Sri Lanka’s E-Visa System is Now Online Again: What Travelers Need to Know
- Vihangaka Pabodha
- Sep 27, 2024
- 6 min read
After a turbulent few months in visa management, Sri Lanka has reinstated its well-known Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. This comes as a relief to many travelers and tourism operators alike. But what exactly has changed, and how does this affect you if you're planning a trip to Sri Lanka?
Let's dive into the details!
Outline
Introduction
Sri Lanka Reinstates Its ETA Visa System
Background
What Led to the Changes in the Visa System?
The Introduction of the e-Visa System
Concerns Over Transparency and Financial Impact
Supreme Court Intervention
Supreme Court’s Role in Reinstating the ETA
Public Backlash and Legal Action
Supreme Court's Decision on the e-Visa System
ETA Visa Reinstatement
The Return of the ETA System
ETA Reactivation Under the New Government
How to Apply for an ETA
Steps to Apply for an ETA
The Online Application Process
ETA Validity and Benefits
ETA vs e-Visa Comparison
Comparing ETA to the Suspended e-Visa
Visa-Free Access Possibility
Visa-Free Access to Sri Lanka: A Future Possibility?
A Proposed Visa Waiver for 35+ Countries
From Visa Waivers to Free Visas
Impact on the Tourism Industry
The Impact on Sri Lanka’s Tourism Industry
Tourist Arrivals Falling Below Expectations
The Path to Recovery by 2024
Conclusion
Conclusion: ETA is Back and Better Than Ever
FAQs
FAQs
In a significant move for international travelers, Sri Lanka has reinstated its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system after several months of uncertainty. The new development comes as a relief for tourists and businesses alike, signaling smoother processes for entering the island nation.
Here’s everything you need to know about the reinstated ETA and the circumstances that led to these changes.
What Led to the Changes in the Visa System?
The Introduction of the e-Visa System
Earlier this year, Sri Lanka rolled out a new e-Visa system to replace the longstanding ETA. This new system was intended to streamline the visa process further but ended up creating more confusion and frustration for both travelers and local tourism operators.
Concerns Over Transparency and Financial Impact
The introduction of the e-Visa wasn’t without its share of controversy. Many stakeholders raised concerns about the way the contract was awarded, as it was done without a public tender. This led to questions surrounding transparency and public fund management. Additionally, the e-Visa system imposed higher fees of up to $18.50 per application, compared to the $2 fee under the old SLTMobitel-managed ETA system, making it less affordable for travelers.
These cost hikes, combined with frequent system disruptions, stirred unrest among local businesses, especially in the tourism sector. Tourism is one of Sri Lanka's main economic drivers, and many operators feared that the higher visa fees would hurt the industry.
Supreme Court’s Role in Reinstating the ETA
Public Backlash and Legal Action
Following these changes, numerous petitions were filed with the Sri Lankan Supreme Court, highlighting the irregularities in the selection process of the e-Visa and the negative impact on the country's tourism industry.
Supreme Court's Decision on the e-Visa System
The Supreme Court responded by suspending the e-Visa system in early August, citing the lack of transparency and potential financial risks for the country. As a result, the Court ordered a return to the ETA system, which had been in place for many years prior.
The Return of the ETA System
ETA Reactivation Under the New Government
After several months of confusion and uncertainty, the ETA system has finally been restored. This happened shortly after the election of Anura Kumara Dissanayaka as the new President of Sri Lanka. As of midnight, 26.09.2024 the ETA portal is back online and accepting visa applications from international travelers.
This reinstatement of the ETA system marks the end of the challenging visa application process that had previously left many tourists with no choice but to apply for visas on arrival, causing long delays at entry points.
How to Apply for an ETA
The ETA simplifies the visa application process by allowing travelers to apply for their visas online before arriving in Sri Lanka. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
The Online Application Process
Visit the official ETA website: https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/.
Complete the application form: You’ll need to provide personal information such as passport details, travel dates, and contact information.
Pay the visa fee: The standard cost for a tourist ETA is US$50, excluding any applicable bank charges.
Receive your ETA via email: Once processed, the ETA will be sent to your email, typically within 24-48 hours.
Print and carry your ETA: Print the document and bring it with you when traveling to Sri Lanka.
ETA Validity and Benefits
Once approved, the ETA is valid for six months and allows visitors to stay in Sri Lanka for 30 days, with two possible entries. Additionally, travelers are required to fill out an Arrival Card on the eservices.immigration.gov.lk portal within seven days before traveling.
Comparing ETA to the Suspended e-Visa
The return of the ETA system brings relief, as it is much more affordable and user-friendly compared to the now-suspended e-Visa. With lower fees and quicker approval times, the ETA ensures a seamless entry process for tourists and business travelers. The reinstatement also addresses transparency concerns, as the ETA system is once again managed by the state, unlike the private-run e-Visa platform.
Visa-Free Access to Sri Lanka: A Future Possibility?
A Proposed Visa Waiver for 35+ Countries
In a separate development, the Sri Lankan government has proposed a visa waiver program for tourists from over 35 countries, including India, Japan, the United States, and various European nations. This six-month visa waiver would allow visitors to travel to Sri Lanka without the need to apply for a visa during this period.
From Visa Waivers to Free Visas
Following this proposal, there have also been discussions about introducing free visas for the same group of countries. While there has been no official confirmation yet, former Foreign Minister Ali Sabry has indicated that visa-free travel to Sri Lanka could be implemented soon for 38 nationalities. However, further details are still pending.
The Impact on Sri Lanka’s Tourism Industry
Tourist Arrivals Falling Below Expectations
Despite the positive news about the ETA system’s return, tourist arrivals in September have been lower than expected. According to Priyantha Fernando, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), challenges in the visa application process were one of the main reasons for this decline.
Between September 1 and 17, a total of 92,639 international visitors arrived in Sri Lanka, bringing the year-to-date total to over 1.45 million. The government remains optimistic that improvements in the visa system will help the country meet its goal of attracting 2.3 million tourists by 2024.
The Path to Recovery by 2024
With the return of the ETA and potential future visa waivers, Sri Lanka is on a path toward revitalizing its tourism industry. Local businesses are hopeful that these changes will bring a significant boost in tourist arrivals in the coming months.
Conclusion: ETA is Back and Better Than Ever
The reinstatement of the ETA system is a welcome development for both international travelers and the tourism industry in Sri Lanka. The system is cost-effective, easy to use, and offers quick visa approvals, ensuring that visitors can once again enjoy a smooth travel experience. As the country continues to refine its visa policies and explore visa-free options, Sri Lanka is positioning itself for a bright future in tourism.
FAQs
What is the cost of the ETA for Sri Lanka?
The tourist ETA costs US$50, excluding any applicable bank charges.
How long does it take to get an ETA approved?
Is there a possibility of visa-free access to Sri Lanka?
How long is the ETA valid for?
What documents are needed to apply for an ETA?
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