Sri Lanka will allow six-month visa-free entry for New Zealand travellers from 1 October 2024
The Sri Lankan government has announced visa-free access for citizens from 35 countries, including India, the UK, and the US, starting from October 1, 2024. “This visa-free entry will be available for a period of six months,” said Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando. Visa-free travel means you can enter a country without obtaining a visa beforehand. This makes travel easier as it avoids complex visa processes and saves on visa fees.
Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has faced challenges in recent years, particularly after the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which led to a sharp decline in tourist arrivals. The introduction of visa-free travel for citizens of 35 countries is a significant step towards reviving the industry and attracting more international visitors. Sri Lanka earned $1.5 billion from tourism in the first six months of 2024, up from $875 million dollars during the same period last year, according to the central bank.