Sri Lanka is moving ahead with a proposal to introduce a six-month program offering free tourist visas to passport holders from 39 countries, including Pakistan, as part of efforts to boost its tourism industry.
A government official confirmed that draft regulations for the initiative will soon be presented to parliament following cabinet approval. The program is designed to support tourism recovery and attract more international visitors as the country continues rebuilding its travel sector.
Cabinet spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa stated during a post-cabinet media briefing that the proposal had originally received cabinet approval on July 21, 2025. Under the plan, eligible travelers will be granted tourist visas free of charge for visits during the program period.
The list of eligible countries includes Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Officials said the draft regulations were prepared by the Legal Draftsman’s Department under the Immigration and Emigration Act. The proposal was submitted by the Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs before receiving cabinet endorsement.
Once approved by parliament, the free visa scheme will remain in effect for six months. Authorities expect the initiative to encourage tourism, strengthen international travel links, and increase foreign visitor arrivals during the program’s implementation period.
Also read: US Submarine Sinks Iranian Warship Near Sri Lanka, 87 Dead
