Sri Lanka has relaunched its online visa system after pausing a controversial outsourcing deal. The country is now offering visa-free access to travelers from 35 nations, along with visas on arrival for others.
These changes aim to revive Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and make travel easier for international visitors.
Online Visa Platform Reopened
Sri Lanka has reopened its online visa application (e-Visa) platform, a significant step to encourage more tourists to visit.
This move comes after the government canceled a multimillion-dollar outsourcing deal with a foreign consortium.
The previous deal required travelers to pay a $25 visa processing fee, but now, with the return of the in-house online visa system, this fee has been eliminated.
Visa-Free Entry for 35 Countries
To further promote tourism, Sri Lanka has introduced a visa-free entry initiative for citizens of 35 countries, including India. This trial period will start on October 1, 2024, and last for six months.
The hope is to attract more international visitors, making it easier for them to explore Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and rich culture.
A similar program was tested in 2023 for countries like:
- India
- China
- Russia
- Malaysia
- Japan
- Indonesia
- Thailand
Although this initiative ended in March 2024, it had a positive impact on tourism, which led to the expansion of visa-free access for even more countries.
Why Was the e-Visa Suspended?
The e-Visa system was previously suspended due to an outsourcing deal with India-based VFS Global, which faced criticism for its lack of transparency.
Rights groups raised concerns about the bidding process and the potential for the consortium to make billions over the 16-year contract.
Now, with the online visa system back in place, Sri Lanka is taking control of its visa processing.
Visa on Arrival Still Available
For travelers from countries not covered under the visa-free program, Sri Lanka continues to offer visas on arrival. This ensures that all visitors can easily enter the country and enjoy its stunning landscapes and vibrant history.
Final Word
Sri Lanka’s updated visa process is part of its efforts to recover from the 2022 financial crisis, which hurt its tourism industry.
By making it easier and cheaper for travelers to visit, the country hopes to boost its economy and welcome more tourists in the near future.
