Sri Lanka is a dream destination for people to spend their holidays, and the reason is the beauty of this island. The island is rich with green landscapes, historic temples, amazing wildlife, and a great lifestyle. More and more people, who want to spend their holidays peacefully visit the country. The recent addition of countries to Sri Lanka visa free travel list is a bid to attract more visitors to the island nation to enjoy the serene beauty, picturesque views of the coastline, historical sites, and enjoy the crystal clear watershores.
Sri Lanka UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designates World Heritage Sites. These sites consist of cultural and natural heritages, including monuments (such as architectural works), groups of buildings, and geological and physiographical formations respectively.
Sri Lanka has eight of these sites, including Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Dambulla, Galle and its Fortifications, the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. This is also the reason behind the increasing tourism in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Visa Free Travel Policy Expanded to 40 Countries
To further boost tourism, the Sri Lankan Government has decided to allow visa free travel for 40 countries. This change in policy is the extension of the 2023 pilot program, according to which tourists from countries like India, Russia, and China were granted a 30 day free visa.
But now this policy is expanded for 40 countries, including Pakistan.
Why Expanded the Visa Free Policy?
Although by implementing the Sri Lanka Visa Free Travel policy, the Government will bear a loss of $66 million annually, they believe that the number of people coming to the country will compensate for this loss eventually.
Sri Lanka ranks on 91th place in the Henly Passport Index, allowing visa free travel to 40 destinations, making it a famous place for travelers. The travel policy was expanded to 40 countries so that the country can attract visitors from various other countries and increase the cultural exchange.
Sri Lanka’s Minister of Tourism and Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, stated, “We want to spread this message across the world that Sri Lanka is ready to welcome tourists from all over the world.”
List of Countries for Sri Lanka Visa Free Travel
The countries that can benefit from Sri Lanka Visa Free Travel are:
Germany
Britain
Spain
Netherland
Australia
Poland
Belgium
Kazakhstan
Saudi Arabia
Nepal
China
India
Thailand
Japan
Malaysia
Russia
France
Canada
Italy
Israel
Indonesia
United States of America
Czech Republic (Czechia)
Switzerland
Austria
Belarus
Iran
Sweden
Finland
Denmark
Korea
Qatar
Pakistan
Oman
Bahrain
New Zealand
Kuwait
Norway
Turkey