Free visa regime is applicable for select nations, including India
The new government of Sri Lanka has officially reinstated the previous visa issuing system, which is effective now, according to the Presidential Media Division (PMD).
All foreigners will be able to apply for visas under the previous system, the PMD said.
In April this year, Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration switched to a new visa portal, roping in a private consortium under which visa fees was raised.
Earlier last month, the island’s Supreme Court suspended the contract given to the private consortium to deal with visa issuance. The court had also ordered to reinstate the previous Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system run by state-owned Mobitel.
Minister for Public Security Vijitha Herath noted that many foreigners faced difficulties in the new visa facility. He added that in consultation with the Attorney General, the government took immediate steps to comply with the court’s decision.
According to reports, a free visa regime is implemented for nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan with immediate effect.
The statement adds that nationals of the above-nominated countries possessing diplomatic, official, public affairs, service and ordinary passports are eligible to enjoy a visa-free regime under this scheme.
It goes on to say that above nominated nationals should apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving in Sri Lanka subject to granting/issuing free of charge.
Under this scheme, tourists can enjoy a 30 days free visa period and a double-entry facility is permitted from the date of first arrival to Sri Lanka within 30 days.
Applicants who have obtained a free visa and need to stay in Sri Lanka for more than 30 days can apply for an extension by paying the appropriate visa fee.
The statement adds that this particular visa-free regime applies to the above seven nominated countries and the rest of the countries may follow the general rules and regulations applicable to Sri Lanka ETA.
Vijitha Herath
Meanwhile, the new Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Vijitha Herath, has issued a special statement regarding the matter.
He says that many people faced difficulties when the visa facility was managed by VFS Global. Foreigners travelling to Sri Lanka encountered various issues, leading to this swift action.
“In consultation with the Attorney General, the government took immediate steps to comply with the court’s decision. Additionally, an analysis is underway to investigate the alleged irregularities in contracting the VFS organisation to issue visas,” he adds.
This decision addresses the challenges that were previously affecting the visa process, according to the PMD.
Accordingly, as of now, all foreigners will now be able to apply for visas under the reinstated system, it said.