Visa-free travel to Sri Lanka: UAE, Saudi Arabia, and 33 other countries granted access

The Government of Sri Lanka has announced a major change in its visa policy, allowing visa-free entry for citizens of 35 countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Starting from October 1, visitors from these countries will be issued a 30-day visa upon arrival, valid for a period of six months.

The extensive list of countries includes India, China, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Australia, Denmark, Poland, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, and France.

In a release, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh stated that the Sri Lankan government has approved the entry of all Saudi citizens without a visa, effective from October 1, 2024.

Additionally, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad, hailed this decision as a historic move, considering it an incentive for boosting tourism and trade exchange between the two nations. “This initiative will enhance communication and interconnectivity between the peoples of our countries, particularly as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations,” the ambassador said.

According to a report by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, Saudi Arabia ranked third as a potential market for Sri Lankan tourism in June 2024, and 23rd as an export market for tourists visiting the island nation during the same period.

Moreover, Sri Lanka’s participation at the Arabian Travel Market ATM 2024 in Dubai was a remarkable showcase, highlighting the island’s diverse array of attractions and offerings. The Sri Lankan pavilion at ATM 2024 was organized by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau SLTPB.

The Sri Lankan Council of Ministers approved the recommendation presented by a committee of experts, who conducted comprehensive studies to introduce a visa-free regime for tourists from a select group of countries.