IMPACT – LOW

What is the change? Sri Lanka has waived visa fees for certain nationalities in an effort to boost tourism.

What does the change mean? Nationals from 48 countries, including Australia, China, Japan, the United States and EU member states, will not need to pay for a 30-day tourist visa from Aug. 1, 2019 until Jan. 31, 2020.

  • Effective dates: Aug. 1, 2019 – Jan. 31, 2020.
  • Visas/permits affected: Tourist visas.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals traveling to Sri Lanka for tourism.

Background: India and China have been added to the list of countries whose citizens are now eligible for the visa fee waiver. Currently, foreign nationals of the following countries are eligible for a free tourist visa valid for up to 30 days:  India and China have been added to the list of countries whose citizens are now eligible for the visa fee waiver. Currently, foreign nationals of the following countries are eligible for a free tourist visa valid for up to 30 days: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China (People’s Rep.), Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland (Rep.), Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (Rep.), Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, U.K. and Ukraine.

Analysis and Comments: The change is intended to boost tourism to Sri Lanka by waiving visa fees for tourists staying up to 30 days but does not change the visa application process.

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