Sri Lanka free visa eligibility for more travelers remains on hold due to legal reviews by the Attorney General. The government says implementation is expected after approval procedures conclude.
Government says Sri Lanka free visa approval awaits legal clearance to expand tourism access
Sri Lanka’s much-anticipated expansion of its free visa program has been delayed as the government awaits final legal clearance from the Attorney General’s Department. The proposal, designed to support the country’s tourism revival, has been pending for several months despite earlier government commitments to move quickly.
Foreign and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed that the visa-free scheme cannot be implemented until a new gazette notification goes through Parliament and receives proper legal validation. According to him, the government intends to resolve the technical concerns within one or two months, enabling travelers from more countries to visit without paying Electronic Travel Authorization fees.
The delay stands in contrast to a major announcement made in July, when Sri Lanka said it would extend free entry to visitors from a broader pool of 40 nations as part of a strategy to enhance international arrivals. Currently, only citizens of China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand are eligible to enter the country without ETA fees, creating a narrower window of accessibility than initially promised.
Minister Herath acknowledged that the ongoing legal review is tied to a previously controversial visa outsourcing agreement. Sri Lanka entered a deal with private firms including VFS, IVS and GBS to manage the online visa system, but the arrangement was halted by the courts in August 2024 following increased scrutiny over fee structures and alleged irregularities.
A special audit conducted by the Auditor General revealed that several aspects of the private company contract posed risks to national revenue. The report identified cases where funds due to Sri Lanka were not accurately remitted, raising questions about transparency and accountability. Because the legal case has not yet been concluded, authorities must ensure that any new free visa process does not conflict with ongoing proceedings or cause further financial complications.
Minister Herath explained that the Attorney General’s Department is reviewing revenue implications tied to the free visa expansion. Removing ETA charges entirely for travelers from dozens of additional nations requires new safeguards so that government income does not suffer unintended losses. Legal experts are exploring how to protect fiscal interests even while encouraging greater tourism activity.
The goal of the expanded Sri Lanka free visa policy is to boost tourism numbers, which are vital for economic recovery. Tourism contributed significantly to national income before the pandemic and economic crisis. With visitor arrivals steadily increasing again, industry stakeholders are eager to see barriers reduced and marketing strengthened to regain global competitiveness.
However, history shows that visa privileges often come with complexities. Before the VFS arrangement, Sri Lanka raised underlying visa fees, creating financial strain for travelers and industry operators. Outsourcing critical immigration functions also sparked public concern, particularly as responsibilities traditionally handled by the Department of Immigration and Emigration shifted to private hands. The suspension of the agreement last year only deepened public attention surrounding tourism entry policies.
For now, travelers from the originally approved list of seven nations may continue to benefit from no-fee entry under the current system. Those from the remaining targeted countries still must pay standard charges until the updated regulations receive formal approval. Industry analysts warn that delays in policy rollout could hold back expected tourism gains during peak travel seasons.
The government insists the new program remains a priority and says the review process demonstrates caution rather than hesitation. Officials maintain that a properly structured framework will secure long-term sustainability and protect national interests while still supporting economic growth.
If the Attorney General’s clearance is received soon, Sri Lanka could see boosted arrivals in 2025 and 2026. Travel agents and businesses hope this will ease promotional activities and attract visitors who might otherwise choose destinations with simpler entry procedures.
Sri Lanka continues to position tourism as a frontline sector in its post-crisis rebound. Streamlined border rules, reduced travel costs, and improved service standards are viewed as essential elements in convincing international audiences that the island is open, secure, and welcoming.
The upcoming months will determine whether the planned free visa initiative can launch in time to capture rising global demand. The final decision now depends on legal clarity that balances opportunity with accountability.