Sri Lanka to give free visa-on-arrival to 40 countries
In a strategic move to revitalize its tourism sector and accelerate economic recovery, Sri Lanka approved the expansion of its visa-free travel policy to include visitors from 40 countries, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath announced on July 25.
The expansion follows a cabinet decision to broaden the scope of a visa waiver program initially launched in March 2023. At that time, visa-free entry was granted to nationals of seven key markets—India, China, Russia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan—as part of a pilot project aimed at attracting more international tourists in the post-COVID era.
Expanded List Includes Key Long-Haul Markets
The newly approved list now includes several major long-haul and regional markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Iran, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside other nations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The Department of Immigration and Emigration will publish in the next weeks the full list of eligible countries.
Travelers from these countries will then be able to enter Sri Lanka without paying visa fees and receive a 30-day visa on arrival. They however will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance—a simplified online process that facilitates pre-arrival screening and documentation.
Long-Term Gains
Foreign Minister Herath acknowledged that the decision to eliminate visa fees could result in a short-term revenue loss estimated at US$66 million per year.
However, increased tourist arrivals, higher foreign exchange inflows, and broader economic stimulation would more than compensate for the immediate fiscal impact. “We have stabilized the economy, and through bold policy changes in tourism, we aim to ensure a sustained increase in arrivals and foreign exchange earnings,” Herath stated to media.
The tourism sector, which accounts for roughly 12% of Sri Lanka’s GDP, has been a cornerstone of the country’s recovery efforts following the twin shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 economic crisis. Visitor numbers have been steadily rising in 2024 and in first half year 2025. Meanwhile, officials believe that removing visa barriers could unlock even faster growth, especially from high-spending markets.
Tourism Targets and Infrastructure Investment
The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau has set a goal of 2.5 million international arrivals in 2025, up from an estimated 1.6 million in 2024. New campaigns are also underway to attract digital nomads, adventure travelers, and eco-tourists—groups who tend to stay longer and spend more.
To accommodate rising demand, Sri Lanka is also investing in tourism infrastructure, including the expansion of Bandaranaike International Airport, upgrades to road networks connecting heritage and beach destinations, and incentives for hotel and resort developments in less-known areas.
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