Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ Sri Lankan passport holders can now enjoy more flexibility to travel around the world due to visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 42 countries and territories. According to the most recent Henley Passport Index 2025, Sri Lanka climbed five places in the global passport ranking this year, now ranking 91st and sharing that position with Iran. The Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports based on how many destinations individuals may travel to without a visa, shows that Sri Lanka is continuously improving. By 2024, the country had already advanced four spots. The continued increasing trend in 2025 demonstrates the Sri Lankan government’s improved diplomatic relations and growing global engagement.
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As of now, Sri Lankans can travel to 42 destinations under visa-free arrangements, visa-on-arrival (VOA) policies, or by obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before departure. These simplified entry processes mean travelers no longer need to spend weeks securing visas ahead of trips for tourism or short business visits. Many of these destinations are in Asia and the Pacific, while others are located in Africa, the Caribbean, and Central America, offering Sri Lankan travelers a wide range of cultural, economic, and travel experiences.
Visa-free travel expands after government push
The Sri Lankan government has increasingly prioritized establishing international connections and promoting incoming tourism. As part of this effort, it decided to waive visa costs for passengers from 40 countries, resulting in an estimated $66 million in lost visa revenue per year. However, the move is viewed as a long-term investment in promoting tourism, trade, and international collaboration. A recent trial offering 30-day tourist visas to travelers from India, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia, and Japan played a key role in shaping this policy shift. In return, many of these countries and others have now opened their borders to Sri Lankan nationals with easier access arrangements.
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Full list of 42 visa-free or visa-easy destinations
Here is the complete list of countries and territories Sri Lankans can currently visit without needing a traditional visa. However, it is equally important to update yourself with details of the duration of stay, visa conditions, and permitted activities that may vary according to destinations. Some countries provide 30 days, others 60 or 90 days. Always check with the destination country’s immigration authority or official consular website before traveling.
Visa-free access or visa on arrival (VOA) for 42 countries
Bahamas, Barbados, Bolivia (VOA), British Virgin Islands, Burundi (VOA), Cambodia (VOA), Cape Verde (VOA), Comoros (VOA), Cook Islands, Djibouti (VOA), Dominica, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau (VOA), Haiti, Kiribati, Laos (VOA), Lesotho, Madagascar (VOA), Malawi, Maldives (VOA), Mauritius (VOA), Micronesia, Montserrat, Mozambique (VOA), Nepal (VOA), Niue, Palau Islands (VOA), Rwanda, Samoa (VOA), Seychelles (eTA), Singapore, Sierra Leone (VOA), Somalia (VOA), St. Kitts and Nevis (eTA), St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tajikistan, Thailand, Gambia, Timor-Leste (VOA), Tuvalu (VOA), and Vanuatu.
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Visa-on-arrival countries for 19 countries
For 19 countries, Sri Lankans can receive a visa upon arrival at the airport or border checkpoint. This typically involves filling out a form, showing travel documents, and paying a small fee. These destinations include: VOA countries: Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Comoros, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Laos, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, and Tuvalu.
eTA access for two countries
An eTA is a digital document typically approved within hours or a few days. It allows short visits for tourism or business without the need for a physical visa stamp. In addition, Sri Lankan citizens can apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before entering two countries: Kenya and St. Kitts and Nevis.
Travel advisory
Before embarking on any international journey, Sri Lankan passport holders should carefully review entry requirements, such as stay duration, permissible travel reasons, and any changes to visa limitations. Immigration restrictions may change without notice, and travelers are responsible for ensuring that they meet all legal entry requirements in their destination country.
