Visa-free entry for travelers from seven key tourist-generating markets, including India, China, Russia, Malaysia, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. This measure was put into effect immediately and is scheduled to be in operation until 31 March 2024. The visa-free policy, expected to create a positive ripple effect across various sectors of the economy, is believed to bolster Sri Lanka’s positioning as a premier global tourist destination. This initiative is anticipated to play a pivotal role in driving the recovery of the tourism industry.

From 1 January to 19 October, Sri Lanka welcomed a total of 216,172 Indian tourists, constituting 20% of arrivals, while 137,966 Russian tourists, or 13%, visited the country during this period. Moreover, 51,686 Chinese tourists, equivalent to 5% of arrivals, and 13,733 Japanese tourists have visited Sri Lanka so far this year, as per data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority.

It’s noteworthy that the initial Cabinet paper proposal, which was submitted on 13 October, initially included only five countries—China, India, Russia, Thailand, and Indonesia. #SriLankaTourism #TravelGoals #VisitSriLanka #DestinationSriLanka #LuxuryTourism #SriLanka2023 #TravelNews #TourismIndustry #Destinations #Tourism #soSriLanka #SustainableTourism #TravelAmbitions #SriLankanAdventures #ExploreSriLanka #SriLankanVacation #IslandParadise #CulturalHeritage #BeachGetaway #TropicalEscape #WanderlustSriLanka #TravelInspiration #BucketListDestination #NaturalBeauty #SriLankanHospitality #TourSriLanka #AdventureAwaits #TravelSriLanka #SriLankanCulture #ExploreParadise #TravelGoalsSriLanka #SriLankanAdventure #ExoticDestinations #SriLankaDiaries #DiscoverSriLanka #GeckoTravels #DiscoverHatton