Sri Lanka has introduced a new e-visa for tourists

From Tuesday, May 7, 2024, foreign tourists wishing to visit Sri Lanka have been given the option to opt for a new, cheaper visa for their trip.

According to official sources, a special 30-day electronic tourist visa was introduced in May. The decision was taken following massive complaints from travelers and tourism professionals after the launch of the e-visa system and the abolition of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Travelers have faced difficulties in accessing the website, account connectivity issues, inability to download the approved visa, and problems at entry points into Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's immigration authorities on April 17 abolished the ETA and introduced the e-visa to offer new visa services that are more convenient for travelers but at a higher cost. While the ETA cost about fifty euros, the new electronic tourist visa was offered at a price of seventy-five US dollars.

Harin Fernando, Sri Lanka's Tourism Minister, is aware of the problems that have arisen since the introduction of the e-visa. In order to reduce tensions related to entry formalities and problems at the border, it was decided to introduce a 30-day e-visa.

The new e-tourist visa came into effect from May 7, 2024. The main change was the availability of a 30-day visa for single entry at a cost of 50 US dollars, which is approximately - 47 Euros including all costs.

Sri Lanka's Tourism Minister Harin Fernando said that the 30-day single entry visa will be available at a price of 50 US dollars until the program to waive e-visa fees for over 50 countries is completed.

At the moment, it is necessary for most travelers to obtain an e-visa to travel to Sri Lanka. Travelers from 7 countries (India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia) have been extended free e-visa until the end of May 2024.

To get an e-visa for Sri Lanka, you need to register on the official website, fill out an online application form, upload a photo and a copy of the main page of your passport. One can also avail the services of a professional agency to help with the process.

The new e-visa is designed to make travel to Sri Lanka more affordable and convenient for all interested travelers.