Cabinet nod to rollout free visa policy for 40 more countries: Vijitha

Saturday, 26 July 2025 03:54 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Tourism Minister expands list to 47 in total once gazetted
Notes Treasury will lose an estimated $ 66 m in annual visa revenue, but Govt. expects higher indirect earnings via increased tourism

Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday announced that the Government decided to move with the plan to offer free visas for nationals of 40 countries.

“At the most recent Cabinet meeting, we decided to waive visa fees for entry to 40 additional countries. Accordingly, once the relevant gazette notification is issued, a total of 47 countries will be able to visit Sri Lanka without a visa fee,” he said at the ‘Hotel Show Colombo 2025’ exhibition inaugurated yesterday at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall in Colombo.

It was an extension from the free visa approval for seven countries including China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan.

The event was held under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

The Minister also emphasised that by taking this decision, the Treasury will forgo an annual income of around $ 66 million.

“However, while we may lose that amount directly, we expect to generate greater indirect income for the country through the growth of the tourism industry,” he said.

“The responsibility of ensuring this growth now lies with those of you engaged in the tourism sector,” the Minister added.

Herath stated that Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is steadily progressing day by day. Expressing optimism for its future, the Minister noted that the tourism sector is expected to become a key contributor to strengthening the national economy in the coming years.

List of countries:

1. UK

2. Germany

3. Netherlands

4. Belgium

5. Spain

6. Australia

7. Poland

8. Kazakhstan

9. Saudi Arabia

10. UAE

11. Nepal

12. China *

13. India *

14. Indonesia *

15. Russia *

16. Thailand *

17. Malaysia *

18. Japan *

19. France

20. US

21. Canada

22. Czech Republic

23. Italy

24. Switzerland

25. Austria

26. Israel

27. Belarus

28. Iran

29. Sweden

30. Finland

31. Denmark

32. Republic of Korea

33. Qatar

34. Oman

35. Bahrain

36. New Zealand

37. Kuwait

38. Norway

39. Türkiye

40. Pakistan