Sri Lanka’s Free Visa Policy for 35 Countries Faces Legal Delays

Starting this October, citizens from 35 countries were expected to enter Sri Lanka without the need for a pre-arranged visa for stays of up to 30 days. The countries benefiting from this policy include Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE, UK, and the US. However, a recent legal update has put the implementation of this plan on hold.

Legal Challenges Put Visa Policy on Hold

The plan, approved by the previous Cabinet led by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, was expected to offer free visas to tourists from these 35 countries starting from October 1, 2024. Unfortunately, due to the Cabinet’s dissolution before the proposal could be officially sanctioned by Parliament, the free visa initiative has not gone ahead as expected.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Priyantha Fernando confirmed that legal experts are now reviewing whether President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has the authority to issue a directive to implement the previously approved Cabinet decision. Until a final decision is reached, the visa policy remains in limbo, and travelers from the 35 nations will not yet be able to benefit from the proposed free visas.

Source: The Sunday Times

Countries Eligible for Free Visas So Far

While the proposed visa-free policy for 35 countries is stalled, seven countries remain eligible for free visas under a previously gazetted policy. These countries are:

• China
• India
• Indonesia
• Russia
• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Japan

Tourists from these nations can continue to enter Sri Lanka without paying visa fees, helping the island nation attract visitors from major Asian markets despite the legal hurdles faced by the broader visa policy.

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) System Returns

Following a legal battle over Sri Lanka’s outsourced visa services, the country has reintroduced its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system this week. The ETA system, which had been temporarily replaced by the e-Visa system earlier in 2024, is designed to offer a simpler and quicker visa application process, without relying on third-party service providers.

This return to the ETA system followed the suspension of the country’s controversial 12-year outsourcing contract with VFS Global and its partners. The contract had raised concerns about transparency and financial accountability, particularly regarding the selection process for the private consortium handling visa services. Legal intervention led to the reactivation of the ETA system, which offers a more streamlined, government-controlled solution.

From April to August 2024, under the VFS-managed system, nearly 380,000 tourist visas were issued across 13 different categories, including both one-month and six-month tourist visas. The termination of the outsourcing deal means tourists will now apply directly through the SLTMobitel-run ETA system, removing the $25 visa application fee that was previously required under the VFS system. This cost reduction is expected to boost tourism, making Sri Lanka a more affordable destination for international travelers.

Impact on Sri Lanka’s Tourism Sector

The visa reforms and the reintroduction of the ETA system come at a crucial time for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry. The country, still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen a decline in tourist arrivals. One of the key reasons for this drop was the cumbersome and costly visa application process under the outsourced system. By removing additional fees and simplifying the process, Sri Lanka hopes to revive its tourism numbers, particularly from countries with strong economic and cultural ties to the island.

In 2024, Sri Lanka’s e-Visa system, introduced to replace the ETA system, faced legal challenges, leading to its suspension by the Supreme Court in August. Critics of the e-Visa system had pointed out potential earnings of $2.75 billion for the private consortium managing the system over 16 years, sparking controversy over its financial viability. The decision to return to the ETA system, at least temporarily, is seen as a positive step to rebuild trust with tourists and stakeholders in the industry.

Future Prospects

While the final decision on the broader free visa policy is still pending, Sri Lanka’s tourism officials remain optimistic. They believe that easing entry restrictions and removing unnecessary costs will encourage more tourists to explore Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and pristine beaches.

As Sri Lanka awaits further legal developments, tourists from the seven countries eligible for free visas can continue to enjoy the benefits of this policy. In the meantime, travelers from the 35 countries initially included in the free visa initiative will need to keep an eye on further announcements, as the government works to resolve the legal issues surrounding this program.

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has a pivotal opportunity to regain momentum by making travel easier and more affordable for international visitors. With the ETA system back in place and potential legal solutions in the works, the island nation’s long-term goal of revitalizing its tourism sector remains on track.