Key Takeaways
• Sri Lanka detained 21 Indian nationals for running an online business while on tourist visas in March 2024.
• Tourist visas only allow leisure activities—work or business operations are strictly prohibited under Sri Lankan law.
• Violators face detention, deportation, and possible bans, as authorities strictly enforce compliance with visa conditions.
On March 12, 2024, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 made global headlines after local immigration officials detained 21 Indian nationals for running a computer-based business in Negombo, a busy tourist spot. These young men, all aged between 24 and 25, had entered Sri Lanka on tourist visas and were later discovered operating an online marketing center from a rented house. This incident sparked renewed attention to the importance of following visa rules, especially after Sri Lanka launched a free 30-day tourist visa program to boost arrivals from India 🇮🇳 and other countries.
Authorities acted swiftly. Acting on investigations, the Department of Immigration and Emigration raided the premises, finding computers and business equipment in use. The 21 Indian nationals were issued official notices to leave the country and transferred to the Welisara detention centre while their case was investigated. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Sri Lankan government was clear in its message: anyone found violating visa laws would be detained, processed for deportation, and possibly banned from entry in the future.
Let’s break down this incident and what it means for tourists, business travelers, and anyone thinking about using tourist visas for work.
Tourist Visas: What Are They and What Has Changed?
Sri Lanka offers several pathways for visitors. As of April 2025, almost all visitors—including tourists from India 🇮🇳—must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving. The standard tourist visa, offered through the ETA, allows you to stay up to 30 days and comes in single or double entry options. You can apply for an extension if you want to stay longer, but you must go through official channels to do this.
In an effort to help the tourism sector recover after the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka began offering free 30-day tourist visas for citizens of seven countries on October 1, 2024. The list includes India 🇮🇳, China 🇨🇳, Indonesia 🇮🇩, Russia 🇷🇺, Thailand 🇹🇭, Malaysia 🇲🇾, and Japan 🇯🇵. While this measure made trips to Sri Lanka more affordable, the policy was always aimed at people who planned to visit as tourists, not those looking to work or start businesses.
The free visa offer started as a six-month trial and was later extended, reflecting its popularity among travelers. But the rules remain strict: the visa only allows sightseeing, visiting friends or family, and other leisure activities. Any type of work—paid or unpaid—is strictly off limits.
For more details on travel requirements, travelers are urged to use the official Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration website, which has clear information on visa types, eligibility, and permitted activities.
No Work Allowed: Rules Have Not Changed
While Sri Lanka welcomed more visitors from India 🇮🇳 and other countries by making tourist visas free, officials stressed these relaxed rules did not mean a free-for-all. The law is clear: no work is allowed while you’re there on a tourist visa.
To quote a senior immigration official about the 21 Indian nationals, “Under Sri Lanka’s law… those who visit… on tourist visas are prohibited from engaging in any paid or unpaid work.” In short, even if you’re working remotely from a rented house, you’re breaking the law if you’re doing it on a tourist visa.
Authorities also pointed out that not knowing about the rule is no excuse. The 21 Indian nationals were all served with formal removal orders and were set to be deported as soon as investigations wrapped up. Getting caught can mean immediate detention, the stress and costs of legal proceedings, forced removal from the country, and sometimes, a ban from traveling to Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 or even other places.
Free Visa, Not Free to Work
The offer of free 30-day tourist visas was designed only to support genuine tourism. For travelers from India 🇮🇳 and the six other selected countries, this was a chance to enjoy Sri Lanka’s 🇱🇰 beaches, temples, and wildlife without visa fees. However, the rules about what you can and cannot do while visiting have not changed.
If you come to Sri Lanka on a tourist visa, you’re expected to travel, relax, and maybe visit family or friends. You’re not allowed to work, open a business, or even freelance online for foreign clients. This rule is enforced seriously. The case of the 21 Indian nationals shows that the Sri Lankan government will take action if the terms of tourist visas are abused.
Some travelers think that working online, especially if their clients are outside Sri Lanka 🇱🇰, is acceptable while on holiday. That thinking is risky. Immigration officials do check what foreigners are doing in the country, often based on tips or complaints from the public.
Tech Trouble: Problems With Sri Lanka’s e-Visa Systems
Earlier in 2024, Sri Lanka tried working with private technology partners to run its online visa system (“e-Visa”). This led to problems—too many mistakes, technical glitches, and even legal concerns. The matter reached the Supreme Court, which decided that the government had to take back control of the process.
Since late September 2024, all travelers must use the state-run ETA website to get their travel permission. No third-party sites are allowed. This ensures that information is trustworthy and applications are processed fairly for everyone.
New Patterns: Is This a One-time Thing?
The 21 Indian nationals found running a business on tourist visas have put the spotlight on a wider trend. Immigration authorities say this is not an isolated case. Visitors from other countries, including Russia 🇷🇺 and Ukraine 🇺🇦, have also reportedly used their time in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 to work without the right visas.
With international travel returning to normal after the pandemic, many governments, including Sri Lanka’s, want to encourage more tourists. At the same time, they are careful to protect jobs for local people and maintain public safety. Visa violations by tourists also make it harder for honest travelers, who may face stricter checks because of a few rule-breakers.
Sri Lanka has seen a strong recovery in tourism. In February 2024, more than 30,000 visitors arrived from India 🇮🇳, and over 32,000 came from Russia 🇷🇺. Tourism dollars are vital to the country’s economy, but that doesn’t mean overlooking the law.
What Happens to Those Who Break the Rules?
If authorities catch you working on a tourist visa in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰, they have several options:
- Arrest and detention: You may be taken to a detention center while your case is investigated.
- Removal or deportation: After the investigation, most people are sent back to their home country.
- Entry ban: In serious cases, your name may be placed on a blacklist, making it impossible to visit Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 again.
These penalties can affect your personal and professional life. Deportation records can follow you, and some countries share information about banned travelers, making it hard to visit other destinations in the future.
The Sri Lankan government has also told embassies and consulates to remind visitors of the rules before they travel. You cannot claim you didn’t know about the employment ban—everyone receives written instructions on the permitted activities when their visa is issued.
How to Stay on the Right Side of the Law
If you plan to visit Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 as a tourist, there are some important steps you should take:
- Check visa requirements: Read the official government site before buying tickets. Rules can change based on political or health concerns.
- Use the correct visa: If you want to work, even as a freelancer or for a foreign company, apply for the right visa type. The business visa or another work visa may be available, but you must apply in advance.
- Don’t overstay: If you need more time, use the official process to extend your stay. Never simply remain in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 after your visa has run out.
- Ask questions: If you are unsure about what activities are allowed, speak to Sri Lankan authorities or visit their official website.
By following these steps, you protect your travel plans, your legal record, and your ability to visit Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 or other countries in the future.
Impacts on Different Groups
Let’s look at how these rules affect various people:
- Genuine tourists: The free visa policy helps reduce travel costs and makes holidays easier to plan. But remember, the visa does not let you work or run any business.
- Business travelers and digital nomads: If you want to work, you must get a visa that allows employment. Trying to “sneak by” with a tourist visa puts you at risk of detention and deportation.
- People overstaying or breaking rules: There is no amnesty for those caught working illegally or overstaying on tourist visas, even if you didn’t mean to break the law.
Immigration officers are on the lookout for warning signs, such as people staying for many months, sharing houses with large groups, or making frequent trips to technology shops. Ordinary travelers usually have nothing to worry about, but anyone breaking the rules will face the consequences.
What Other Countries Can Learn
The story of the 21 Indian nationals in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 offers important lessons for global immigration policy. Many countries have opened up to tourists as part of their paths to economic recovery. Still, security and rule enforcement stay at the top of priorities. As mobility increases, so does the need for clear communication and strict application of the rules.
Countries may also start sharing more travel information. Someone banned in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 for breaking visa conditions could someday find it hard to visit other countries that cooperate on immigration matters.
Sri Lanka’s Tourist Visa Program: Focus on Compliance
Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 wants more tourists, and its free visa program is part of that. But as the case of these 21 Indian nationals shows, compliance matters. Immigration officers enforce the law—no matter where you’re from, or why you’re visiting.
Before you travel, double-check the latest requirements, and use only trusted sources such as the official government website or ask at embassies. Don’t rely on what friends or tour operators say—rules change quickly. Plan ahead, and if you want to work or do business, always apply for the right visa.
In Summary
- Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 detained 21 Indian nationals in March 2024 for running an online business on tourist visas.
- Tourist visas are only for leisure, not work. Doing business or even remote work is forbidden.
- Free 30-day tourist visas for India 🇮🇳 and some other countries have helped boost arrivals, but rules still apply.
- Violating visa terms can lead to arrest, deportation, and bans from Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 and possibly other countries.
- Travelers must always check official visa conditions and use the correct visa for their needs.
- Honest travelers benefit from cost savings, but the government will not waive penalties for those abusing the rules.
If you value your freedom to travel, always play by the rules. For your next trip, especially with new programs like Sri Lanka’s tourist visa policy, take a few minutes to review what’s allowed—and enjoy your journey with peace of mind.
For the full guide to Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 entry requirements and up-to-date visa information, visit the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration. Safe travels!
Learn Today
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) → Official digital approval required before traveling to Sri Lanka, replacing a traditional visa for most short-term visitors.
Deportation → Legal process where a foreign national is formally removed from a country for violating immigration laws or regulations.
Tourist visa → A temporary permit allowing travel for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting, but forbidding paid or unpaid work or business activities.
Blacklist → A list of individuals prohibited from entering a country due to previous violations or security concerns.
Business visa → A specific visa type for foreign nationals intending to engage in employment or commercial activities legally while visiting a country.
This Article in a Nutshell
Sri Lanka’s tough stance on tourist visa misuse made international headlines after 21 Indian nationals were detained in March 2024. Intended for leisure only, tourist visas prohibit all work. Authorities emphasize enforcement: anyone caught breaching visa rules risks detention, deportation, and bans, reinforcing that compliance is key for all travelers.
— By VisaVerge.com
