Overview

• On July 25, Sri Lanka’s cabinet approved the removal of visa fees for travellers from 33 new nations, bringing the total number of countries eligible for visa-free entry to 40.
• Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath has confirmed that British, American and other eligible tourists will soon be able to visit without paying visa fees, though the rollout date has not been announced.
• The expanded programme will require visitors to secure a free Electronic Travel Authorisation before arrival.
• The waiver builds on a trial launched in March 2023 and a formal extension in September 2024 that covered seven Asian markets.
• Officials forecast that higher tourist spending will offset an estimated $66 million shortfall in visa revenue and support post-crisis economic growth.