Sri Lanka will lengthen free vacationer visa coverage to 40 further countries as a part of its efforts to boost tourism and maintain financial restoration, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath stated on Friday (July 25, 2025).
The transfer comes after Cabinet approval final week to develop the present record of seven eligible countries to 40, Mr. Herath informed reporters right here.
The Free Visa regime is already in place for nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russia, (*40*), Malaysia, and Japan from March 2023.
The countries that are actually a part of the record of 40 embrace the U.Okay., the U.S., Canada, Pakistan, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Australia.
Although the federal government expects an annual income lack of $66 million due to the visa payment waiver, Mr. Herath stated, the oblique financial advantages from elevated vacationer arrivals would outweigh the loss.
“We have stabilised the economy, and through policy changes in tourism, we aim to ensure steady growth in arrivals,” the Minister stated.
