40 More Countries to Receive Free Visas; $66 Million in Losses: Minister Wijitha Herath

27-Jul-2025

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In an effort to boost the tourism sector, a plan has been put in place to grant free visas to 40 additional countries. 

According to Minister of Tourism Wijitha Herath, this decision is expected to cause an annual loss of $66 million to the state treasury. However, the minister expressed confidence that this loss would be offset by increased revenue through tourism.

Speaking at an event in Colombo, Minister Herath elaborated that the country now enjoys political and economic stability, attracting tourists from various parts of the world. 

As a result, the tourism industry has seen growth. To further strengthen this, the Cabinet has recently decided to offer free visas to 40 more countries. 

An official gazette notification will be issued soon, bringing the total number of countries eligible for free visas to 47.

While this policy causes direct revenue loss, the government believes indirect income through tourism will be greater. 

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake approved the decision despite the financial loss, trusting the tourism sector to recover and exceed the deficit. The ministry will formulate the necessary policies and regulations, but the responsibility for further development rests with the relevant officials. The minister emphasized that this was not a light decision.

Due to past issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Easter Sunday attacks, visa issuance had been restricted for some countries, including the Maldives. However, responding to a special invitation from the Maldivian President, a Sri Lankan delegation led by President Dissanayake will visit the Maldives next week to discuss tourism development.

Currently, Maldivian citizens receive short-term visas. Starting August 1, a one-year visa will be granted to them. Additionally, plans are in place to promote health tourism.