including major global players such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, Saudi Arabia, China, India, Russia, South Korea, and Japan, will be allowed to enter Sri Lanka without a visa for a period of six months.
This decision, made by the Cabinet on August 21, reflects Sri Lanka’s efforts to bolster international relations and attract visitors by reducing bureaucratic hurdles at visa counters. The six-month trial period will enable the government to assess the policy’s impact and make any necessary adjustments based on its outcomes.
