Sri Lanka Approves Free Tourist Visas for 40 Countries.
A six-month free tourist visa program has been approved by the Sri Lankan Cabinet to attract more international visitors and strengthen the country’s tourism sector.
The decision was officially announced after the Cabinet meeting held on July 21, 2025. Under this initiative, travelers holding passports from 40 selected countries will be allowed to enter Sri Lanka without paying visa fees during the promotional period.
This temporary visa-free policy has been introduced as part of a broader strategy to increase tourist arrivals and improve foreign exchange earnings through tourism activities.
Cabinet Approval Granted for Tourism Promotion
The proposal was submitted by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs. Subsequently, approval was granted by the Cabinet to proceed with the legal framework required under the Immigration and Emigration Act.
Draft regulations prepared by the Legal Draftsman are expected to be presented to Parliament for final implementation approval.
As a result, the program is expected to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to position itself as a leading travel destination in Asia.
Visitors From 40 Countries to Benefit
Under the new initiative, travelers from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, India, China, Japan, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Malaysia, Thailand, Russia, South Korea, and Netherlands will be eligible for free tourist visas.
In addition, visitors from several European, Middle Eastern, and Asian nations will also benefit from this temporary visa waiver program.
Therefore, increased tourist arrivals are expected during the six-month promotional period.
Tourism Growth Expected to Support the Economy
Through this policy, stronger international travel demand is expected to be generated. As a result, the hospitality industry, transport sector, and local businesses are likely to benefit significantly.
Furthermore, tourism revenue has already been identified as one of Sri Lanka’s major foreign income sources, contributing billions of dollars annually to the national economy.
Consequently, this visa-free initiative is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s global tourism competitiveness while supporting economic recovery efforts.
Government Targets Higher Tourist Arrivals
With this initiative in place, Sri Lanka is expected to attract a higher number of visitors from key global travel markets.
At the same time, the country’s reputation as a safe and welcoming travel destination is expected to be strengthened internationally.
Therefore, the program is being viewed as an important step toward long-term tourism sector growth.