Sri Lanka is completely lifting the visa requirement for a total of 35 countries. These include Austria, Germany and Switzerland. From October 1, 2024, a visa on arrival or e-visa will no longer be necessary.
As Travel News reports, the Southeast Asian country of Sri Lanka will lift the visa requirement for a total of 35 countries. This rule is to come into force from October. Previously, an e-visa was required for entry, which was available on the online visa portal (www.srilankaevisa.lk). However, this portal was deactivated a few weeks ago with immediate effect and until further notice. Tourists could only obtain their visa through Sri Lanka's diplomatic missions or upon arrival at the airport. However, the visa requirement remains unchanged for all entries up to and including September 30, 2024!
Major tourism boom expected
Experts expect the new regulation to lead to a major tourism boom. "Sri Lanka has had to deal with a number of difficulties in recent years. Terrorist attacks, fuel shortages and unrest in the country have caused demand for Sri Lanka to drop dramatically. However, the country seems to be getting the problems under control and with the new visa regulations, I am convinced that the country will experience a boom," says Stefan Stingeder, Managing Director of Tripplanner ReiseService GmbH.