Sri Lanka is implementing a six-month pilot program starting on October 1, offering free 30-day tourist visas on arrival to citizens from 35 countries, including the U.S., UK, Russia, India, and China. This initiative aims to revitalize the tourism sector, which is crucial to Sri Lanka’s economy. The country is looking to welcome 2.5 million tourists and generate revenue worth $4 billion by the end of this year. The move aligns with the peak travel season in Sri Lanka from December to mid-April.
The free visa announcement comes amidst concerns over a visa scam that led to the replacement of the state-run telecommunications company managing the Electronic Travel Authorization system. Sri Lanka’s highest court ordered a return to a local provider following legal challenges. Despite these issues, tourism has seen a resurgence in Sri Lanka in 2024, with over 1.3 million tourists visiting the country between January and August, led by visitors from India, the UK, and Russia.
The travel industry has welcomed the visa-free initiative in Sri Lanka, with industry experts believing that easing travel restrictions typically leads to increased interest in a destination. Similar measures in other countries like Thailand and Malaysia have resulted in a boost in tourism numbers. The British government had previously warned tourists against visiting Sri Lanka due to political unrest, which impacted tourism bookings. However, the CEO of Experience Travel Group sees the visa-free initiative as a potential game-changer for the country’s tourism future.
The pilot program is expected to attract more tourists from countries like Russia, where direct flights have already contributed to an increase in arrivals. However, there have been signs of a slowdown in momentum since May 2024, prompting calls for targeted measures to sustain and grow this market, particularly by reducing financial burdens on travelers. Proposed measures include exempting certain fees for flights at key airports and allowing transactions in native currencies to enhance the appeal to Russian visitors.
Tourism arrivals in Sri Lanka have seen significant growth in recent years, with the sector experiencing a rapid recovery despite previous political and economic turmoil. Europe remains a major influence in terms of visitor numbers, with Asia and the Pacific regions also emerging as key contributors. The increase in visitors from these regions indicates shifting dynamics in Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape. The country saw a rebound in tourism in 2023, welcoming 1.49 million visitors, more than double the figures from 2022, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.
The list of countries whose citizens will be eligible for free 30-day tourist visas to Sri Lanka includes major markets like India, the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Russia, Germany, and France, among others. The initiative aims to attract more visitors and boost tourism revenue in Sri Lanka. The country’s tourism sector is anticipating a positive impact from this program, with hopes of sustaining and growing important markets like Russia through targeted measures to attract more tourists.
