Tourism organisations in Sri Lanka are calling for an urgent
resolution of the country’s tourist visa regime after the Supreme Court
suspended the e-Visa portal run by VFS Global.
The industry is urging, as an interim measure, the reinstatement of
the old online system to minimise inconvenience for tourists.
The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) and The
Hotels Association of Sri Lanka (THASL) said that they have told
overseas tour operator partners and potential visitors that, in the
absence of a functioning online visa platform, visas on arrival are
available at the airport.
“You can still travel and avail yourself of a ‘Visa on Arrival’ at
the same eVisa fee of US$50 at the Immigration counters in the arrivals
hall,” tour operators have been advised.
A 30-day free visa is available to nationals of China, India,
Indonesia, Japan, Maldives, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, Thailand,
Seychelles, and the Czech Republic.
The eVisa portal https://www.srilankgevisa.lk
was suspended on 2 August. All eVisa applications made after this time
are due a refund, and applicants need to share their application number
and details to travel.partner@srilankanevisa.lk.