Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
Last Updated : 2024-03-19 06:06:00
As per the 2023 budget proposal, the Immigration and Emigration Department has decided to increase the fees of visas, and other charges with effect from December 1.
A special notice in this regard has been issued by the Department's Controller-General.
Accordingly, the fee for issuing dual citizenship has been amended to USD 2,000, the Department said in a notice.
The fee for issuance of dual citizenship to a spouse or child under 22 years of age who is entitled to dual citizenship has been amended to USD 500.
The fee for obtaining certified copies of certificates issued under Citizenship has been increased to Rs. 2,000. The administrative fee related to the bond signed by merchant seamen on landing was amended to USD 25.
The fee for obtaining electronic travel authorization online for tourists will be USD 50 and for businesses will be USD 55.
The fee for obtaining electronic travel authorization on arrival will be USD 60 for tourists and USD 65 for businesses. The fee for the issuance of a visa under the "My Dream Home Visa" program will be USD 200.
The fee for the issuance of a visa under the Resident Guest Scheme (RGS) Visa program will be USD 200.
The fee for the issuance of a visa for an appearance before the court will be USD 200.
The age group is not taken into account when charging a fee for the issuance of a visa for children of Sri Lankan parents with foreign passports, which will be USD 150.
Even the age group is not taken into account for the issuance of a visa for children who are dependents on a non-Sri Lankan spouse, and the fee will be USD 150. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)
Reformist Friday, 25 November 2022 01:23 PM
Fantastic! There will be millions queuing up to visit this wonderland by paying all these fees. Once in SL, they have equally welcoming entrance fees to rundown places! An equally long queue to get the dual citizenship as there will be huge gains for doing that! Great investment indeed!.
Muiri Friday, 25 November 2022 01:26 PM
How to discourage tourists. Sri Lanka should be offering visas free. You want to encourage us to come and spend dollars then give an incentive.
Lumbini Friday, 25 November 2022 01:38 PM
This is how we encourage tourists to come to Sri Lanka. Well done Ranil.
Nandasena R Friday, 25 November 2022 02:33 PM
Great way to discourage tourists. This is the government that said that they would invite tourist. The cost of things are no different to most Asian countries, in fact it is cheaper in most SE Asia than SL. Tourists will say Bye-Bye to SL.
Kumara Friday, 25 November 2022 02:33 PM
What is the point in being a dual citizen? Stop politicians corrupting the country then one can think about being dual citizen!
Doberk Friday, 25 November 2022 03:32 PM
Tourists will now think twice before visiting Sri Lanka. Especially since the outrageous entrance fees for the sights have to be added to the total costs. This is how you scare off the tourists
Jef Friday, 25 November 2022 03:57 PM
Having dollars easy to carry around than local rupee they should make all purchases by dollars like how EU did with euro's our politicians can make things happening before a financial tsunami
Lankan Man Friday, 25 November 2022 04:03 PM
Four members in family, visa fee USD 240. Why visit Sri Lanka? We can go to Singapore without paying visa fee and spend that money in Singapore.
Lokka Friday, 25 November 2022 04:26 PM
We expect thousands of tourists from India, China and Asian countries not so rich. Already there are complaints of high costs here. So, these increases will have negative effect. Also where are the necessary amenities for tourists like wash rooms in the main cities.
Sarath Friday, 25 November 2022 05:28 PM
I visited a number of World Heritage sites in Kyoto. The charge was the same as for Japanese citizens. Nothing extra. The most I paid was around $8. Compare that with rates for foreigners in SL.
Cherath Friday, 25 November 2022 06:15 PM
It's like killing the goose that lays golden eggs - extreme greed will ensure the egg falls flat on the face. Take Thailand for example. Holders citizenship of over 45 countries used to get 30 day free Visa, now increased to 45 days due to the Covid slow down of arrivals. Over 1000 spotless hotels in Bangkok alone charging just $25 upwards for B
Ahmed Friday, 25 November 2022 08:09 PM
this will discourage tourists. why would tourists spend $50 and visit a bankrupt country when they can visit other tourist destinations visa free.
Dee Friday, 25 November 2022 09:31 PM
So cheap? 55$ visa fee is just half a day's pay for anyone who can afford to purchase an air ticket for holiday. As for dual citizenship! Make it double or treble. No wonder we are seen as a nation of beggars. So Very Cheap!
Ramakrishna Friday, 25 November 2022 10:01 PM
No Indian tourists visit Sri Lanka with these increased visa fares
Graham Friday, 25 November 2022 10:52 PM
We coming to Sri Lanka for all of January as we have done for years. We spend quite a lot but operate to a strict budget. Increasing visa price simply means we will spend less while there. Also as has been mentioned other SE Asian countries are encouraging tourists by offering free visas. Sri Lanka is becoming quite expensive in comparison. I think this might be our last year for a long winter holiday in SL. January 2024 we will be looking elsewhere.
Michael Friday, 25 November 2022 10:54 PM
How any countries in the world tourists have to pay visa fees ? Already the 35 $ before was too much especially if one see how the Sudus are cheated lol the way long during their visit by paying high entrance fees to sites. Maybe go to countries where tourism works and see what they do. There is a infrastructure, there is peace and no rip off like in SL. No one can understand this move. I know the country needs money but maybe become tourism friendly and professional then people will come and spend
Ar Saturday, 26 November 2022 06:47 AM
The Harin/Ranil partnership off to an awesome start!
Gamage Sunday, 27 November 2022 11:36 AM
I am an ex-Sri Lankan living in Australia. I visit Sri Lanka very often and was planning to apply for dual citizenship next year as I turn 55 next year. But I won't be applying for dual citizenship because the cost will prohibitively high.
Yamuna Ranaweera Sunday, 27 November 2022 04:45 PM
I do not care about increasing fares as I already got dual citizenship
Mickey Mouse Wednesday, 30 November 2022 02:04 PM
I fully understand the country needs Dollars or maybe Sterling but to increase the price of Visas will definitely put many people off coming to this beautiful Island. Every country seems to be having a financial crisis right now thus visa price increases will have far more impact to foreign visitors coming here than they would have done a few years ago before the international monetary crisis came into being.
Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.
Reply To:
Name - Reply Comment
In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R
As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H
In February 2023, Adani Green Energy (Sri Lanka) Ltd was given provisional ap
Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry recently said that tourist arrivals to Sri