Sri Lanka Announces Visa-Free Entry for Pakistanis and 39 Other Countries


Sri Lanka Announces Visa-Free Entry for Pakistan and 39 Other Countries

Colombo (July 26, 2025):
In a major tourism boost, Sri Lanka has announced visa-free entry for citizens of Pakistan and 39 other countries. The move aims to support economic recovery and revive the tourism sector.

Foreign Minister Wijitha Herath revealed the update during a press briefing, stating that the cabinet has approved the expansion of the visa-free list from 7 to 40 countries. The newly added countries include Pakistan, the UK, USA, Canada, Iran, UAE, Australia, Germany, and France, among others.

Previously, Sri Lanka had introduced visa-free travel in March 2023 for citizens of China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan. The inclusion of Pakistan is considered a welcome step for South Asian travelers.

Although the Sri Lankan government anticipates a revenue loss of $66 million annually due to waived visa fees, Minister Herath expressed confidence that increased tourist inflows will bring greater economic benefits in the long run.

“We have stabilized the economy, and now we want to attract more international tourists through a flexible visa policy,” he stated.

This policy shift marks a significant step in making Sri Lanka a more accessible and attractive destination for global travelers.

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