Sri Lanka tightens rules for tourists

Tengrinews.kz – The Sri Lankan authorities have tightened rules for tourists: from February, foreigners are banned from bringing cigarettes into the country. Previously, visitors were allowed to carry up to 200 cigarettes per person, citing Daily Mirror.
The ban was announced by the country’s Ministry of Finance. The decision is linked to a sharp increase in smuggling of tobacco products.
Why the authorities took this step
According to local media, in just the last four months customs officers at Colombo airport have seized and destroyed more than two million cigarettes that people attempted to bring in illegally.
The Ministry of Finance noted that the illegal import of tobacco causes serious damage to the country’s economy. This has become one of the key reasons for introducing a complete ban for tourists.
What tourists face
So far, the authorities have not published detailed clarifications on how the ban will be enforced. Tourism agencies have also not commented on exactly how baggage will be checked and what sanctions will be applied.
A Sri Lankan tourism industry representative, Michelle, said that the decision was made on 19 January and has already come into force.

“If items are found in luggage or bags, they will be confiscated, and travelers may face heavy fines or legal proceedings,” she noted.

Which other countries have changed rules for tourists
Sri Lanka is not the only country tightening regulations for foreigners.
Earlier, we reported that at the beginning of 2026, Indonesia’s new Criminal Code officially came into force. Under the new Criminal Code (KUHP), engaging in sexual relations outside marriage in Indonesia can now result in up to one year of imprisonment, and cohabitation without an official marriage can be punished by up to six months in jail. Formally, these provisions apply to everyone — both local residents and foreign tourists.
Entry rules in Egypt have also changed. From the start of 2026, Egypt has revised its entry procedures for tourists. The main change is the abolition of paper migration cards in airports. Previously, upon arrival in Egypt, tourists had to fill out paper migration forms by hand, entering their personal data and trip details. Now this procedure has been scrapped.
Russia is also preparing to tighten rules for the entry and stay of foreign citizens. The State Duma has received three draft laws at once, aimed at combating illegal migration and strengthening health monitoring of migrants.