Sri Lanka to extend its visa-free travel policy for 40 countries; India also on the list
The news was confirmed by Sri Lanka's Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath during the inauguration of the 'Hotel Show Colombo 2025'.
As of now, there were only seven countries, including India which were allowed visa-free entry in Sri Lanka. The decision comes after the cabinet approved to expand the list to 40 countries. However, the Government of Sri Lanka will have to suffer an annual revenue loss of USD 66 million because of visa fee waiver, mentioned the minister.
But he also said that indirect economic benefits from increased tourist footfall would be more than the loss.
The initiative aims to boost tourism as part of Sri Lanka's economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 financial crisis. 'We have stabilised the economy, and through policy changes in tourism, we aim to ensure steady growth in arrivals,' the minister said.
The visa waiver is one of the well-planned strategic moves to boost the economy of the country.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Earlier, visa fee waivers were limited to seven countries, including China, India, and Japan. The trial phase began in March 2023 and it was deemed successful.
Following the success, the Cabinet has decided to extend the policy to 40 more countries, to attract worldwide travellers.
New List of countries:
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Federal Republic of Germany
Kingdom of the Netherlands
Kingdom of Belgium
Kingdom of Spain
Commonwealth of Australia
Republic of Poland
Republic of Kazakhstan
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
People's Republic of China
Republic of India
Republic of Indonesia
Russian Federation
Kingdom of Thailand
Federation of Malaya
Japan
Republic of France
United States of America
Canada
Czech Republic (Czechia)
Republic of Italy
Swiss Confederation (Switzerland)
Republic of Austria
State of Israel
Republic of Belarus
Islamic Republic of Iran
Kingdom of Sweden
Republic of Finland
Kingdom of Denmark
Republic of Korea
State of Qatar
Sultanate of Oman
Kingdom of Bahrain
New Zealand
State of Kuwait
Kingdom of Norway
Republic of Türkiye
The Free Visa policy is already for 7 nations, including India, China, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan. Now, these countries are also now part of the list.
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