Sri Lanka suspends issuance of e-visas

Travellers planning to travel to Sri Lanka soon will have to obtain a visa on arrival as the electronic visa (e-Visa) system has been temporarily suspended.

On 17 April, Sri Lanka replaced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system with an electronic visa (e-Visa) process that was outsourced to foreign companies.

However, as of August 2, travellers will no longer be able to apply online for a visa before travelling to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has temporarily suspended the e-visa system, overturning the government's decision to outsource the management of the visa system to foreign companies. The suspension of the system will last until the final judgement of the court.

The court also ordered the former ETA portal, operated by Sri Lankan telecoms company Mobitel, to be reinstated.

Applicants who applied for a visa after the said deadline can get compensation.

The e-visa system has come under scrutiny due to allegations of procedural irregularities. The suspension of the cabinet decision by the Supreme Court is intended to address these concerns and restore transparency.