Visa-Free Travel to Sri Lanka for UAE, Saudi Arabia, and 33 Other Countries

The Sri Lankan government has significantly changed its visa policy, granting visa-free entry to citizens of 35 countries, effective October 1, 2024. This initiative is poised to strengthen tourism and trade relationships between Sri Lanka and these nations.

Countries Included in the Visa-Free List

The new visa-free policy encompasses a wide range of countries, including major tourism markets such as India, China, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Australia, Denmark, Poland, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, and France. This initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to enhancing its appeal as a top tourist destination.

Saudi Citizens Can Now Travel Visa-Free to Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh has confirmed that Saudi citizens will be able to enter Sri Lanka without a visa starting October 1, 2024. This announcement was welcomed by Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad, who described it as a historic step towards boosting tourism and trade relations between the two nations. “This initiative will foster greater connectivity and communication between our peoples, especially as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations,” Ambassador Ajwad stated.

Strengthening Regional Tourism and Trade

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) reported that Saudi Arabia ranked third as a potential market for Sri Lankan tourism in June 2024. During the same period, the kingdom was also ranked 23rd as a source of tourists visiting the island nation. This growing interest is further supported by Sri Lanka’s participation in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 in Dubai, where the country’s diverse attractions were prominently showcased. The Sri Lankan pavilion at ATM 2024 was organized by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB).

Expert Recommendations Lead to Visa-Free Regime

The visa-free policy was formulated based on comprehensive studies conducted by a committee of experts. The Sri Lankan Council of Ministers approved the policy, aiming to simplify travel procedures and attract a higher number of international tourists, thereby contributing to the country’s economic growth.

This visa-free entry policy reflects Sri Lanka’s commitment to enhancing its tourism sector by making the country more accessible to international travelers. By simplifying entry procedures and targeting key markets, Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a premier destination for tourists worldwide.