From 1 October 2024, Sri Lanka announced 35 nationalities can enter Sri Lanka without paying a visa fee if entering as a tourist and staying in the country less than 30 days. This will officially be launched as a trial for 6 months, lasting until 30 April 2025, which also coincides with the country’s high tourist season.
On arrival, visitors will receive a visa-on-arrival stamp free of charge. This new scheme comes from a wish by the government “to transform Sri Lanka into a free visa country, much like Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.”
The list of the 35 nationalities is below:
Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States.
Previously, all but five countries (the Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore) were required to apply for an eVisa in advance. While this was hardly a burdensome process, it required tourists to submit some details and documents in advance, as well as pay a $50 visa fee.
Notably, India, Russia, and the UK are on the list, which represents the three largest sources of tourists to Sri Lanka. This new policy applies to all entry points.
Travel to Sri Lanka visa fee free
Since Sri Lanka’s civil war ended in 2009, Sri Lanka tourism has steadily grown over the years. Visitors are drawn to the nation’s pristine beaches, historic Buddhist temples, idyllic hill stations and low cost of living.
However, the Sri Lankan economy has been through a tough time in recent years, battered by COVID followed by a severe financial and political crisis. It is hoped that this latest measure will increase tourism and help Sri Lanka rebound going forward.
What if I am not from a country that has been granted free access to Sri Lanka?
Nationals of all but a handful of countries (such as Cameroon, Nigeria, and Syria) can still apply for an eVisa as before, requiring the payment of the $50 fee. It should also be noted that the five countries that were previously fee-exempt continue to be so.
If you are from one of these countries that cannot apply for an eVisa then you will have to apply for a tourist visa at your nearest Sri Lankan embassy. Please contact us for more information if this may apply to you.
How can I visit Sri Lanka?
YPT offers our annual Iconic Sri Lanka by Train Tour. It is no secret that we love a good train journey. Our itinerary will allow you to see the country’s lush interior through the famous Kandy to Ella train journey, as well as by visiting other key sites across the island.
While the free-visa arrangement described above is only on a six-month trial period for now – and ends before our tour – we are hoping that the new policy will be extended, as similar schemes have been in the past. This will allow you to save money on the eVisa fee and instead invest your rupees trying the country’s incredible street food, tea, and spices.
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