For the first time Laos has granted Sri Lanka visa free travel access along with 51 other countries in a bid to boost the international tourism industry with visa free travel access. This will be effective until December 31, 2024. The duration of stay for a multiple-entry visa has also been increased from 30 to 60 days.

Maldives, Nepal and Bangladesh are the other three South Asian countries that have been offered visa free travel to Laos while India, Pakistan Afghanistan and Bhutan are yet to receive this privilege. China too has been included for free visa. Recently Thailand also offered a free visa for Sri Lanaks while Singapore, Seychelles and the Maldives are some of the popular countries where Sri Lanka enjoy free visa for many years. For Sri Lanka’s going to Thailand they have to show a passport, hotel booking return air ticket and minimum of Thai Baht 20,000 or around USD 560 in (currency notes, not cards) as visa requirements.

As tourism continues to grow, the economic impact of travel and tourism in Laos becomes increasingly significant, contributing to the nation’s GDP and supporting local economies.

“By embracing the freedom of visa-free travel, Laotians can enrich their lives with global adventures while also contributing to the prosperity and development of their homeland,” travelandtourworld.com said.