RIYADH: Sri Lanka’s government will allow visa-free entry for Saudi Arabia citizens from Oct. 1, the Adviser to the Ministry of Tourism Harin Fernando was reported as saying on Thursday.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Saudi Arabia Ameer Ajwad told Arab News: “The landmark decision to provide visa-free access to Sri Lanka for Saudi citizens will serve as a catalyst to boost tourism and enhance business exchanges between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia.”

Ajwad added that it would enhance “people-to people contacts” and comes as the two nations celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations this year.

In its announcement on Thursday, the Sri Lanka government granted visa-free access to citizens from 35 countries.

They include the UK, China, US, India, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Australia, Denmark, Poland, Kazakhstan, UAE, Nepal, Indonesia, Russia and Thailand.

The list includes Malaysia, Japan, France, Canada, Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Israel, Belarus, Iran, Sweden, South Korea, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and New Zealand.

Saudi Arabia is the third-largest source of tourists for Sri Lanka, according to statistics released in July by the latter’s tourism development authority.

The Sri Lanka Embassy has helped promote the island nation as a destination, including showcasing its tourism products at the Riyadh Travel Fair 2024 from May 27 to 29.