Sri Lanka’s decision to grant free tourist visas to 40 more countries is triggering a wave of interest from nations eager for the same privilege. Tourism leaders and policy experts say the move could unlock billions in revenue, boost arrivals, and position Sri Lanka as a premier travel destination if paired with long-term visa liberalisation.
Sri Lanka’s bold decision to waive visa fees for nationals from 40 additional countries has sparked a surge of interest from other nations seeking the same privilege for their citizens visiting as tourists.
Previously, the facility was granted to just seven countries. The government has now approved the policy expansion to 40 more, with the proposal currently awaiting clearance from the Attorney General. Once approved, it will be presented to Parliament for endorsement, giving the policy legal effect.
The new visa-free regime is expected to be implemented by the end of this month. Once in effect, eligible travellers can apply online for a free tourist visa to enter Sri Lanka.
Tourism authorities say the initial selection prioritises Sri Lanka’s top source markets, but more countries could be added later depending on the success of the program. Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam confirmed that future expansions will be considered based on results from the current rollout.
The Colombo-based Advocata Institute, a leading economic think tank, has praised the move but stressed the need for a broader and consistent visa liberalisation strategy to fully unlock the sector’s potential. Advocata’s recommendations include restoring visa-on-arrival facilities, easing entry for vetted international visitors, and creating long-term renewable visas to attract high-value tourists and remote workers.
Sri Lanka has set ambitious targets for 2025, aiming for three million tourist arrivals and USD 5 billion in revenue. Advocata CEO Dhananath Fernando called the free visa policy “a step in the right direction,” highlighting tourism as a sector with immediate job-creating potential and strong multiplier effects across the economy.
The think tank also urged Sri Lanka to consider reverting to its pre-2012 visa regime, which allowed 84 countries visa-on-arrival access without prior electronic travel authorisation (ETA). They further recommend extending visa-on-arrival to travellers holding valid multiple-entry visas to high-screening destinations such as the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Tourism industry stakeholders believe that consistent, investor-friendly regulations and reduced entry barriers could position Sri Lanka as one of the most competitive travel destinations in Asia.
It is October now. There ahve been no additions to the “free visa list” since this article in August. This seems to have been yet another story of just talk from the government and no action.