Sri Lanka goes visa-free for 40 nations as gaming sector grows
Sri Lanka has introduced visa-free entry for nationals of more than 40 countries as it intensifies efforts to revive tourism and position itself as a growing entertainment and gaming destination in South Asia.
The new policy took effect on 25 May 2026 and allows eligible foreign nationals to obtain a free Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for tourism purposes. According to Sri Lanka’s official ETA platform, the scheme applies to holders of diplomatic, official, service and ordinary passports from a wide list of countries, including India, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Under the new and updated programme, visitors can stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days without paying visa fees. Double entry is also permitted during the approved validity period.
Fresh move for inbound travels
Sri Lankan authorities believe the move could provide a fresh boost to inbound travel at a time when the country is trying to rebuild tourism revenues and attract more foreign investment.
The visa-free policy also arrives as Sri Lanka’s gaming and casino industry continues expanding rapidly, particularly in Colombo. Industry analysts increasingly view the country as one of South Asia’s emerging gaming markets, supported by tourism growth, new casino investments and regulatory reforms.
According to market estimates, Sri Lanka’s gambling sector is projected to grow from mere $293 million in 2020 to more than $410 million by 2026. Online gaming activity has also surged in recent years, with estimates suggesting that nearly 2/3rd of casino-related activity now takes place online.
One of the biggest developments has been the launch of the City of Dreams Sri Lanka project by Melco Resorts & Entertainment. The integrated resort officially opened in Colombo in August 2025 and includes gaming facilities, luxury hotels and large retail spaces as part of a broader billion-dollar development project.
Sri Lankan authorities hope large-scale entertainment projects like these can help create jobs, increase tourism spending and attract high-value international visitors, particularly from India and other Asian markets.
Regulating the expanding gaming sector
At the same time, the government is also attempting to regulate the industry. Parliament has already approved legislation for a new Gambling Regulatory Authority, which is expected to begin operations by mid-2026. Officials believe the regulator will help address concerns surrounding illegal online gambling, money-laundering risks, and gaps in tax collection.
The government has also announced higher levies on casino operations from 2026 onwards, including increases in casino entry fees and gambling-related taxes. Despite the stronger regulatory push, authorities appear keen to continue expanding the sector under a more structured framework.
Tourism officials have repeatedly stated that Sri Lanka wants to significantly increase tourism’s contribution to the national economy over the coming years. Easier travel access is now being seen as part of that larger strategy.
For many in the tourism and gaming sectors, the visa-free move signals that Sri Lanka is trying to make itself more attractive not only for holidaymakers, but also for investors and large international entertainment operators looking at South Asia’s next potential growth market.
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