Parliament approves free visa access for 40 countries in major tourism push

Friday, 8 May 2026 04:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Eligible visitors can get 30-day free visa, subject to standard immigration process, including ETA
Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala says Treasury to forgo around $ 75 m in visa fee revenue under scheme
Expects additional 247,000 tourist arrivals, net economic gain of around $ 242 m

After much delay, the Parliament yesterday approved regulations under the Immigration and Emigration Act, paving the way for free visa entry for travellers from 40 countries in a move aimed at accelerating tourism growth and improving the country’s competitiveness as a global travel destination.

Presenting the regulations in Parliament, Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala said the expanded free visa facility will now cover key tourism source markets including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, China, India, Japan, Germany, France, Russia, and several countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

The Minister noted that the free visa facility had previously been available only to seven countries; China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand, but the latest regulations significantly broaden access as the Government seeks to attract a larger share of global travellers.

Under the new framework, eligible visitors will be granted a 30-day free visa. However, travellers will still be required to complete all standard immigration procedures, including obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to arrival. The waiver applies only to visa fees.

Wijepala told Parliament that the Treasury is expected to forgo around $ 75 million in visa fee revenue under the scheme. However, the Government estimates that the policy could generate an additional 247,000 tourist arrivals, resulting in roughly $ 317 million in tourism earnings and a projected net economic gain of around $ 242 million.

The move marks the culmination of a policy that was first announced in 2024, but repeatedly delayed amid administrative and political transitions (https://www.ft.lk/top-story/Presidential-boost-for-tourism-with-free-visa-to-35-nationals/26-765842).

On 31 March, the Cabinet approved the revised regulations that were granted this year before being presented to Parliament (https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Free-visa-scheme-advances-as-Cabinet-clears-path-for-rollout/44-790333).