Safari, anyone? Or a wellness retreat, perhaps? Anything is possible as Australians will soon be granted visa-free entry to Sri Lanka, a move designed to boost tourism and strengthen international relations.
Australians will gain visa-free entry to Sri Lanka from 1 October 2024 as part of a broader initiative aimed at boosting tourism and enhancing international ties.
The visa waiver, which includes 35 countries, will last for six months, with Sri Lanka’s foreign minister, Ali Sabry, suggesting it could be a step towards a more permanent visa-free regime.
Countries benefiting from the new visa-free status include Australia, India, the U.K., China, the U.S., Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Denmark, Poland, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Nepal, Indonesia, Russia, and Thailand.
Previously, Sri Lanka charged US$50 (AU$45) for a tourist visa and US$75 (AU$67) for a business visa.
The initiative aligns with Sri Lanka’s goal of attracting three million foreign tourists in 2025, following a series of successful promotional campaigns.
Speaking at a media briefing, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu highlighted the industry’s rapid recovery after the 2022 crisis, attributing it to public-private partnerships and impactful campaigns like “Check-In” and “Seeing is Believing.”
It’s hoped that Sri Lanka’s new tourism branding identity, “Sri Lanka: You will come back for more,” will bolster these efforts. This identity reflects the fact that over 30 per cent of tourists to Sri Lanka are repeat visitors.
The country’s tourism industry remains a critical economic driver, generating over 1.88 billion U.S. dollars in the first seven months of 2024—a 73.3 per cent year-on-year increase.
The visa-free initiative is likely to make Sri Lanka an even more attractive destination for Australian travellers. They can reach Colombo via direct flights on Sri Lankan Airlines from Sydney and Melbourne. Singapore Airlines also offers popular routes connecting Australia to Sri Lanka.
Explore Worldwide recently upgraded its 13-day Discover Sri Lanka tour from AU$5,810 per person to include Bawa-style beachfront properties. Tours featured in the B Corp-certified company’s new Upgraded collection typically use 4-star properties, offering a little extra comfort regarding accommodation and facilities.
In related news, the European Union is set to introduce its online visa waiver system in early 2025, while the UK will implement its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Australians by the end of this year. The UK’s ETA will cost £10 (approximately AU$20) and can be easily obtained online.
For more, head to srilanka.travel
