Colombo( The COW News Digital)In a major tourism-boosting initiative, Sri Lanka has announced the complete removal of visa fees for citizens of 40 countries, including Pakistan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and several other nations, in a bid to revive its tourism sector and support the island nation’s economy.
The announcement was made by Sri Lankan Tourism Minister Wijitha Herath, who stated that the move aims to send a clear message to the world:
“Sri Lanka is open, ready, and welcoming for travelers from around the globe.”
This visa waiver scheme is part of the government’s broader strategy to attract international tourists, especially as the country continues to recover from economic and political challenges in recent years.
The list of eligible countries includes key tourism markets such as Pakistan, India, China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Canada, Australia, Germany, Japan, and France. Citizens of these nations can now travel to Sri Lanka without paying any visa fee, making it significantly easier and more affordable to explore the country’s world-renowned beaches, lush jungles, and ancient temples.
The government estimates a potential loss of $66 million annually in visa fee revenue, but officials are confident that the surge in tourism will more than compensate for the shortfall through increased spending in hospitality, transport, and local commerce.
This program is an expansion of a 2023 pilot scheme, which initially offered free 30-day visas to tourists from India, China, and Russia. Encouraged by its success, the Sri Lankan government has now broadened the initiative to 40 countries, positioning itself as a competitive player in the global travel market.
Tourism is one of Sri Lanka’s top foreign exchange earners, and officials believe this policy will play a key role in restoring international confidence and boosting arrivals. The country is aiming to reclaim its pre-pandemic tourist figures and generate crucial economic momentum.
Travelers and tourism stakeholders have widely welcomed the decision, calling it a positive, forward-thinking step that aligns with global trends to simplify travel and encourage international mobility.
Sri Lanka’s move is expected to influence other countries in the region to adopt similar strategies to enhance tourism and rebuild post-pandemic economies.
