Indian Passport: Fantastic news for travellers from India! Sri Lanka has announced that, as of October 1, 2024, people of 35 nations, including India, will be able to enter the country without a visa. With this exciting update, travelling to Sri Lanka will be easier and more economical for Indians as they won’t have to deal with the inconvenience of applying for a visa ahead of time.
Visa-Free Entry Begins October 1
Commencing on October 1, 2024, Indian nationals and citizens of other nations, including the US, UK, and China, are eligible to visit Sri Lanka for a six-month period without a visa. The change, which was announced by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando, is anticipated to draw more Indian travellers, who now make up the majority of the nation’s visitors.
What Prompted This Decision?
The Supreme Court’s decision to suspend the e-visa site operated by the private firms IVS-GBS and VFS Global led to the implementation of the visa-free regime. Indian visitors can still obtain a visa upon arrival up until the point at which admission is no longer required a visa. With the new policy, Indian travellers will no longer have to pay the $50 (about ₹4,197) visa charge, which will encourage even more Indians to travel to Sri Lanka.
Countries Included in the Visa-Free List
Countries including Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, China, the US, India, and the UK are all covered by the visa-free travel policy. These countries’ residents can now visit Sri Lanka without having to go through the drawn-out visa application process. All you’ll need is enough money for your stay, proof of onwards travel, and a valid passport.
Other Countries Offering Visa-Free Travel for Indians
There are other places where Indian citizens can visit without a visa besides Sri Lanka. The following list of other nations allows Indian passport holders to enter without any problems:
- Angola: Visa-free for 30 days
- Barbados: Visa-free for 90 days
- Bhutan: Visa-free for 14 days
- Fiji: Visa-free for 120 days
- Nepal: Visa-free entry
- Malaysia: Visa-free for 30 days
- Thailand: Visa-free for 30 days
What Do You Need for Visa-Free Travel?
It is not possible to forego preparations when travelling without a visa. A valid passport, evidence of future travel, sufficient cash for your stay, and any necessary health or travel insurance are all essential. Make sure you confirm the entry criteria before your journey as some countries could also require a criminal record check or confirmation of accommodations.
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