Sri Lanka: Visa-free plan for 40 nations placed on hold

Sri Lanka has temporarily suspended its much-anticipated visa-free entry program for citizens of 40 countries following a legal dispute surrounding a previous private visa outsourcing agreement.>

The initiative, originally designed to boost post-crisis tourism by allowing visitors from select nations to enter without paying visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) fees, has been put on hold until the government receives formal legal clearance.>

Tourism and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed that the implementation is awaiting a gazette notification and advice from the Attorney General’s Department. Authorities are currently reviewing concerns about revenue implications and contractual obligations linked to the country’s former visa-processing arrangement with private companies, including VFS Global, IVS Travel Group, and GBS Worldwide.>

The previous deal came under scrutiny after audits suggested that outsourcing firms may have charged excessive service fees and failed to remit the full revenue to the state. As a result, the agreement was suspended earlier this year, prompting a legal and administrative review.>

Until the issue is resolved, travellers from the proposed 40 eligible nations will continue to follow existing visa or ETA procedures. Officials have reiterated that the government remains committed to expanding visa-free access once all legal and financial matters are settled.>

Tourism is a crucial pillar of Sri Lanka’s economy, and the delay underscores the government’s challenge in balancing revenue protection with efforts to attract more international visitors. A new implementation date for the visa-free scheme has not yet been announced.>