Sri Lanka, the South Asian Island, popular for its rich history, beautiful beaches, magnificent mountains as well as friendly people has recently moved a notch higher in making the country even more attractive to visitors. Starting from 01 October, the government of SriLanka plans to grant visa-free entry to citizens of 35 countries, including India, the USA, and the United Kingdom. Over the next six months, we plan to implement this step to simplify international travel processes and attract more tourists. In addition to this, Sri Lanka has sustained its free tourist visa policy for outbound travellers from several significant Asian markets, even as it has put on hold e-visa services.
SriLanka Visa-Free Entry: Marketing a Country to the Global Tourists
The decision to grant visa on arrival to 35 countries are said to be a strategic move of Sri Lanka to tap the traditional as well as the new market. India, the UK and the US are three of the largest sources of tourists to Sri Lanka and this intention from Sri Lanka is to take advantage of these existing relations.
Of all the tourists, Sri Lanka visa-free entry policy has a particularly important connotation for Indian tourists. India has been a leading international source market for Sri Lanka. This is largely due to cultural and geographical relations between the two countries. Sri Lanka’s decision to abolish visa on arrival aims to make it easier for Indian travelers. This change is intended for both leisure and business purposes in the two neighboring countries. It also includes exploration of cultural and religious destinations common to them.
Tourists from the UK and the US, who are drawn to Sri Lanka’s beaches, wildlife, and historical landmarks, will undergo a simplified procedure. The removal of visas as a hindrance to travel: this eliminates one obstacle. Therefore, tourists may consider Sri Lanka as their next vacation destination.
Pursuing Free Visas for the Major Asian Markets
Sri Lanka has the regulation for visa-on-arrival. Additionally, Sri Lanka offers free tourist visas for several major Asian tour package source markets: China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Sri Lanka is keen to continue fostering relations with countries. These countries are significant in tourism to Sri Lanka.
Out of this, China has been an increasing source of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka offers visa-free entry, which is likely to attract Chinese tourists. Sri Lanka attracts Chinese tourists with its cultural and scenic destinations.
Tourists from Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia will continue to be offered future free visas. This will boost visitor arrivals from these countries. Hence, the growth of tourism will be a result.
Suspension of E-Visa Services: Is it an organized attempt, a temporary setback, or just the reaction of overzealous fans?
Granting visa-free entry to the Schengen area on the measure of visa liberalization is a positive step. However, the recent suspension of Sri Lanka’s e-visa services causes some concern. Such visas, including E-visas, offer convenience for many people. They can obtain travel permission through the Internet with minimal issues. The suspension of this service may cause difficulties for tourists. This applies particularly to tourists from countries not on the visa-free or free visa list.
The Sri Lankan government has most probably thought about this while balancing the pros and cons of the visa-free policy. The government seeks to address potential issues from suspended e-visas. By providing visa-free access to many countries, they aim to mitigate these problems. Tourists may be affected by the visa-free policy. However, it is believed that the ease of travel will outweigh the inconvenience of not having an e-visa. $80 million of this will be allocated for marketing and awareness. This is a timely boost for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.
Sri Lanka’s new visa-free regime has arrived. This timing could not be better, as Sri Lanka tries to recover its tourism sector. COVID-19 has severely affected the nation by causing disruptions. The six-month visa regime allows people to visit the country without a visa. This is likely to increase the number of tourists from other nations. This will benefit the local economy.
Tourism has been an essential industry of the Sri Lankan economy. It creates millions of employments and the government’s revenues. In terms of travel formalities, the country is making it easier for tourists to visit Sri Lanka. It is also enabling visa on arrival to certain vital markets. The country’s tourism industry is likely to improve its competitiveness in the global market by taking this step. It will benefit both revisit and first-time travelers.
Conclusion: The Cultural Hub – Sri Lanka’s Strategic Move to Revitalize Tourism through SriLanka visa-free entry
Countries with 35 visas waived, including Sri Lanka, aim to boost “Brand Sri Lanka” through this decision. Summing up, the visa policy change aims to improve Sri Lanka’s brand image. Apart from increasing the number of hotel accommodations. The government will also strive to help make travel to Sri Lanka easier and more convenient. So as to attract a broad spectrum of overseas tourists, resulting into increased tourism revenues to the economy. I will be surprised if, in the next six months of the fielding of the Sri Lanka visa-free entry policy. The numbers of tourist arrivals are not affected . Most importantly whether this will lead to a permanent shift to make Sri Lanka one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.
