Sun, Sand, and No Visa Hassle: Sri Lanka Rolls Out the Welcome Mat to 47 Nations!

Sri Lanka – July 26, 2025 – Get ready to pack your bags and ditch the visa paperwork, because Sri Lanka is throwing open its doors to the world! In a bold and strategic move to reignite its vital tourism sector, the enchanting island nation has just announced a massive expansion of its free tourist visa policy, welcoming citizens from an astonishing 40 additional countries. This brings the grand total of visa-free nations to a remarkable 47, making that dream Sri Lankan getaway more accessible than ever before.

Imagine: pristine beaches fringed with swaying palms, ancient ruins whispering tales of forgotten empires, lush tea plantations blanketing rolling hills, and vibrant culture pulsating through bustling markets. Sri Lanka has always been a gem for intrepid travellers, but now, the bureaucratic hurdle of visa applications for many is set to become a distant memory.

A Calculated Gamble for a Brighter Future

This isn't just a friendly gesture; it's a savvy economic play. While the government anticipates a direct revenue loss of approximately USD 66 million from waived visa fees, Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, in his announcement yesterday, expressed strong confidence that this investment will pay off handsomely. The influx of international visitors is expected to inject a much-needed shot of adrenaline into Sri Lanka's economy, boosting hotels, restaurants, local businesses, and transport services. Think of it as a small sacrifice for a much larger, more sustainable gain.

"We believe the indirect economic benefits from increased tourist arrivals will far outweigh any immediate revenue loss," Minister Herath stated, highlighting the long-term vision behind this ambitious initiative.

From Seven to Forty-Seven: A Growing Welcome

This expanded policy builds upon a successful pilot program launched in March 2023, which already granted visa-free access to nationals from seven key markets: China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan. The success of that initial phase clearly paved the way for this monumental expansion, demonstrating Sri Lanka's commitment to becoming a top global tourist destination.

Is Your Country on the List?

The comprehensive list of countries now enjoying visa-free access spans the globe, from Europe to the Americas, and across Asia and the Middle East. If you've been dreaming of exploring the wonders of Sri Lanka, now's the time to check if you're among the fortunate forty-seven! (See the full list below).

While a formal Gazette notification is still pending, the news has already sent ripples of excitement through the international travel community. Tour operators are gearing up for a surge in bookings, and hospitality providers are preparing to welcome a new wave of eager adventurers.

So, what are you waiting for? With the promise of sun, sand, incredible culture, and now, significantly less hassle, Sri Lanka is calling. It’s time to start planning your unforgettable journey to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean!

The Full List of 47 Countries Now Eligible for Visa-Free Entry to Sri Lanka:

• United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• Federal Republic of Germany
• Kingdom of the Netherlands
• Kingdom of Belgium
• Kingdom of Spain
• Commonwealth of Australia
• Republic of Poland
• Republic of Kazakhstan
• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
• People's Republic of China
• Republic of India
• Republic of Indonesia
• Russian Federation
• Kingdom of Thailand
• Federation of Malaya (Malaysia)
• Japan
• Republic of France
• United States of America
• Canada
• Czech Republic (Czechia)
• Republic of Italy
• Swiss Confederation (Switzerland)
• Republic of Austria
• State of Israel
• Republic of Belarus
• Islamic Republic of Iran
• Kingdom of Sweden
• Republic of Finland
• Kingdom of Denmark
• Republic of Korea
• State of Qatar
• Sultanate of Oman
• Kingdom of Bahrain
• New Zealand
• State of Kuwait
• Kingdom of Norway
• Republic of Türkiye
• Pakistan