Sri Lanka to extend free visa travel to citizens from 40 more countries

• Facility already extended to seven countries 
• New Decision will be effective upon clearance by AG
• Govt to forego $ 66 million in visa fees but revenue from tourism to surge 

By Kelum Bandara 

Sri Lanka, in its attempt to boost foreign exchange earnings, will add 40 more countries to its free visa travel list to attract tourists from them, a Minister said yesterday. Currently, Sri Lanka has extended free visa facility for people from seven countries.   

However, the decision will be implemented following clearance by the Attorney General. The list will include countries from across the world including those in the Middle-East and the region where tourists mostly come from.  

For Maldivian nationals, it will be one year and for others three months.   

“Maldivian nationals come to Sri Lanka for medical treatment. They need time to stay here till they recover. So, they will be given one year period to stay ,”Deputy Minister of Tourism Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe said.   

Sri Lanka is targeting three million tourists this year. The government is working with plans to increase annual tourist arrivals to five million by 2028.   

Asked about the lack of capacity at the Bandaranaike International Airport, he said it could be challenging to welcome an influx of tourists during the upcoming winter season of Europe. He said the expansion of the airport is currently underway to be completed by 2028.  

“Until such times, we will face challenges. However, we will make use of the international airports in Jaffna and Mattala. We can accommodate Indian tourists in Jaffna. Mattala is also used for Russian tourist arrivals,” he said.   

The government will forego $ 66 million in terms of visa fees because of the latest decision. Still , tourism revenue is expected to surge offsetting impact of loss from visa fees.   

Commenting on lower room occupancy rate in the hotels located in the Colombo city, he said tourism -related activities would be promoted in Colombo. He said the establishment of a night bazaar along the Marine Drive in Colombo will be one of them. Sri Lanka targets three million tourist arrivals this year with US $ 3 billion in revenue.