Sri Lanka’s cabinet has approved a new initiative to issue free 30-day tourist visas to visitors from 35 countries, including China, India, and Russia, starting October 1. The six-month pilot program aims to boost tourism and support the island’s struggling economy.
Cabinet spokesman and Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana announced the program, stating that the goal is to transform Sri Lanka into a visa-free destination, similar to Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The list of participating countries includes major tourist sources such as India, China, the UK, Germany, and Australia.
The country, known for its beaches, ancient temples, and tea, experienced significant declines in tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a severe economic crisis in 2022. However, the sector is showing signs of recovery, with nearly 2 million arrivals by mid-August 2024 and expectations to reach 2.3 million by year-end.
Tourism revenue has surged to $1.5 billion in the first half of 2024, compared to $875 million during the same period last year. India remains the largest source of tourists, followed by the UK, according to the Sri Lanka Development Authority.
