Bhathiya Barukanda
Sri Lanka’s Government has approved plans for visa-free entry for British tourists, along with those of 39 other countries.
The move, which was confirmed by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath on 25 July, has been in the works for a while.
Last August, Sri Lanka said tourists would be able to visit the country for 30 days on a free visa under a six-month pilot programme, effective from 1 October 2024.
Then, in September 2024, it said it would allow ‘visa-free’ entry to 38 nationalities, including Brits, with immediate effect, but it later went back on this decision. Currently, British passport holders must apply for a 30-day tourist visa, which costs US$50
It is not yet known when the visa-free entry will come into force, but eligible travellers will still need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation.
While Sri Lanka is expected to lose $66 million in revenue from the visa, it hopes to boost its economy through arrivals.
The Foreign Minister said: “We have stabilised the economy, and through policy changes in tourism, we aim to ensure steady growth in arrivals.”
