Sri Lanka is reinstating its old visa system, which includes offering visas on arrival, after a court ruling that cancelled the new system. The tourism industry had criticized the new system for being cumbersome, costly, and allegedly fraudulent.
On August 2, the Supreme Court responded to seven petitions from key industry stakeholders and three opposition politicians. The court ordered a return to the old visa system, citing excessive procedures and allegations of fraud in the new scheme. Nishad Wijetunga, president of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) and one of the petitioners, acknowledged potential confusion but expressed hope for a swift resolution.
Following the court’s decision, the Department of Immigration and Emigration announced on Monday that the Sri Lankan e-visa website would be deactivated until further notice. In a notice to trade and Sri Lankan embassies abroad, the department indicated plans to restore the old e-visa platform as soon as possible.
Under the reinstated system, visas will be issued on arrival at Colombo airport for a fee of US$50 per 30-day entry. Until the old online visa system is reintroduced, visas can also be obtained at Sri Lankan missions abroad. Citizens of India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia will continue to receive free visas on arrival.
Tourist arrivals from January to July 2024 totaled 1,198,059, a significant increase from 769,913 during the same period in 2023. However, officials noted that arrivals from April to July this year were lower than expected, partly due to the complex visa process.
Sri Lanka aims to achieve 2.3 million tourist arrivals this year, matching the record set in 2018.