Sri Lanka has announced visa-free entry for 38 nationalities, including British travelers, effective immediately. The move, confirmed by Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry, replaces the previous plan for a 30-day free visa under a six-month pilot program, which raised concerns about congestion at visa counters.
Adopting a streamlined “one-chop” approach, similar to Singapore’s, the new policy aims to ease congestion by allowing travelers to receive a single stamp at immigration, simplifying the entry process.
The initiative has been positively received by the travel industry, with Sam Clark, CEO of Experience Travel Group, stating that this change makes holidays in Sri Lanka “hassle-free” for international visitors.
“Today, the Cabinet authorized the President to implement visa-free access for 38 nationalities with immediate effect, adopting Singapore’s streamlined ‘one-chop’ approach. This decision will help ease congestion at visa counters.”
— M U M Ali Sabry (@alisabrypc) September 2, 2024
Ali Sabry Cabinet Decision Sri Lanka Cabinet
Last modified: September 2, 2024
