Sri Lanka is set to transform its tourism landscape by reintroducing an ambitious visa-free entry policy for nationals from 40 countries, signaling a strategic move to reinvigorate its travel sector and attract international visitors. This groundbreaking initiative, announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath at the Hotel Show in Colombo, represents a bold effort to position the nation as a more accessible and welcoming destination.
The comprehensive list of eligible countries spans multiple continents, including major economic powerhouses and popular tourist markets. Notably, the policy encompasses nations such as the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Australia, France, Canada, and key Asian countries like China, Japan, and South Korea.
This strategic initiative builds upon a previous proposal from August 2024, which was initially approved at the cabinet level but did not materialize. The current announcement represents a renewed commitment to expanding Sri Lanka’s international tourism footprint and attracting a diverse range of global travelers.
According to M Shanthikumar, president of the Hotels Association of Sri Lanka, the visa-free policy is expected to provide a significant boost to the country’s tourism sector. The nation has set an ambitious target of attracting three million visitors in 2025, a substantial increase from two million in the previous year.
The comprehensive list of countries eligible for visa-free travel includes a diverse mix of European, Asian, Middle Eastern, and North American nations: the UK, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Australia, Poland, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Nepal, China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, France, US, Canada, Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Israel, Belarus, Iran, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, South Korea, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, New Zealand, Kuwait, Norway, Türkiye, and Pakistan.
While the announcement has been widely celebrated, industry experts like Nishad Wijetunga from the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators are cautiously optimistic. He noted that the industry is still awaiting clarity on the exact implementation timeline, with some sources suggesting it could take up to two months to finalize the necessary procedural requirements.
One potential challenge highlighted by industry sources is the need for parliamentary approval, given the potential implications for government revenue. Despite cabinet-level endorsement, the policy must navigate additional bureaucratic steps before full implementation.
For travelers and tourism professionals, this development represents a promising opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant tourism ecosystem with unprecedented ease and accessibility.
As the nation continues to position itself as an attractive international destination, the visa-free entry policy could mark a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s tourism strategy, potentially reshaping its global travel profile and economic landscape.
