United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Sri Lanka giving free tourist visas for 35 countries
Starting in October, Sri Lanka will provide 30-day tourist visas to citizens of 35 countries free of charge.
It includes major source markets like the US, UK and France.
It is a six-month trial program with an aim of boosting visitor numbers.
Visas currently cost $50.
The free visa policy is expected to stimulate tourism numbers as it includes the busy season from December to mid-April.
So far this year, Sri Lanka has welcomed about 1.3 million tourists and tourism spending surpassed $1.5 billion for the first six months of 2024.
This represents a 78% year-on-year increase.
The country hopes the new free visa policy will attract around 2.5 million tourist visits by the year-end.
According to data from the Sri Lanka Development Authority, India and the UK are the top two source markets for tourism.
Cabinet spokesman Bandula Gunawardana said: “The aim of the government is to transform Sri Lanka into a free visa country, much like Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to tap into the benefits of a rapidly growing tourism industry.”
Related News Stories: Sri Lanka tourism sets out to capture repeat visitors Centara Hotels & Resorts – TravelMole British Airways adding third daily Chicago flight Rex administrators announce further job cuts UK tourist arrivals to Grenada on the rise Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours 2024 Green Season: Enjoy nine … Gold Medal Celebrate Dubai & Arabia Brochure Launch with Agent … India mandates free seating together for families with young children Air India teams up with digital vouchering firm iCoupon Explore The Wonders Of Oceania In Gold Medal’s New Australia …
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
Abercrombie & Kent hails $500 million funding boost
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Gatwick braces for strike