By: Staff Writer
July 16, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is crafting a new tourism strategy, aiming to build on a promising 2024 by offering visa free travel for several selected countries following Thailand’s initiative to allow visa-free entry for travellers from 93 countries and territories.
It may even have a chance to capitalize on shifting geopolitical winds amid tensions between neighboring India and the Maldives.,a senior official of the tourism ministry said,
Thailand will allow visa-free entry for travellers from 93 countries and territories, including Sri Lanka from yesterday (July 15).
This marks the first time Sri Lankans can travel to Thailand without obtaining a paper visa. Thai citizens can already visit Sri Lanka visa-free, subject to a USD 10 processing fee.
The new policy, announced by Thailand’s Ministry of Interior, extends the visa-free stay from 30 to 60 days. Visitors must have proof of funds, accommodation, and return or onward tickets. Entry remains at the discretion of immigration officers at airports.
According to Ministry spokesperson Traisuree Taisaranakul, this change will benefit tourists and short-term business travellers. The number of countries eligible for visas on arrival will increase to 31.
Thailand has seen a 35 percent rise in foreign arrivals this year, totalling 18.2 million visitors and generating 858 billion baht (USD 24 billion) in revenue. China, Malaysia, and India have been the largest sources of tourists in 2024, with around 350,000 Sri Lankans travelling to Thailand annually.
Also, Thailand will introduce the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) on July 15, targeting digital nomads, freelancers and those seeking to learn skills like cooking and martial arts.
This visa allows stays of up to 180 days and is valid for five years. Applicants must apply for the DTV at the Thai Embassy in their country.
Moreover, visiting students earning a bachelor’s degree or higher in Thailand will be permitted to stay for one year post-graduation to seek employment, travel or conduct research.
Meanwhile Sri Lanaka welcomed over 1.48 million visitors last year — roughly double that of 2022, when the country defaulted on sovereign debt, suffered severe shortages and saw protests topple the government. Buoyed by glowing tourism features in international magazines like Forbes and Conde Nast Traveler, the country is hoping for at least 2.3 million in 2024.
“Official plans have yet to be revealed, but Sri Lanka is understood to be considering a nomad visa that would allow a yearlong stay with an option to extend. Currently, visitors must apply for a 30-day electronic travel authorization, which can be extended for a stay up to 270 days.
Overall, a 10-year tourism plan calls for attracting 5 million tourists by 2029, of which 2.5 million would be “high-end” travelers.
Sri Lanka was offering free visas for tourists from China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan until March 31.
