Sri Lanka has officially announced visa-free entry for 38 nationalities, including British citizens, in a move aimed at boosting tourism and simplifying the arrival process for international travellers. This decision, which takes effect immediately, was confirmed by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, and marks a significant shift from the country’s previous visa policy.
Immediate Implementation of Visa-Free Access
The visa-free entry initiative replaces an earlier announcement made just 10 days ago, which outlined plans for a six-month pilot programme offering free 30-day visas. However, concerns were raised about potential congestion at visa counters under that system, prompting a swift revision to allow a more streamlined process.
‘One-Chop’ Visa Approach to Ease Congestion
In a post on social media platform X, Minister Sabry stated, “Today, the Cabinet authorized the President to implement visa-free access for 38 nationalities with immediate effect, adopting Singapore’s streamlined ‘one-chop’ approach. This decision will help ease congestion at visa counters.” The ‘one-chop’ system refers to a simplified procedure where travellers receive a single official stamp or seal in their passport upon entry, reducing paperwork and wait times.
Positive Reception from Travel Industry
The news has been met with enthusiasm from the travel industry, particularly from Asia travel experts. Sam Clark, CEO of Experience Travel Group, expressed his support for the move, stating: “We’re thrilled that British travellers, along with visitors from 37 other countries, can now enter Sri Lanka without the hassle of obtaining a visa beforehand. The government has listened to concerns about airport congestion, and travellers can now pass through immigration with ease. It’s fantastic news for those planning holidays to Sri Lanka.”
Strengthening Sri Lanka’s Tourism Sector
By eliminating the visa requirement for a select group of nationalities, Sri Lanka is poised to make the entry process smoother for tourists, further enhancing the appeal of the island as a hassle-free destination. This initiative is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s tourism sector as the country continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.