Sri Lanka to Offer Free Visas to Tourists from 40 Countries

In a major move to boost its tourism sector and support the country’s economic recovery, Sri Lanka is planning to expand its free visa policy. The government aims to welcome tourists from 40 countries by allowing them to enter the country without paying visa fees.

This new step is expected to breathe new life into Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, which is still recovering from recent economic and political challenges. The plan builds on a pilot program that began in March 2023. Under that program, tourists from seven countries — including India, China, and Russia — were given free 30-day visas through an electronic travel authorization (ETA) system.

What the Government Says

Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath officially announced the expansion of the visa-free entry program on Friday. He explained that the main goal is to attract more international visitors, simplify the entry process, and send a strong message to the world that Sri Lanka is ready to welcome tourists again.

While the plan might lead to a short-term loss in visa fee income, the government believes that the increase in tourist spending will make up for it. According to officials, the country could lose about $66 million due to the waived visa fees. However, they are confident that the benefits from more tourists — including hotel bookings, local shopping, transportation, and dining — will bring in much more revenue.

Approval and Next Steps

Before the visa-free policy can take effect, it still needs the approval of the Attorney General’s office. Once it is approved, the government will officially launch the updated policy.

Visa-Free Travel Details

• The updated plan will include a total of 40 countries, expanding from the original 7.
• Tourists from these countries will receive a 30-day visa on arrival, with no visa fee.
• It is still not clear if travelers will need to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) in advance or if they can skip that step altogether.

Sri Lanka’s Tourism Targets

Sri Lanka has set ambitious goals for the tourism industry. The country hopes to attract 3 million international tourists and earn $5 billion in tourism revenue by 2025. This is a big jump from 2.05 million visitors and $3 billion in revenue recorded in 2024.

Experts Urge a Broader Strategy

Malik J. Fernando, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance, welcomed the visa-free policy but warned that it should be part of a bigger, long-term tourism strategy. He said that just removing visa fees is not enough. Without strong global marketing campaigns and better tourism infrastructure, these efforts may not achieve the desired results and could turn into short-term fixes rather than lasting solutions.

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