Sri Lanka has significantly increased tourist visa fees by over 100%, raising concerns among tourism industry stakeholders. The standard visa fee for non-SAARC countries has jumped from $35 to $75, plus additional service and convenience charges totaling over $100 per visa. This comes as Sri Lanka is targeting 2.3 million tourist arrivals and $4 billion in tourism revenue in 2024 while recovering from the 2019 Easter attacks and economic challenges.
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, which has been grappling with challenges from the aftermath of the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks and ongoing economic difficulties, now faces a new hurdle: a significant increase in tourist visa fees. The government’s recent decision to hike the standard tourist visa fee by over 100% and shift to a global processing company has raised eyebrows among industry stakeholders.
Announced on Tuesday, the new visa procedures and the launch of an online visa issuing system came into effect yesterday. However, the move to a global processing company has resulted in higher visa fees, drawing mixed reactions from industry players. The Cabinet of Ministers had previously approved the appointment of GBS Technology Services, IVS Global – FZCO, and VFS VF Worldwide Holdings Ltd. as authorized agents for online visa submissions on behalf of foreigners visiting Sri Lanka.
Under the new system, the standard tourist visa fee, valid for 180 days with each stay restricted to 60 days for non-SAARC countries, has increased from $35 to $75. Additionally, there are additional charges, including an $18.5 service fee and a $7.27 convenience fee, bringing the total individual visa fee to a staggering $100.77. SAARC country tourists also face an increase, with the standard visa fee rising from $20 to $35, though exemptions are provided for Singapore, Maldives, Czech Republic, and Seychelles.
The adjustment comes at a crucial time for Sri Lanka Tourism, which has been navigating the challenges posed by the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019 and ongoing economic difficulties. The Immigration Department’s previous ETA system had garnered praise from tourists globally for its simplicity, and the government’s decision to increase visa fees has sparked concerns among industry stakeholders regarding its potential impact on tourist arrivals and Sri Lanka’s competitiveness as a tourist destination.
Despite signs of improvement in the tourism industry in 2024, with targets set at 2.3 million arrivals and over $4 billion in income, the increase in visa fees could pose challenges to the sector’s stability and growth. During the first 15 days of April, Sri Lanka welcomed a total of 82,531 visitors, bringing the cumulative figure to 718,315, with India, the UK, and Russia emerging as the top source markets during this period.
As Sri Lanka continues its journey towards economic recovery, finding a balance between revenue generation and attracting visitors will be crucial for sustaining growth in the tourism sector. When asked about plans to provide free visas to over 50 countries, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Priantha Fernando stated: “It is premature. A lot more work to be done, enabling consideration.”
For the latest updated information and details on the new Sri Lanka visa process and fees, visitors can check the official ETA website at https://www.srilankaevisa.lk/. This website serves as the authoritative source for all current visa requirements, costs, and online application procedures for tourist travel to Sri Lanka.
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