If you always wanted to go to Sri Lanka, it’s the best time to travel there. Sri Lanka announced on Tuesday that it will allow visa-free entry to Indian visitors and from seven other countries, including China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand under a pilot project by the country’s foreign affairs minister. The Sri Lanka Cabinet, Minister Ali Sabry approved the decision. The pilot project that has begun with immediate effect will continue till March 31, 2024, as the minister said.
Taking to X, Minister Sabry said, “Cabinet approves issuing of free visas to India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia & Thailand with immediate effect as a pilot project till 31 March.”
This initiative by the government means seamless travel to Sri Lanka by these countries. Before this tourists travelling to Sri Lanka from these countries were required to travel with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) document. Travellers were required to present this document at the time of arrival at the airport. This Electronic Travel Authorisation document would cost the traveller INR 2080 and be valid for 30 days.
Now, with visa-free travel to Sri Lanka, tourists don’t need to plan their travel and there is no need for any documentation either.
