Sri Lankan Overseas Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath.
| Picture Credit score: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
Sri Lanka will lengthen free vacationer visa coverage to 40 further international locations as a part of its efforts to spice up tourism and maintain financial restoration, Overseas Minister Vijitha Herath stated on Friday (July 25, 2025).
The transfer comes after Cupboard approval final week to increase the present checklist of seven eligible international locations to 40, Mr. Herath instructed reporters right here.
The Free Visa regime is already in place for nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan from March 2023.
The international locations that at the moment are a part of the checklist of 40 embody the U.Ok., the U.S., Canada, Pakistan, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Australia.
Though the federal government expects an annual income lack of $66 million because of the visa charge waiver, Mr. Herath stated, the oblique financial advantages from elevated vacationer arrivals would outweigh the loss.
“We’ve stabilised the financial system, and thru coverage modifications in tourism, we intention to make sure regular development in arrivals,” the Minister stated.
Revealed – July 26, 2025 04:50 am IST
