Visa Free Countries for Sri Lankan Citizens: A Comprehensive Guide
Sri Lankan passport holders have access to a limited number of countries that allow visa-free entry or offer visas on arrival. This comprehensive guide explores the visa-free destinations, visa requirements, and travel considerations for Sri Lankan citizens.
Current Visa-Free Access for Sri Lankan Passport Holders
As of 2024, Sri Lankan citizens have visa-free or visa on arrival access to 44 countries and territories, ranking the Sri Lankan passport 97th in the world according to the Henley Passport Index[1]. This relatively low ranking has implications for Sri Lankan business people and travelers, potentially limiting their ability to connect with international peers and maintain a globally competitive outlook.
Visa-Free Destinations
Sri Lankan citizens can enjoy visa-free access to the following countries and territories:
Asia
- Singapore: 30 days visa-free
- Tajikistan: 30 days visa-free
- Thailand: 60 days visa-free
Caribbean and Americas
- Bahamas: 3 months visa-free
- Barbados: 6 months visa-free
- Dominica: 6 months visa-free
- Grenada: 3 months visa-free
- Haiti: 90 days visa-free
- Saint Kitts and Nevis: 3 months visa-free
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: 3 months visa-free
- Venezuela: 90 days visa-free
Pacific Islands
- Cook Islands: 31 days visa-free
- Kiribati: 90 days visa-free
- Micronesia: 30 days visa-free
- Niue: 30 days visa-free
- Samoa: 60 days visa-free
- Vanuatu: 30 days visa-free
Africa
- Gambia: 90 days visa-free
- Kenya: 90 days visa-free (with Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Lesotho: 90 days visa-free
- Malawi: 30 days visa-free
- Rwanda: 30 days visa-free
- Seychelles: 3 months visa-free (with Electronic Border System)
Visa on Arrival and eVisa Options
In addition to visa-free destinations, Sri Lankan passport holders can obtain visas on arrival or eVisas for several countries, expanding their travel options:
Visa on Arrival
- Bahrain: 14 days
- Bolivia: 30 days
- Burundi: 1 month
- Cambodia: 30 days
- Cape Verde: Duration unspecified
- Comoros: 45 days
- Guinea-Bissau: 90 days
- Laos: 30 days
- Madagascar: 60 days
- Maldives: 30 days (free visa on arrival)
- Mauritania: Duration unspecified
- Mauritius: 60 days
- Nepal: 90 days
- Palau: 30 days (free visa on arrival)
- Sierra Leone: 30 days (free visa on arrival)
- Somalia: 30 days
- Timor-Leste: 30 days
- Tuvalu: 1 month
eVisa Options
- Albania
- Azerbaijan: 30 days
- Benin: 30 days
- Bhutan
- Botswana: 3 months
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Democratic Republic of the Congo: 7 days
- Côte d’Ivoire: 3 months
- Djibouti: 90 days
- Equatorial Guinea
- Ethiopia: 90 days
- Gabon
- Guinea: 90 days
- India: 30 days
- Iran: 30 days
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan: 60 days
- Libya
- Malaysia: 30 days
- Mozambique: 30 days
- Myanmar: 28 days
- Nigeria: 90 days
- Pakistan: 30 days / 3 months
- Papua New Guinea: 60 days
- Qatar
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- South Sudan
- Tanzania
- Togo: 15 days
- Uganda: 3 months
- Uzbekistan: 30 days
- Vietnam
- Zambia: 90 days
- Zimbabwe: 3 months
Travel Considerations for Sri Lankan Citizens
When planning international travel, Sri Lankan passport holders should keep the following considerations in mind:
Passport Validity
Most countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Ensure your passport meets this requirement before booking any international travel[1].
Travel Insurance
While not always mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended for international trips. Some visa-free destinations may require proof of travel insurance upon entry.
Return Tickets and Sufficient Funds
Even for visa-free entry, immigration officials may ask for proof of onward travel (return tickets) and evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
Length of Stay
Adhere strictly to the permitted length of stay for each visa-free destination. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future travel restrictions.
Purpose of Visit
Visa-free access is typically granted for tourism or short business trips. If you plan to work, study, or engage in other activities, you may need to apply for a specific visa.
Improving Sri Lanka’s Passport Power
The Sri Lankan government continues to work on improving the country’s passport power through diplomatic efforts and bilateral agreements. Factors that could contribute to increased visa-free access include:
- Economic development and increased international trade
- Improved political stability and international relations
- Enhanced security measures in passport issuance and border control
In July 2024, Sri Lanka announced it will issue biometric passports to its citizens in order to address the poor standing of the passport[1].
Regional Agreements and Limitations
Sri Lanka has limited personal or business contacts with the ASEAN, a region with which it shares significant historical and cultural relations. Within the SAARC region, the Sri Lankan government has made little effort to encourage religious tourism from countries such as Nepal and Bhutan[1].
However, Sri Lanka and Thailand have signed a Free Trade Agreement in February 2024, which includes an agreement to enable visa-free travel[1].
Challenges for Sri Lankan Travelers
Sri Lankans face difficulties traveling to some of the world’s most important markets without a complex visa application process and hefty visa fees. For example, access to Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, and the Philippines requires visas. The inability to easily access the financial markets of Hong Kong has been especially detrimental to the growth of businesses in Sri Lanka[1].
Tips for Sri Lankan Travelers
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Research thoroughly: Always check the latest visa requirements before traveling, as policies can change.
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Plan ahead: For countries requiring visas, apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
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Carry necessary documents: Keep copies of your passport, visa (if applicable), and other important documents.
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Respect local laws and customs: Familiarize yourself with the laws and cultural norms of your destination to avoid any issues during your stay.
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Stay informed: Register with the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in your destination country for updates and assistance if needed.
Research thoroughly: Always check the latest visa requirements before traveling, as policies can change.
Plan ahead: For countries requiring visas, apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
Carry necessary documents: Keep copies of your passport, visa (if applicable), and other important documents.
Respect local laws and customs: Familiarize yourself with the laws and cultural norms of your destination to avoid any issues during your stay.
Stay informed: Register with the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in your destination country for updates and assistance if needed.
Future Outlook for Sri Lankan Passport Holders
As Sri Lanka continues to develop its economy and international relations, there is potential for increased visa-free access in the future. The country has applied for membership in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and is actively seeking to establish trade relations with countries in ASEAN[1].
Travelers should stay informed about new agreements and changes in visa policies that may affect their travel plans. While the current global mobility of Sri Lankan passport holders is limited, ongoing diplomatic efforts and economic development may lead to expanded travel opportunities in the years to come.
Conclusion
While the Sri Lankan passport currently offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 44 countries and territories, there are still many destinations that require advance visa applications. Sri Lankan citizens should carefully research visa requirements, plan ahead, and ensure they have all necessary documents before embarking on international travel. As the country’s global position evolves, Sri Lankan passport holders may see expanded travel opportunities in the future, potentially contributing to a more competitive and globally connected society.
Citations: [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Sri_Lankan_citizens [2] https://visasnews.com/en/sri-lanka-35-countries-to-be-exempt-from-visa-requirements-from-october-1-2024/ [3] https://getgoldenvisa.com/passport/sri-lanka [4] https://visaguide.world/visa-free-countries/sri-lankan-passport/ [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Sri_Lankan_citizens
