The regulation announced by the previous government to allow tourists from 35 countries to travel to Sri Lanka without a visa did not come into force on October 1.
Although the measure was recently reactivated, the application for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is still required and fees still apply.
In August 2024, Sri Lanka introduced a new initiative to attract more international tourists, announcing that it will allow visa-free entry for visitors from 35 countries from October 1.
However, this promising measure, which met with great expectations both in the tourism industry and among potential visitors, was not implemented.
The original announcement of the visa fee waiver had raised high hopes among tourism professionals and travelers. With a decline in visitor numbers - due to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, political unrest and a recent 'visa crisis' - this measure was intended to revitalize the tourism sector, which plays a central role in Sri Lanka's economy.
The planned visa exemption should apply to nationals of the following 35 countries:
Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Belarus, 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, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.
However, the introduction of free visas for Sri Lanka still depends on the approval of the new parliament. After almost two months without an active e-visa system and shortly after the reintroduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) service, an explanation was expected from the Sri Lankan authorities on the delay of the visa waiver.
At the first cabinet meeting of the new government, held only by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Foreign Minister and Cabinet Spokesperson Vijitha Herath, Herath explained the reasons for the delay.
The Minister explained that the implementation of the visa waiver had been delayed due to the lack of parliamentary approval.
"Although the previous cabinet had approved the measure, parliament was dissolved before it could come into force," explained Vijitha Herath.
As parliament is not currently in session, Herath says talks are underway with the Attorney General's Office to find alternatives that could be implemented without an active parliament.
"It is therefore to be expected that the delay will continue until a solution is found or the new parliament convenes," he added.
Currently, the ETA visa for Sri Lanka remains in force, operational and subject to a fee, with the exception of seven countries. Travelers from these 35 countries must still apply and pay for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to arrival.
The ETA system was reactivated after the suspension of the e-visa and allows visitors to apply for a permit online on the portal www.eta.gov.lk before their departure, usually for tourist, business or transit stays.
Applying for an ETA is straightforward, costs 50 US dollars (excluding bank charges) and is usually issued within a few hours.
Currently, only citizens from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia and Thailand can obtain a free visa via the ETA system.
It remains to be seen whether further countries will be added to the group of visa-free nations in the coming weeks.