Sri Lanka to Grant Visa-Free Entry to Indian Passport Holders for 60 Days Starting October

Full List of Visa-Free Countries for Indians In a significant move, Sri Lanka will grant visa-free entry to Indian citizens starting October 1, 2024, for a period of six months. This initiative is part of a broader policy extending visa-free access to citizens from 35 countries, aimed at boosting tourism and easing travel restrictions.

Visa-Free Entry to Sri Lanka for Indian Citizens

Indian travellers planning to visit Sri Lanka can now enjoy visa-free access for up to 60 days, starting from October 1. This announcement was made by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando, who emphasised the benefits for travellers from India, the UK, the US, and other nations. The initiative will last for six months, offering simplified entry procedures. Previously, Indian citizens could apply for an e-visa or avail the visa-on-arrival facility. However, with the recent suspension of e-visa services following a Supreme Court order, visa-on-arrival will remain an option for Indian travellers until the new visa-free policy takes effect.

Who Benefits from the Visa-Free Policy?

In addition to Indian nationals, travellers from a range of countries including the UK, China, the US, Germany, and several European and Asian nations will be able to visit Sri Lanka without requiring a visa. A full list of countries offering visa-free access includes Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Nepal, the UAE, and many more.

What Is Visa-Free Travel?

Visa-free travel allows individuals to enter a country without the need for a visa application in advance. Travellers only need a valid passport, though some countries may request additional documents like proof of onward travel or sufficient funds.

Sri Lanka’s Efforts to Attract Indian Tourists

India remains Sri Lanka’s largest source of visitors, accounting for 20% of total tourist arrivals in 2023. The new visa-free policy is expected to further increase this figure, contributing to the country's tourism revival. Sri Lanka earned $1.5 billion from tourism in the first half of 2024, a significant rise from $875 million in the same period in 2023. Minister Harin Fernando has been actively promoting Sri Lanka to Indian tourists, organising roadshows and other events to showcase the country’s appeal. With visa-free entry, Sri Lanka hopes to strengthen ties with Indian travellers and revitalise its tourism sector, which has been recovering since the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.

List of Visa-Free Countries for Indian Nationals

Here’s a list of countries that offer visa-free travel for Indian passport holders:

Sri Lanka: 30 days (60 days under the new policy)
Angola: 30 days
Barbados: 90 days
Bhutan: 14 days
Dominica: 180 days
El Salvador: 90 days
Fiji: 120 days
Gambia: 90 days
Grenada: 90 days
Haiti: 90 days
Iran: 15 days
Jamaica: 90 days
Kazakhstan: 14 days
Kiribati: 90 days
Macao: 30 days
Malaysia: 30 days
Mauritius: 90 days
Micronesia: 30 days
Nepal: 90 days
Rwanda: 30 days
Thailand: 30 days
Vanuatu: 30 days

Entry Requirements for Visa-Free Countries

To enter a visa-free country, Indian citizens must have:

A valid passport
A confirmed return or onward ticket
Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
Proof of accommodation
Travel or medical insurance
Any additional customs or legal requirements, such as criminal record checks

With Sri Lanka's new visa-free entry policy, travel has become easier for Indian citizens, adding another exciting destination to the growing list of countries offering visa-free access.