{"id":1963,"date":"2025-04-18T14:20:42","date_gmt":"2025-04-18T12:20:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.apply.com.lk\/article\/linstauration-de-lexemption-de-visa-a-larrivee-au-sri-lanka-suspendue-indefiniment\/"},"modified":"2025-04-18T14:20:42","modified_gmt":"2025-04-18T12:20:42","slug":"linstauration-de-lexemption-de-visa-a-larrivee-au-sri-lanka-suspendue-indefiniment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.apply.com.lk\/en\/article\/introduction-of-visa-waiver-on-arrival-in-sri-lanka-suspended-indefinitely\/","title":{"rendered":"Introduction of visa-free entry to Sri Lanka suspended indefinitely"},"content":{"rendered":"
Sri Lanka, a popular destination for travellers from all over the world, recently announced a project for avisa exemption<\/strong> for tourists from 38 countries. However, this initiative, which is seen as a way of encouraging tourism, comes up against administrative complications. In fact, the implementation of this programme depends on a parliamentary approval<\/strong>This is delaying its launch, leaving some doubt as to the timetable and actual implementation of this measure.<\/p>\n\n The Sri Lankan government recently announced its intention to introduce a visa waiver programme for tourists from 38 countries. This measure, although initially presented as urgent, is currently on hold, requiring parliamentary approval. The complexity of the legislative process and the implications for the tourism industry raise questions about the viability of this project.<\/p>\n\n The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, had announced that the Cabinet had given the go-ahead for the introduction of access to the Internet. visa-free<\/strong> for nationals of 38 countries, to be implemented immediately. This announcement caused a stir in the tourism industry, which was hoping to see an increase in the number of visitors to the country.<\/p>\n\n However, Public Security Minister Tiran Alles was quick to dampen enthusiasm. He explained that the introduction of the exemption programme absolutely required parliamentary approval. So, despite the optimistic announcements, the implementation of this measure faces administrative and legislative challenges.<\/p>\n\n The need for parliamentary approval to implement immigration policies underlines the importance of the complexity<\/strong> of the processes to be followed in Sri Lanka. Any change to the rules governing entry to and residence in the country requires a solid legal framework. It takes more than mere announcements to institute significant changes in regulations on visa<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n Minister Alles specified that a new official text had to be prepared, and this involved not only drafting a bill, but also consulting the various stakeholders, including the tourism industry and security experts. This will ensure that the changes made are both legal and relevant to national security.<\/p>\n\n Uncertainty over the timetable for adoption of this measure is creating concern within the tourism<\/strong>This is particularly true in the run-up to the presidential election on 21 September. The sectors concerned fear a stagnation that could affect tourist flows and the local economy.<\/p>\n\n Minister Alles also indicated that Parliament would not hold a meeting before the elections, further delaying discussions on visa exemption. In the meantime, in an attempt to alleviate the situation, the number of counters at the airport has been increased, although this offers only temporary respite from the already onerous delays experienced by travellers on arrival.<\/p>\n\n For the Visa Waiver Programme to become a reality, the government will need to present a clear proposal to Parliament. This process will not only involve drafting a bill, but will also require a political consensus on the issues of immigration and the country's security. The Minister gave no indication of how long it would take to obtain parliamentary approval.<\/p>\n\nA favourable but complex announcement<\/h2>\n\n
The legislative framework in question<\/h2>\n\n
Impact on tourism and the long road ahead<\/h2>\n\n
The road to parliamentary approval<\/h2>\n\n