Sri Lanka now has highest visa costs in Asia: Tourism stakeholders

3 May 2024 11:22 am - 70 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Colombo, May 03 (Daily Mirror)- Tourism stakeholders said Sri Lanka now has the highest visa costs in Asia, creating a significant barrier for tourists compared to competing destinations like Thailand, Vietnam and many others that offer free visas or charge much lower fees.

In a letter to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, they urged him to intervene and restore a competitive and user-friendly visa process through a government-operated website, similar to the previous ETA system, to enable a tourist to obtain the necessary 30 days, single entry visa with ease.

They said the tourism industry, a key pillar of Sri Lanka's economic recovery, is aiming for 2.3 to 2.5 million tourist arrivals in 2024 and that these visa changes threaten this goal.

"The abrupt fee increase and complicated process are likely to deter tourists, potentially reducing arrivals to below 2 million. We cannot therefore help but wonder your excellency, whilst yourself together with the tourism authorities and industry led by the Minister, are working tirelessly to rebuild, that some elements, from within your government, are trying to disrupt the progress," the statement added.

"We, the industry want to bring to your attention recent changes in the tourist visa process for visiting Sri Lanka. On April 16, 2024, the Controller General of Immigration issued a notice suspending the Government ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) website. Consequently, visas will now be processed exclusively through a private company-operated website at https://www.srilankaevisa.lk/ starting April 17, 2024.

"We have raised our concerns with the Minister, who has assured us that a single-entry tourist visa will be made available for USD 50 inclusive of all charges by May 01, 2024. However, the application process remains complex and unfriendly, with additional fees likely to apply.

There has been a significant increase in the cost of tourist visas, with the new private website not offering the previously available single-entry tourist visa with a 30-day validity. Instead, only a more expensive six-month multiple-entry visa is currently available at a total cost of USD 100.77 due to additional service and convenience fees.

A recent study indicates that Sri Lanka now has the highest visa costs in Asia, creating a significant barrier for tourists compared to competing destinations like Thailand, Vietnam and many others that offer free visas or charge much lower fees. Moreover, as we go into the period of family travel in July & August, the current fees would require a family of four to pay USD 400 just to enter the country.

We have attached herewith a report with information on visa costs and how this change of process and cost increase will affect the industry in Sri Lanka. We have also attached an email sent out from the new visa website to a tourist, asking him to re-schedule his holiday as they are unable to issue the visa in time, due to a glitch in the system," it further said.

Ams Friday, 03 May 2024 11:38 AM

If they handover to operations to "private Indian company" only, they can get COMMISSION.

joshua Friday, 03 May 2024 11:45 AM

yeah because we have to fund the rogues

Pullma Dingalinga Friday, 03 May 2024 11:46 AM

Seriously, how much longer can we put up with this incompetence ?

dinesh Friday, 03 May 2024 11:47 AM

this is a government with a right had that does not know what the left hand is doing...so much for economic recovery...

Dinruta Friday, 03 May 2024 12:02 PM

Penny wise Pound Foolish. Idiots.

Planning Year End Holidays has Started Saturday, 04 May 2024 08:13 AM

Absolutely- not looking at the bigger picture. Anyway, so many other Asian countries to visit offering reasonable sensible prices. SL better sort this out soonest as people around the world are getting ready to plan the year end holiday trips.

Dez Friday, 03 May 2024 12:07 PM

My next holliday destination is Vietnam, Sri Lanka hotels over priced and paying for a visa is just ridiculous.

STORMY DANIELS Friday, 03 May 2024 02:55 PM

i will never go to sri-lanka again (beautiful country smiling happy people) corrupt politicians MINIMUM HOTEL RATES SUCKS

Johannes Knerr Friday, 03 May 2024 12:12 PM

Exactly in order to have tourist come and visit and be able to showcase the hospitality of the Sri Lankan people and provide good and honest service the visa fee should be massively lowered as it is not at all competitive with other destinations in Asia and countries like Maldives , Mauritius etc. Think long term and provide good tourist services, hotels and environment . But it is very Sri Lankan that they do not think long term but just on how to generate the maximum income

Roy Berman Friday, 03 May 2024 12:19 PM

Now everyone awakening up after only one brave individual young man showing what happens behind the screen. They have talked but No one have done any research before implementing. Just passing yes men and keeping quiet.

lazy, irresponsible, imbicile "patriots" Friday, 03 May 2024 01:33 PM

Exactly. I wonder what the immigration staff were thinking when their jobs were transferred to an outside company. Must have been thanking the Gods that they don't have to do any work. Such lazy, irresponsible, stupid "patriots". This country will never improve.

Alex Davis Friday, 03 May 2024 12:29 PM

Does not matter if visa fee is reduced. The damage is done. Sri Lanka has been shown to be a greedy grasping nation that looks upon tourists as cash cows to be milked of every penny. We certainly won't be back even if the visa is made free.

No point SLns whining Friday, 03 May 2024 01:48 PM

Only very recently there was a public outcry over poor treatment of vlogers by couple of eateries one down south and the other in Colombo. One for charging RS.800 for a cup of tea and vada and the others for supposedly inflating the price of a plate of biryani and for being very rude. To my knowledge no serious action was taken against them. How can the government take action? They themselves were on the verge of increasing fees. One thing is undisputable. Every SLn who calls the politicians crooks should realise that they themselves are from the same pot of rice. Given an opportunity they would do the same. Soon if the current lot of politicians are kicked out the next lot will be no different. What is in the only will come in the ladle. No point SLns whining.

Regular visitor to srilanka Friday, 03 May 2024 02:48 PM

True.. Will not visit this country again. Had to pay 100 dollars for a visit..this time.

ravin Friday, 03 May 2024 12:33 PM

well done cabinet of idiots. This country need you people for the rest of our lives if we are expecting progress for this country. Keep it up

30 Days Complimentary Visa Will Definitely Be Good Friday, 03 May 2024 12:33 PM

Most tourists will need around 20 to 30 days to have short visits to places of interest. These tourist can’t stay long due work and family commitments back home. By giving them complimentary 30 days hassle free on line booking visa’s, will give the impression that the SL government wants them to enjoy the country as their guest. Most aware times are tough and will definitely support whatever ways they can for the local communities. When we have guest to our homes, do we charge them?

Gus Friday, 03 May 2024 12:36 PM

Trying to make a buck out of every opportunity jeopardizing tourism while big businessmen and politicians evade paying Income Taxes and massive Bank Loans. Shame! Looters!!

Ravi Friday, 03 May 2024 12:45 PM

Who is Sri Lanka President ? Mr Narendrasing Modi

Bandara Friday, 03 May 2024 12:51 PM

This is might not be the issue of VFS Global since its a globally recognised company. This might be a issue of some corrupted politicians and government servants.

Sunil Friday, 03 May 2024 04:56 PM

What global recognised. You are stupid. Is it a listed in New York or London Stock exchange. Think before you write nonsense. This company must be involved in all pranks to develop new business opportunities.Except for Tata, I don't respect any Indian businessman or business

M Fernando Friday, 03 May 2024 10:37 PM

Can a decrepit, bankrupt country like Sri Lanka, on financial life-support in the IMF ICU, afford to outsource visa processing to VFS ? There is a case for Australia, US, UK to do it but they have the money and cant be bothered with the aggravation of visa processing. This is a vanity-project by some idiot (likely a Minister) - Meanwhile we have shot ourselves in the foot once again. We are just a nation of looters and fleecers. What more can you expect from the descendants of a bunch of thugs deported from India who are now hailed as the "progenitor of the Sinhala race" !

M Fernando Friday, 03 May 2024 10:37 PM

Can a decrepit, bankrupt country like Sri Lanka, on financial life-support in the IMF ICU, afford to outsource visa processing to VFS ? There is a case for Australia, US, UK to do it but they have the money and cant be bothered with the aggravation of visa processing. This is a vanity-project by some idiot (likely a Minister) - Meanwhile we have shot ourselves in the foot once again. We are just a nation of looters and fleecers. What more can you expect from the descendants of a bunch of thugs deported from India who are now hailed as the "progenitor of the Sinhala race" !

Anne Feszczur Friday, 03 May 2024 12:58 PM

Right, That's it. I've changed my mind we (6 of us) are off to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Pathmaranjan Perera Friday, 03 May 2024 12:59 PM

30 days free visa on arrival will be the best for tourism industry.

More Enjoyments, More Money Spent Saturday, 04 May 2024 05:10 PM

Exactly- make it convenient and allow the tourist to enjoy their time in SL. The more they enjoy, the better it will be for the SL economy.

ANNECUNT Friday, 03 May 2024 01:07 PM

END OF SRI-LANKAN TOURISM --- DID NOT TAKE LONG. i am not comming again

STORMY DANIELS Friday, 03 May 2024 01:11 PM

if the 220 ministers take a commission then nothing left. i understand sri-lanka got corrupt politicians, MOST BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY, POLITE ,HELPFUL, SMILING PEOPLE ,EXCEPT THE RAJAPAKSE FAMILY

cineha Friday, 03 May 2024 01:15 PM

In this country every sin is committed under the pretext of "Cabinet Approval".......sic

jan Verbiest Friday, 03 May 2024 01:20 PM

go back to the old system and charge 30 $ as before the covid and give online the possibility to go for a 6 months visa as you did just after the Covid.

Kd Friday, 03 May 2024 01:27 PM

Most countries in Asia provide a free 30 day visa to most visitors. WTF were our people thinking

Wickremasinghe Friday, 03 May 2024 01:44 PM

Wonder of Asia. God bless mother Lanka.

Danny Friday, 03 May 2024 01:57 PM

Even after the aragalaya and the exit of Gota, and the bankruptcy of the nation, the greedy politicians didn’t change. They brought an Indian company to share the $25, replacing a well doing system of the immigration department.

DJ Friday, 03 May 2024 02:19 PM

Yep, now watch how tourism will start to slow. For too much for the visa. Thailand is free for 30 days.

jude Friday, 03 May 2024 02:25 PM

Its not the cost. What Sri Lanka has to offer worth $100 to any western foreigner. Why should you let a foreign company get paid $20 per visa. This should go to the government. If 2,000,000 tourists comes to Sri Lanka per year as predicted, that's $40 million dollars that goes to this company. Why cant the government get that $40 million do something for the people?

roshan Friday, 03 May 2024 02:29 PM

Did government go through a proper tender procedure before awarding a contract to this company? was outside proposals called from other companies? What was the selection criteria in the tender that lead to a contract award for this company that other local companies could not meet?

More Job opportunities to our youngsters Friday, 03 May 2024 05:16 PM

What Tender Procedure? Why foreign company? This job was done by Immigration Department. If the work load has increased, then increase their manpower or pay extra incentive allowance for every Visa processed. May be the Indian company is connected to Keheliya! No? OK. If you so so!

adam Friday, 03 May 2024 02:51 PM

Been here 8 times and have seen the greed of the country and its people climb to unprecedented level currently. Doubtful I'll be returning even though I thought of retiring here with my wife.

Tryouts Friday, 03 May 2024 02:52 PM

We have suffered due to our short sighted politicians. Time to kick the scum out.

Regular visitor Friday, 03 May 2024 02:55 PM

Last visit to srilanka. I have been visiting twice a year. I'm disgusted by the visa fee.. 100% visa fee increase... are these people are stupid.. or do you u feel tourists are desperate to visit this country... no more

Kick the ranil rajapaksa scum out Friday, 03 May 2024 03:15 PM

Soon India will decide who can and who cannot have children in Sri Lanka.

Ranga Friday, 03 May 2024 03:17 PM

I love how Sri Lanka manage to keep digging it's own grave For public voting you play stupid games and win stupid prices

Shera Friday, 03 May 2024 03:22 PM

It's counter productive to increasing tourism. Who comes up with these policies? And what guidelines did they use to increase fees like this without backing it with any research? Just pure greed.

Danny Friday, 03 May 2024 03:39 PM

Tourist are coming here because of the high visa fee of the Indians. When the Indian government realised that they got rid of this company and gone for online visa at a lower rate. Now the Indian company that lost mega business, tricked our greedy politicians to agree to increase and to share commission on $25 extra charges. This is completely opposite to what India did. Our bid neighbour didn’t want us to progress economically and our greedy politicians are doing the bad for the nation’s bankrupted economy. Why our Immigration officials didn’t protest?

JD Friday, 03 May 2024 03:54 PM

Telling foreigners not to come. Thanks, we have better destinations

Gune Friday, 03 May 2024 04:04 PM

Who the hell decided on this crap policy?. This shows why SL can never ever be a developed country. A bankrupt country still has not learned anything. Gone back to old days, bribes, corruption and so on. Why do we have this jumping Harin as a minister? Who gets the commissions? Where is accountability? Is sleeping Siripala anywhere? This country is a lunatic asylum. Why do tourists ever come to this crap place paying US$500 per family of 4? You've got to be really mad. Look at Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. They will be laughing.

Dutugemunu Priyath Friday, 03 May 2024 04:04 PM

Next President Ranjith Singh !!

Lionel Friday, 03 May 2024 04:11 PM

Wonder why immigration officers don't strike this time. They normally strike for every time, but why ate they silent? Part of the commissions?

hora myna Friday, 03 May 2024 04:21 PM

When the sate become banana republic, this type of thuggery things are very obvious. These uneducated politicians who are ruling this country have no clear vision for the future of country. These thugs must be eliminated without any further delay.

Thirai Friday, 03 May 2024 04:35 PM

The same corrupt guys were recycled by the big crook. Now see what the aviation minister had done. This is the same guy that demanded bribe from a Japanese company?

Beliro Yan Friday, 03 May 2024 05:33 PM

Why would a tourist come when 1) Visa costs are exorbitant - competitors are much cheaper. And there are all manner of websites luring you to pay silly money for a visa. Why have so many agents? and not control the price. 2) Everything is overpriced for a tourist. Why? 3) Hotel rates are ridiculously expensive and who today wants to eat trifle using yesterdays left over fruit? No imagination. 3)You cannot even get a decent cup of proper brewed tea anywhere! Ceylon Tea indeed! 3)

D S de Silva Friday, 03 May 2024 05:41 PM

This is what happens when you send people who should be working in paddy fields to parliament. Any person with an ounce brain will understand the repercussions of this, but for the ones in parliament who makes all these decisions, it's irrelevant. Because they came to parliament only with one objective in mind, milk the system at the expenses of the citizens and make money and retire with benefits. This system has to change, if Sri Lanka is to move even one inch towards prosperity. Whilst the thugs and rogues are looting the country, wickramasinghe is day dream how to stay in power.

DW Friday, 03 May 2024 05:45 PM

Governments in other countries have various avenues to get money because they are rapidly developing. Sri Lanka has none, so they rely on easy money from tourists. The government doesn't have to do any hard work.

Buddhist Friday, 03 May 2024 05:57 PM

Government Strategy: Charge high visa fees, kill tourism, give car permits to MPs, and give bribes to MPs who wish to cross over to Ranil. Name it the Development Fund!

Ahmad Friday, 03 May 2024 06:29 PM

I'm an outbound tour operator from Bangladesh. I decided not to send tourists to Sri Lanka. Instead I'll now send tourists to Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Maldives etc. This visa cost increase feels like theft.

Tissa Fernando Friday, 03 May 2024 06:32 PM

Government Evisa site was working perfectly. The traitors are selling all available avenues to Indian companies.

SL Saturday, 04 May 2024 06:57 PM

Exactly. Ranil ,Harin,Tiran wants bucks out of tourists VIsa,that's why they've replaced efficient E-Visa system with VFS. One of my friend and his family trying to get VISA from Netherlands said, the act of VSF officers discouraged visitors !! shame on you Ranil Wickremasinghe!!

Jayantha Friday, 03 May 2024 07:45 PM

Tiran has once again betrayed the nation. He once gave money to ltte terrorists. Now betrayed the nations major income stream and destroyed the good name of Sri Lanka. He should be sacked and send behind bars. Where is the opposition npp and sjb. Are they sleeping still. Start protests until he is behind bars. This is a major betrayal of nation and also deceiving the cabinet sothat he can get a cut under the table.

Citizen k Friday, 03 May 2024 08:08 PM

We always know how to spoil a party.This is Sri Lankan trend.When will we get right people at the right time in the right place?

Harin is a ponnaya Friday, 03 May 2024 08:10 PM

Ponna Harin

Rathnavali Friday, 03 May 2024 08:30 PM

Enough of harm has been done to the country by screaming and shouting and sharing this hundred times online. This President has reversed the decision taken by the Minister. The President has to work with incompetent Ministers since the so called "good guys" refused to support him. So calm down people and let the tourists enjoy the beauty of our country without causing them to stay away.

Jay Friday, 03 May 2024 09:31 PM

For Srilankan Politicians Commission First...Development of Tourism Industry of the country, who cares!

Navi Friday, 03 May 2024 10:46 PM

GOSL have once again shot herself in the foot at a time Tourists are flowing into Sri Lanka. Why a service fee of USD 25.00 ?????? Why did not GOSL appoint representatives from People's

Upul Saturday, 04 May 2024 02:00 AM

It's a shame to have these types of greedy politicians in SL who doesn't think about the country but only themselves. This type of stupid decisions to increase the VISA amount will definitely hit very badly the tourism industry.

Moh Sleiman Saturday, 04 May 2024 06:28 AM

SRI LANKA is done,just cant Imagine ponna HARIN saying SRI LANKA is a part of INDIA,Oh my god you stupid silly SRI LANKANS get to the STREETS and Throw all these thieves like the way RAJAPAKSHAS were thrown out.Their is no other way for the country to survive.

Nihal Jayawardena Saturday, 04 May 2024 04:28 PM

Just where are we heading for ??????? in my opinion all other Asian Countries doing tourism (also more advanced than us) levy less fees for visas !! When are we getting rid of these Corrupt Politicos in our Mother Land ??? SAD

ANNECUNT Saturday, 04 May 2024 08:03 PM

RAJAPAKSAS AND FAMILY MEMBERS POCKETS ARE BULGING WITH STOLEN MONEY. THE FAMOUS ROBBER FAMILY

ANNECUNT Saturday, 04 May 2024 08:03 PM

RAJAPAKSAS AND FAMILY MEMBERS POCKETS ARE BULGING WITH STOLEN MONEY. THE FAMOUS ROBBER FAMILY

Smith Gamage Saturday, 04 May 2024 11:47 PM

Good bye Srilanka.. Malaysia free visa for 90 days..

Volker Metzger Monday, 06 May 2024 06:20 PM

The new visa regulations fit in perfectly with the policies of this government! First, under MR and Gota, the people were cheated and robbed and a debt burden of almost unpayable amounts was accumulated, and now this policy is continuing in a modified form under Wickremesigne, in economic and tax policy!!! The "little people" and the poor are paying the price for years of corrupt and disastrous policies!!! After a certain period of consolidation of the situation, Ranil is now trying to fleece the tourists by increasing visa fees to an outrageous extent!!! Massively against the will of the tourism industry, which rightly fears that the slight positive boom in this very important economic sector will come to an end relatively quickly!!! I share this view and think that issuing visas to a private company once again shows the short-sightedness and unprofessionalism of this government, which is rejected by the people!!!

Hashini Swampille Tuesday, 14 May 2024 06:46 AM

Bunch of Greedy Rogues in the government. This will hinder and cease the tourists who wish to come to SL in future. Revert all the visa fees in accordance with the government gazette No. 2241/37

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Sri Lanka now has highest visa costs in Asia: Tourism stakeholders

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