COLOMBO, July 25 — Sri Lanka will extend its free tourist visa policy to 40 countries in a bid to boost tourism and support its ongoing economic recovery, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath announced on Friday.
Speaking to reporters in Colombo, Herath said the decision follows cabinet approval last week to expand the existing list of visa-exempt countries.
Sri Lanka has been offering free tourist visas to nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan since March 2023. With the latest move, the government aims to attract a broader range of international travelers and stimulate the tourism sector, a vital component of the country’s economy.
Further details, including the full list of newly eligible countries, are expected to be released soon.
