Sri Lanka Approves Free Visa Policy for 40 Countries Including Pakistan, Canada and UK

In a major step aimed at revitalizing the country’s tourism sector, Sri Lanka has approved a new regulation allowing citizens of 40 countries to enter the island nation without paying visa fees.

The decision was formally endorsed by the Parliament of Sri Lanka on Wednesday after the government argued that waiving visa charges would attract hundreds of thousands of additional visitors and inject substantial revenue into the national economy.

The new policy includes travelers from countries such as Pakistan, Canada, United Kingdom, United States, Australia, China, India, Japan and dozens of other nations across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Thirty-Day Visa Fee Waiver

Speaking in Parliament, Ananda Wijepala said the regulations were introduced under the Immigration and Emigration Act and would grant a 30-day free tourist visa to eligible visitors.

He clarified that while visa fees are being waived, travelers will still be required to complete all normal entry procedures, including obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival.

“The only change is that the visa fee will be removed. Visitors must continue to comply with all other immigration requirements,” the minister said.

Countries Included in the Free Visa Program

The expanded list covers 40 countries from multiple regions, including:

• Pakistan
• Canada
• United States
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• New Zealand
• China
• India
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Russia
• Thailand
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Oman
• South Korea
• Turkey
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Switzerland
• Netherlands
• Sweden

The government had previously offered the same benefit only to citizens of seven countries: China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia and Thailand.

Tourism Strategy to Strengthen the Economy

Sri Lankan authorities say the new visa policy is part of a broader plan to accelerate tourism growth and support economic recovery.

According to government estimates, waiving visa fees may reduce state revenue by approximately 75 million US dollars. However, officials expect the initiative to attract around 247,000 additional tourists, generating approximately 317 million US dollars in tourism-related income.

This would result in a projected net economic gain of 242 million US dollars.

Tourism remains one of Sri Lanka’s most important sources of foreign exchange, employment and investment, and officials believe easing travel requirements will make the country more competitive with other popular Asian destinations.

Major Relief for Pakistani Travelers

For travelers from Pakistan, the decision is being welcomed as a positive development that will make holidays, family visits and business trips to Sri Lanka more affordable.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy longstanding diplomatic and trade ties, and tourism officials hope the fee waiver will encourage more Pakistanis to visit destinations such as Colombo, Kandy, Galle and the country’s renowned beach resorts and heritage sites.

Industry Welcomes the Move

Tourism operators have praised the government’s decision, describing it as a practical measure to increase visitor arrivals and boost hotel occupancy, transportation services and local businesses.

Industry experts note that removing visa costs often influences travelers when comparing destinations, particularly families and budget-conscious tourists.

With regional competition intensifying, Sri Lanka hopes the visa waiver will strengthen its appeal as a convenient and affordable destination for leisure and business travelers alike.

Economic Recovery and Global Outreach

The policy comes as Sri Lanka continues efforts to stabilize its economy and rebuild international confidence after years of financial hardship.

Officials believe a simpler and more cost-effective visa process will help the country capitalize on renewed global travel demand and expand its presence in key tourism markets.

By opening its doors to visitors from 40 countries, Sri Lanka is signaling that tourism will remain central to its strategy for growth, employment and foreign exchange earnings.

What Travelers Need to Know

Eligible visitors should note the following:

• Visa fees are waived for tourist visits of up to 30 days.
• Travelers must still apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
• Standard immigration and security procedures remain in effect.
• The waiver applies only to the visa fee, not to other travel requirements.

Outlook for 2026 Tourism

Tourism officials are optimistic that the new measure will lead to a strong increase in arrivals during 2026, particularly from South Asia, Europe and the Gulf region.

If projections are realized, the policy could become one of Sri Lanka’s most effective tourism initiatives in recent years, delivering both immediate economic benefits and stronger international engagement.

Courtesy: dailymirror