MAKING A DIFFERENCE

DestinationsAs tourists trickle back, Sri Lanka wants to free up entry requirements.

Sri Lanka to offer visa-free for seven countries

By Travel Weekly Asia

|

Oct 30, 2023

|

Tea Trails accommodation in Sri Lanka.

Tea Trails accommodation in Sri Lanka. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/thdk

Sri Lanka has announced visa-free entry for tourists from seven countries under a pilot project effective immediately but subject to a review in March 2024.

India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand are on the list of countries in the pilot project, according to the announcement made by Sri Lanka’s foreign affairs minister, Ali Sabry.

Sri Lanka will also explore the introduction of an e-ticketing system for most tourist sites in the country.

The tourism industry in Sri Lanka is beginning to see a turnaround with hopes it can reach its target of 1.5 million arrivals in 2023.

India is the largest source of tourists, followed by Russia, latest data from the Sri Lanka Development Authority shows.

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