To boost tourist arrivals, the Cabinet of Sri Lanka has launched a pilot project to issue free tourist visas to travelers from China, India, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan. This policy will remain effective till 31 March 2024. The move is part of "several new programs" planned to boost the Sri Lankan tourism industry, which is one of the major foreign exchange earning sectors for the country apart from exports and tourism.
The cabinet decision published by the Government Information Department said Sri Lanka has faced multiple shocks to its tourism industry, including the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, and the economic crisis in 2022.
Importance for Indian tourists
India has historically been Sri Lanka's top source market. More than 2 lakh Indian tourists, accounting for 20% of total arrivals, visited Sri Lanka by September 2023 alone. Till now Indian tourists were charged a fee of $20 for online visa application, but this requirement has been waived, making it easier and more affordable for Indians to travel to Sri Lanka.
Promote tourism industry
The decision to offer free tourist visas is part of a larger strategy to promote Sri Lanka's tourism industry, which plays a vital role in the country's economy along with exports and worker remittances. By making entry more accessible, Sri Lanka aims to attract greater numbers of visitors and stimulate economic growth.