Sri Lanka advances visa-free entry for 38 nationalities
Sri Lanka accelerates visa exemption for tourists from 38 countries, aiming to resolve airport congestion issues after suspending its e-Visa system. Learn about eligibility, duration, and exclusions.
The Sri Lankan government immediately implemented its visa exemption policy for citizens of 35 countries on 2 September 2024.
This action is designed to address the delays and bottlenecks experienced by passengers at airports following the suspension of the online electronic visa (e-Visa) system earlier in the year. The inefficiencies of the foreign contractor responsible for the e-Visa system had led to complicated application processes, long queues and significant delays for tourists. To counter this, the Sri Lankan government has introduced a simplified entry scheme aimed at restoring the country’s tourism sector.
The policy was originally planned for rollout on 1 October 2024, but was fast-tracked to 2 September 2024 amid urgent calls to ease visitor access. The government has introduced a simplified on-arrival passport stamp system based on Singapore’s approach to reduce congestion at visa counters and improve the experience for incoming visitors.
Eligible countries
Tourists from the following countries are now eligible for visa-free entry: Germany, Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Spain, United States, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Iran, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Costa Rica.
Three additional countries have been added without their names being disclosed at this time.
Duration and conditions
Eligible travelers may stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days under the visa exemption. This stay cannot be extended under the terms of this specific exemption, though extensions may be possible under other visa categories.
This new system is currently a trial and, in theory, is set to conclude in six months. Visitors must enter the country before the exemption expires.
Exclusions and restrictions
Citizens of the following countries are not eligible for the visa exemption and must follow standard visa procedures: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), North Korea, Ghana, Myanmar (Burma), Nigeria, Pakistan, and Syria. These travelers must apply directly at the nearest Sri Lanka Department of Immigration office.
Impact on the e-Visa system
The suspension of the e-Visa system has been the driving force behind this policy change, and discussions are ongoing about reintroducing a revised electronic visa system or enhancing the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Decisions on the future of the system are expected in the coming months, with the goal of improving administrative efficiency and easing access for international visitors.
Spécialiste de la veille réglementaire et experte en contenus destinations, elle analyse quotidiennement l’évolution des formalités d’entrée pour traduire la complexité administrative en guides pratiques. Son rôle combine expertise terrain et précision technique afin de garantir la fiabilité des informations délivrées aux voyageurs.
