In a move to bolster tourism and strengthen bilateral ties, the Sri Lankan government has announced a new policy granting visa-free entry to nationals from 35 countries, including key Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
This policy, set to commence on October 1st, 2024, will allow travellers from these nations to enjoy a 30-day stay in Sri Lanka without the need for a visa, and this arrangement is slated to last for six months.
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Riyadh shared their enthusiasm for this development, emphasising the ease of access for Saudi nationals starting from the specified date. The Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ameer Ajwad, praised the decision by the Council of Ministers as a landmark move that promises to enhance tourism and commerce, coinciding with the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia.