September 29th, 2024 at 07:45 am

Sri Lanka Resumes Online Visa Services, Grants Visa-Free Access to 35 Nations

Reviving its online visa application process, Sri Lanka halted a contentious outsourcing agreement. For visitors from 35 countries, the nation now grants entry without a visa; for those from other countries, visas must be obtained upon arrival. These modifications are a part of Sri Lanka’s attempts to revitalize the travel and tourism sector.

To boost the nation’s tourism sector, Sri Lanka has declared the reopening of its online visa application (e-Visa) platform. After ending a contentious multimillion-dollar outsourcing contract that was given to a foreign consortium, the government took this choice.

To facilitate visitor access as the island nation continues to recover from the economic catastrophe that afflicted it in 2022, the online visa service has been reinstated.

Why Was the E-Visa Process Halted?

The multimillion-dollar outsourcing contract that was given to a foreign consortium headed by the India-based VFS Global was the reason behind the suspension of the e-visa visa system. Rights organizations criticized the agreement, which was reached in April 2023, citing worries about the lack of openness in the bidding process.

Critics also emphasized that during the 16-year contract, the consortium might make billions of dollars. Travelers had to pay a $25 visa processing fee as part of the agreement, but the government abandoned it when it brought back its internal online visa application system.

Simplifying the Visa Process to Increase Travel

In an additional effort to boost travel, Sri Lanka has launched a new program that will allow people from 35 nations—including India—to enter the country without a visa for a six-month trial period beginning on October 1, 2024. The goal of this action is to bring in more foreign tourists to the island.

A similar program was previously tested in Sri Lanka in 2023 and provided free visas to visitors from important markets such;

• China
• India
• Malaysia
• Russia
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Japan

Even though the program ended in March 2024, it was successful in increasing tourism, which prompted the decision to extend visa-free travel to more nations.

Option for Travelers: Arrival Visa

Sri Lanka allows visitors from nations not included in the visa-free program to apply for a visa upon arrival. This facilitates travel and guarantees that every one may take in the nation’s stunning scenery, opulent culture, and dynamic history.

Sri Lanka intends to welcome more visitors with the resuscitation of the e-visa online platform and increased visa-free travel, supporting the nation’s continuous recovery and rebirth of its tourism sector.

Conclusion

These adjustments are being made as Sri Lanka works to revive its economy following a financial crisis in 2022 that negatively affected traveler spending. The administration is positive about the island’s tourism industry’s future and has streamlined the visa application procedure while cutting prices for visitors.