"Today, the Cabinet authorized the President to implement visa-free access for 38 nationalities with immediate effect, adopting Singapore's streamlined 'one-chop' approach," Ali Sabry, the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, said on the social network X. "This decision will help ease congestion at visa counters."
In August, the South Asian nation announced it would allow visa-free entry for 35 countries starting in October on a six-month trial basis before the government surprisingly announced this latest policy change.
Previously, tourists had to apply online for a Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization through the Sri Lanka tourism portal. The visa was initially valid for 30 days beginning on your date of arrival but could be extended for up to six months.
However, this new policy is effective immediately and provides visa-free entry for travelers with passports from 38 countries, including the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Spain and the United Kingdom. Citizens from nine countries — Afghanistan, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, North Korea, Ghana, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan and Syria — are not currently eligible for visa-on-arrival in Sri Lanka; that will not change with this policy.
At the time of publication, the Sri Lankan government hasn't updated its website to reflect the new visa-free entry requirements. With this latest policy change, there are now just 13 countries that require American citizens to apply for a tourist visa in order to visit.
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