Visitors from 40 More Countries to Get Free Visa Entry For Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka lawmakers have approved free visa facilities for travelers from 40 countries, making it easier for tourists to visit the island nation.

Under the new policy, visitors from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and Spain will get free visas to Sri Lanka.

Apart from them, visitors from Sweden, Switzerland, Bahrain, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, the UAE, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand too will be eligible for free visas.

This expands on the existing free visa scheme that was previously available for travelers from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand.

According to the new regulations, eligible travelers will receive a free 30-day visit visa upon arrival in Sri Lanka.

However, visitors will still be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the country.

While Sri Lanka is expected to lose approximately US$75 million in visa revenue due to the decision, authorities believe the move could attract at least 250,000 additional tourists to the country.