Sri Lanka FREE Visa for 35 Countries: What Does it Mean for Volunteer Travelers?

Last Updated: August 26, 2024

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The Cabinet of Ministers of Sri Lanka has approved visa-free entry for citizens of 35 countries, including the United Kingdom, America, Canada, Germany, Australia, Russia, South Korea, and Japan. This initiative, which will be available from October 1, 2024, for a period of six months, allows citizens of these 35 countries to visit Sri Lanka without obtaining a visa. The approval extends to other countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Denmark, Poland, France, Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland, Austria,  Sweden, New Zealand and many more that you can explore in the table below.

This free visa authorization has been implemented to encourage tourism and strengthen international relations. Citizens from the approved countries can travel to Sri Lanka without any visa requirement during the designated period. This concession is part of the government's efforts to promote Sri Lanka as a travel destination and to boost the tourism sector in the wake of global travel resuming. The initiative will remain in effect for six months, providing a unique opportunity for travelers from these countries to explore Sri Lanka without the usual visa formalities.

Which Countries are provided FREE visa from October 2024

Here is the breakdown of the countries provided the free visa to travel to Sri Lanka from October 2024.

Europe	Asia	Oceania	North America	Middle East
United Kingdom	Kazakhstan	Australia	United States	Saudi Arabia
Germany	Saudi Arabia	New Zealand	Canada	United Arab Emirates
The Netherlands	United Arab Emirates			Israel
Belgium	Nepal			Qatar
Spain	China			Oman
Denmark	India			Bahrain
Poland	Indonesia
Czech Republic	Russia
Italy	Thailand
France	Malaysia
Switzerland	Japan
Austria	South Korea
Belarus	Iran
Sweden

What is a Sri Lankan visa?

A Sri Lankan visa is an endorsement applied to a passport or similar document to legally facilitate the entry of a non-Sri Lankan into the country and to regulate the period of their stay in the country and the conditions under which that stay is governed.

What are the types of Sri Lankan visas?

There are 3 types of visas that allow a person to enter and/or stay in Sri Lanka the one very popular is visit visa

Visit Visa

A visit visa is an entry permit that records the Sri Lankan government's approval for a foreign national to enter the country. This visa contains details of the duration and condition/s of stay.

There are two sub-categories under the Visitor Visa :

Tourist visa

Tourist visa for bona fide tourists who wish to enter Sri Lanka for short-term sightseeing or vacation, to visit friends or relatives, for medical treatment, to attend art, music and dance events, to attend sporting events A permit will be issued.

Business purpose visa

A business purpose visa is issued to foreign nationals visiting Sri Lanka for business purposes for a short period of time. This visa can be issued for single or multiple entries.

What does this Free Visa Mean for Volunteering in Sri Lanka?

For those interested to volunteer in Sri Lanka, the waiver in the visa cost will be a relief. The visa fee to Sri Lanka for 1 month was US$50, with this announcement of Free visa for the above mentioned country, this cost will be free and now international volunteers can save that money from their cost. With this waived $50 you can explore local places, you can enjoy a week of local meals , you can buy some local Sri Lankan souvenirs for your friends, therefore, this free visa announcement is good news for every international volunteer looking forward to visiting Sri Lanka.

What Volunteering Opportunities Can You Explore With this Free Visa?

With this announcement of a free visa can be an opportunity for all enthusiasts for international volunteering as October, November till December to April are considered ideal months to travel Sri Lanka , due to pleasant weather and minimal rainfall.

Making the most out of this free visa moment, you can participate in the following programs and explore Sri Lanka.

Volunteer in Buddhist Monastery

Explore the peace in the pristine beaches of Sri Lanka while living compassionate moments with the monks. Participate in the Buddhist Monastery program and enjoy your spiritual journey with a soulful trip to Sri Lanka.

Elephant Care Program

Join hands to support and care for the Asian Elephants as you participate in the elephant program in Sri Lanka, use this opportunity of free visa to make a trip for the care and welfare of this gentle and adorable animal.

Medical and Health Program in Sri Lanka

For the medical, nursing students and professionals, this free visa announcement can be an opportunity to explore Sri Lanka while helping the people of the country with medical and healthcare services as an international volunteer.

Orphanage , Childcare Volunteering

Empower the disadvantaged kids by sharing your knowledge, care and compassion. Spend resourceful and educational moments with them to ensure these kids can lead their life to a brighter future. Participate in orphanage and childcare programs grabbing this opportunity of free visa in Sri Lanka.

School Teaching Volunteer Program

Support local community schools by sharing your knowledge and teaching skills, utilize your day time participating in different activities in schools while exploring beautiful Sri Lanka in mornings, evenings and on the weekends.

FAQs

Which country has a free visa to travel to Sri Lanka?

USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Spain and including other countries total 35 countries have free to Sri Lanka.

When will this free visa for 35 countries be implemented?

This free visa will be implemented from October 1, 2024.

Can an international volunteer get this free visa?

Yes, as you will be traveling under a tourist visa when you join any program as an international volunteer, you will get the free visa.