- Sri Lanka has waived visa fees for visitors from the United Kingdom and 39 other countries, effective from 25 May.
- Visitors from these countries can now obtain a free electronic travel authorisation (ETA) allowing up to 30 days of travel.
- While the fee is waived, applicants must still apply for and secure an ETA to enter the country, and any fees paid before 25 May are non-refundable.
- Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said the government expects an annual loss of up to £50m from the waived fees but anticipates higher tourist numbers will offset this through economic gains.
- The tourism sector is seen as a key contributor to strengthening Sri Lanka's national economy, despite a recent drop in arrivals in March due to conflict in the Middle East.
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