Free visa scheme advances as Cabinet clears path for rollout

Wednesday, 1 April 2026 00:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka has moved a step closer to rolling out its long-delayed free tourist visa policy, with the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approving the submission of draft regulations to Parliament, signalling renewed efforts to stimulate the country’s tourism sector.

The decision enables the Government to proceed with implementing a six-month free visa program targeting passport holders from 39 selected countries, under provisions of the Immigration and Emigration Act.

“The draft regulations, prepared by the Legal Draftsman, are now set to be presented to Parliament for final approval,” Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced the decision at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

On 21 July 2025, the move was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers aimed at accelerating tourism recovery by lowering entry barriers and enhancing Sri Lanka’s competitiveness as a travel destination.

The countries include; Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, the UK and the US.

The free visa scheme was first announced in August 2024 by the previous administration, initially covering 35 countries and scheduled for implementation from October that year (https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Presidential-boost-for-tourism-with-free-visa-to-35-nationals/26-765842), but was repeatedly delayed due to the Government transition.

Tourism authorities have consistently argued that the policy, while resulting in a direct loss of visa revenue, is likely to generate higher indirect economic benefits through increased tourist arrivals and spending.

Estimates suggest the Treasury could forgo around $ 66 million annually in visa income, but officials believe this will be offset by gains across hospitality, transport, and other tourism-linked sectors (https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Cabinet-nod-to-rollout-free-visa-policy-for-40-more-countries-Vijitha/44-779517).

The move comes at a critical juncture for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, which is striving to sustain its recovery momentum while facing new external pressures, including global travel disruptions and shifting demand patterns.

Latest data show the country welcomed 151,693 visitors between 1-25 March, marking a steep 22% year-on-year (YoY) decline compared to the same period last year. The downturn follows the outbreak of hostilities on 28 February, which disrupted key air routes, led to flight cancellations, and increased travel costs, particularly affecting transit corridors between Europe and Asia.

Despite the March setback, cumulative arrivals for the year have reached 708,348, reflecting a 4.45% YoY increase, supported by strong inflows recorded in the first two months of 2026.

Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe has cautioned that even a brief closure of Middle Eastern airspace could carry significant financial consequences, estimating potential losses of between $ 10 million and $ 15 million in tourism revenue for just one week of disruption.