Skip to main content

Sri Lanka to offer free 30-day tourist visas to select countries

Starting October 1, Sri Lanka makes visiting easier

Mountains in Sri Lanka
Alex Azabache via Unsplash

Beginning October 1, Sri Lanka will offer free 30-day tourist visas to citizens from 35 nations, including the U.S. The six-month pilot program aims to boost tourism, a central part of the country’s economy. The policy waives the typical $50 fee and occurs during the island’s peak travel period, from December through mid-April.

Tourism rebounds in Sri Lanka

Trees atop hill in Sri Lanka
Petr Sevcovic via Unsplash

From the beginning of 2024 through August 19, Sri Lanka brought in 1.3 million tourists. Tourism revenue topped $1.5 billion from January through June, marking a 78% increase year over year. The country hopes to build on that success and end the year with $4 billion in revenue and 2.5 million visitors. The new visa program and the country’s “You’ll Come Back for More” global tourism marketing campaign look to keep the momentum going. 

Recommended Videos

During COVID-19 and a 2022 financial crisis, Sri Lanka saw its tourism figures tumble, and the resurgence is welcome news for the country’s economy. 2023 began the turnaround, and the positive energy continued into 2024. According to the Sri Lanka Development Authority, India brings in the most visitors, at 246,922, and with the UK next at 123,992. 

Cabinet spokesman and Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana said: “The aim of the government is to transform Sri Lanka into a free visa country, much like Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to tap into the benefits of a rapidly growing tourism industry.”

The following countries’ citizens receive free 30-day tourist visas:

  • United States
  • India
  • United Kingdom
  • France
  • China
  • Germany
  • Netherlands
  • Japan
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • Russia
  • South Korea
  • Austria
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Italy
  • Switzerland
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Belgium
  • Qatar
  • Poland
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Israel
  • New Zealand
  • Denmark
  • Kazakhstan
  • Iran
  • Czech Republic
  • Bahrain
  • Belarus
  • Oman
  • Thailand
  • Nepal
Mark Reif
Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…
No passport needed: Best U.S. cities for an affordable St. Patrick’s Day trip
Feeling lucky?
St Patricks Day

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most exciting celebrations of the year, and while Ireland’s iconic cities like Dublin, Cork, and Killarney offer amazing experiences, you don’t need a passport to join the fun. The U.S. is home to some incredible St. Paddy’s Day celebrations, and thanks to a new report from HomeToGo, we now know the best places to celebrate without breaking the bank.

Taking the top spot on HomeToGo’s list is Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where a rich Irish heritage and an affordable median nightly stay of just $58.54 make it a top pick for budget-conscious travelers. Milwaukee’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade dates back to 1843, making it one of the oldest in the country. Expect a family-friendly event filled with over 100 performers, including traditional Irish dancers, pipe and drum corps, and even Irish wolfhounds.

Read more
This Asian country was just named the top honeymoon spot for 2025
The Maldives took the top spot
The Maldives

If you’re planning a honeymoon in 2025, The Maldives should be at the top of your list. According to Travelbag’s newly released rankings, this gorgeous island nation in South Asia has been crowned the best honeymoon destination for the upcoming year.

With over 1,200 islands, The Maldives is synonymous with luxury and romance. Couples can indulge in private pool villas, fine dining with their toes in the sand, and world-class spa experiences, all set against the backdrop of crystal-clear turquoise waters. Whether you’re snorkeling with marine life, taking a sunset cruise, or simply relaxing on a secluded beach, there’s no better place to celebrate love.

Read more
This country was just named the most relaxing destination on Earth
Australia took the top spot
aerial view of a beach in australia

If you’re searching for the ultimate escape from stress, look no further – Australia has just been crowned the most relaxing destination on Earth. According to Book Retreats’ Holiday Relaxation Report, which analyzed 76 destinations based on factors like safety, solitude, nature, and wellness, Australia topped the list with a Global Relaxation Index score of 73.8 out of 100.

What makes Australia so serene? Unlike overcrowded European hotspots, it offers wide open spaces, beautiful nature, and low crowd density. With 50 million fewer annual visitors than Italy and a population spread across a landmass 25 times larger, Australia delivers the peace and quiet that many travelers crave. According to the study, Australia has just 3.4 people per square kilometer, compared to 198.3 in Italy and 626 in Mauritius, the most crowded destination in the report.
Other key findings

Read more