Laos Opens Doors: Boosting Tourism Through Visa-Free Travel

For the first time, Laos granted visa-free travel access to Sri Lanka, along with 51 other countries, to boost international tourism. Effective until December 31, 2024, the duration of stay for a multiple-entry visa increased from 30 to 60 days. Maldives, Nepal, and Bangladesh were the other South Asian countries that offered this privilege, while India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bhutan were not included. China also received visa-free access.

Thailand recently offered free visas to Sri Lankans, while Singapore, Seychelles, and the Maldives have provided this for years. For travel to Thailand, Sri Lankans had to present a passport, hotel booking, return air ticket, and a minimum of 20,000 Thai Baht (approximately USD 560) in cash. These deals spell good tidings for Sri Lanka, with Laos citizens arriving at the country to witness all it has to offer and enjoy stays at five star hotels in Colombo the likes of Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo.