The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
Sneha Chakraborty is a journalist and photographer covering how travel intersects with food, culture, ..Read More
โโ Full text of the original article.
In a significant move to bolster its economy, Sri Lanka has extended visa-free entry to travellers from 40 countries. This expanded policy, confirmed by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath on July 25, 2025, builds upon an earlier scheme benefiting seven nations.
Since March 2023, Sri Lanka had been offering complimentary 30-day tourist visas to citizens of India, China, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan. The program, initially a six-month trial, has now been substantially broadened, removing visa fees for these new eligible nationalities. While travellers still need to obtain an electronic travel authorization, the payment requirement has been lifted.
Full list as Sri Lanka waives visa fees for 40 countries
Read more: https://t.co/aLrf688vUr#lka #srilanka #adaderana #news #lanka #srilankanews #visa #VisaFree #visafees #srilankatourism #tourism #tourists
โ Ada Derana (@adaderana) July 25, 2025
While the government anticipates a loss of approximately USD 66 million in annual visa revenue, Minister **Herath** emphasized that the anticipated increase in tourist arrivals is expected to yield greater economic benefits. He stated, We have stabilised the economy, and through policy changes in tourism, we aim to ensure steady growth in arrivals.
The countries now eligible for visa-free entry include Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, The United Arab Emirates, The United Kingdom, and The United States.
This policy shift is part of a broader strategy to revive Sri Lanka’s economy, which has faced significant challenges. By making travel more accessible, the nation aims to attract a larger volume of international visitors, boosting sectors such as hospitality and local commerce. For instance, a 2023 United Nations World Tourism Organization report indicated a global rise in tourism receipts, highlighting the economic potential of robust visitor numbers (UNWTO, 2023).
