Sri Lanka is set to significantly expand its tourism appeal after Parliament approved new regulations granting free tourist visas to travelers from 40 countries.
The initiative, approved under the Immigration and Emigration Act, is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen international tourism and attract more visitors to the island nation.
Speaking in Parliament, Ananda Wijepala, Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs, confirmed that travelers benefiting from the new free entry arrangement are the following:
United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, the UAE, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia and Thailand.
Previously, the free visa program was limited to only seven countries: China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand.
Under the new rules, eligible visitors will receive a complimentary 30-day Sri Lanka tourist visa. Travelers will still be required to complete all standard entry formalities, including obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), but the visa fee itself will be waived.
According to the government, the measure is expected to result in an estimated loss of around USD 75 million in visa fee revenue. However, officials believe the policy could attract an additional 247,000 tourists and generate roughly USD 317 million in tourism earnings, creating a projected net economic gain of USD 242 million.
The move comes as Sri Lanka continues efforts to strengthen its tourism recovery and position itself as one of Asia’s most accessible and attractive long-haul travel destinations.
