Sri Lanka Adopts Visa-Free Policy for 38 Countries, Inspired by Singapore

In a move inspired by Singapore, the Sri Lankan government has announced the immediate implementation of a visa-free policy for citizens of 38 countries, aiming to simplify entry procedures and attract more tourists.

The decision comes amid what some are calling a “visa crisis” in Sri Lanka, as the country recently suspended its e-Visa system due to management issues with a foreign consortium. Since then, Sri Lanka has been issuing visas on arrival to international visitors. On October 1, 2024, Sri Lanka launched a new initiative offering free visas for citizens of 35 countries.

While details on the specific format of this visa relief—whether it will take the form of an e-Visa, an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), or a free Visa on Arrival—remain unclear, the government has announced an additional measure to simplify entry further. On September 2, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, announced on X that the Cabinet had authorized the President to implement visa-free access for 38 nationalities immediately, adopting Singapore’s streamlined “one-chop” approach.

Sabry explained that the new visa policy aims to alleviate congestion at visa counters, a problem that has been noted in recent days at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, where long queues have been reported at the visa-on-arrival counters.

Former Tourism Minister and Presidential Advisor on Tourism Affairs, Harin Fernando, also shared on X that the Cabinet had approved a system similar to Singapore’s, allowing visa-free access for 38 countries with immediate effect. He noted that this measure would grant the President full authority to implement the new process, which is expected to ease current congestion faced by tourists.

Fernando elaborated that this system indicates visas will be approved and authorized without additional bureaucracy or complicated procedures. The goal, he noted, is to make the visa process quicker and more straightforward for applicants.

Details on the “One-Chop” system, a method inspired by Singapore to streamline immigration processes, remain limited. In immigration contexts, “One-Chop” refers to completing all necessary formalities in a single step, often handled by one authority, resulting in rapid approval.

While earlier announcements had mentioned visa-free entry for 35 countries, Sri Lankan authorities have now extended the waiver to 38 nationalities. However, the specific countries included in this list have yet to be confirmed.

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