Latest news with #HotelShowColombo2025
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Sri Lanka to extend its visa-free travel policy for 40 countries; India also on the list
In a bid to boost tourism and recover from an economic crisis, Sri Lanka has announced plans to extend its free tourist visa policy to 40 additional countries, according to a news shared by PTI. 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 Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Salma Hayek, 58,Shows Her Huge Size In New Photos Boite A Scoop Undo 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.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Sri Lanka to waive visa fees for 40 more countries to boost tourism
COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan government has decided to waive visa fees for 40 additional countries to boost tourism, a senior minister said on Friday (July 25). Speaking at the "Hotel Show Colombo 2025" exhibition, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath stated that the decision was made at the recent cabinet meeting. Sri Lanka currently allows tourists from seven countries to visit the country without paying visa fees. The minister said the Treasury will lose about US$66 million in direct revenue by waiving these fees. However, the government expects greater indirect income through increased tourism. Tourism is one of Sri Lanka's main sources of foreign revenue. The country earned approximately US$.17 billion from tourism in 2024. - Xinhua
