Fri Jul 25 23:20:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Sri Lanka is expanding its free tourist visa policy to include 40 additional countries, building on the existing policy for seven nations. This initiative aims to revitalize the tourism sector and bolster economic recovery despite an anticipated revenue loss of $66 million. The Sri Lankan government anticipates the increase in tourist arrivals will lead to greater overall economic benefits.

**News Article:**

**Sri Lanka Expands Free Visa Policy to Boost Tourism Amid Economic Recovery**

**Colombo, July 26, 2025** – In a bid to revitalize its tourism industry and stimulate economic recovery, Sri Lanka is set to extend its free tourist visa policy to 40 additional countries. The announcement was made by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath on Friday, July 25, 2025, following Cabinet approval last week.

The expanded list includes countries such as the U.K., the U.S., Canada, Pakistan, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia, broadening the scope of the existing free visa regime which has been in place for nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan since March 2023.

While the government anticipates an annual revenue loss of $66 million due to the visa fee waiver, Minister Herath emphasized the long-term benefits. “We have stabilized the economy, and through policy changes in tourism, we aim to ensure steady growth in arrivals,” he stated. The government projects that the increased tourist influx will generate significant indirect economic benefits, outweighing the initial revenue loss.

The move reflects Sri Lanka’s commitment to fostering growth in the tourism sector and attracting a wider range of international visitors. The government hopes this initiative will contribute significantly to the country’s ongoing economic recovery.

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