Sri Lanka is to allow visa-free entry with immediate effect to 38 nationalities, including British travellers.

The announcement was made today by the Minster of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry. It overrides an announcement 10 days ago that tourists would be able to visit Sri Lanka for 30 days on a free visa under a six-month pilot programme, however there had been concerns the free visa system could cause congestion on arrival into the country.

The Minister posted on X to say: “Today, the Cabinet authorized the President to implement visa-free access for 38 nationalities with immediate effect, adopting Singapore’s streamlined ‘one-chop’ approach. This decision will help ease congestion at visa counters.”

The ‘one-chop’ approach is when a visa or visa extension is applied with one official stamp or seal on the applicant’s passport.

The news has been welcomed by Asia specialist Experience Travel Group. CEO Sam Clark said: “We’re delighted that British travellers, along with 37 other nationalities, can now visit Sri Lanka without a visa.

“Industry concerns about congestion at the visa counter in the airport have been listened to and travellers can now simply go through immigration and get a stamp there. Holidays in Sri Lanka are now hassle free!”