Sri Lanka to waive visa fees for 40 more countries – Foreign Minister

He delivered these comments at an event that took place in Colombo today (25 July).

The “Hotel Show Colombo 2025” exhibition was launched this morning at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall in Colombo.

The occasion took place with the support of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

“Previously, we permitted tourists from seven nations to enter Sri Lanka without incurring visa fees.” “Minister Herath observed that the United Kingdom was included.”

“During the latest Cabinet meeting, we opted to eliminate visa fees for entry into 40 more nations.” Consequently, after the pertinent gazette notification is released, 47 countries will have the opportunity to travel to Sri Lanka without needing to pay a visa fee.

The Minister emphasized that by taking this decision, the Treasury will forgo an annual income of approximately USD 66 million.

“However, while we may lose that amount directly, we expect to generate greater indirect income for the country through the growth of the tourism industry,” he said.

“The responsibility of ensuring this growth now lies with those of you engaged in the tourism sector,” the Minister added.

List of Countries: 

1.            United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

2.            Federal Republic of Germany

3.            Kingdom of the Netherlands

4.            The Kingdom of Belgium

5.            The Kingdom of Spain

6.            The Commonwealth of Australia

7.            Republic of Poland

8.            The Republic of Kazakhstan

9.            The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

10.          The United Arab Emirates

11.          Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

12.          People’s Republic of China *

13.          The Republic of India *

14.          The Republic of Indonesia *

15.          The Russian Federation *

16.          The Kingdom of Thailand *

17.          The Federation of Malaya *

18.          Japan *

19.          Republic of France

20.          United States of America

21.          Canada

22.          Czech Republic (Czechia)

23.          Republic of Italy

24.          Swiss Confederation (Switzerland)

25.          Republic of Austria

26.          State of Israel

27.          Republic of Belarus

28.          Islamic Republic of Iran

29.          Kingdom of Sweden

30.          Republic of Finland

31.          Kingdom of Denmark

32.          Republic of Korea

33.          State of Qatar

34.          Sultanate of Oman

35.          Kingdom of Bahrain

36.          New Zealand

37.          State of Kuwait

38.          Kingdom of Norway

39.          Republic of Türkiye

40.          Pakistan