Colombo, August 9 — Sri Lanka is set to expand its free tourist visa scheme to nationals from 40 additional countries, in a move aimed at boosting the tourism sector.
The facility, previously extended to seven countries, will allow eligible travellers to apply online for a free visa once the new regulation comes into effect. The policy, already approved by the government, is awaiting clearance from the Attorney General before it is presented to Parliament for final approval. Authorities expect the scheme to be implemented by the end of this month.
According to officials, the initial expansion prioritises Sri Lanka’s key source markets, but more countries may be added depending on the success of the rollout.
Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, said further expansion will be considered after assessing the impact of the current decision.
Meanwhile, many countries have approached Sri Lanka seeking the same visa exemption for their citizens.
The Colombo-based think tank Advocata Institute welcomed the move but urged the government to adopt a longer-term and more consistent visa liberalisation strategy. It recommended restoring visa-on-arrival access for vetted international visitors, introducing renewable long-term visas for high-value tourists and remote workers, and aligning visa policies with international best practices.
“Tourism is one of the few sectors in Sri Lanka with immediate job-creating potential and strong multiplier effects across the economy,” said Advocata CEO Dhananath Fernando. “Even something as simple as waiving a fee can make Sri Lanka more attractive as a destination.”
Sri Lanka is targeting three million tourist arrivals and $5 billion in tourism revenue this year. Advocata stressed that open and predictable visa policies will be essential to achieving this goal, noting that the country’s pre-2012 regime allowed citizens from 84 countries to obtain visas on arrival without prior electronic travel authorisation.