Significant changes brought to Sri Lanka's visa fees

Sri Lanka's tourism stakeholders have expressed concern over the changes brought to its visa fees.

In interviews with local media, members of the country's tourism industry highlighted that Sri Lanka currently has the highest visa fees in Asia following recent changes in visa regulations.

Previously, tourists could obtain a single-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days at a cost of USD 50. However, this option is no longer available. Instead, tourists can now opt for a six-month multiple-entry visa, which comes at a total cost of USD 100.77.

Among countries in the region, India charges tourists from European countries between USD 25 and USD 40 for visas. Thailand provides free 30-day visas for most European and other international travelers. Vietnam similarly offers free visas for up to 45 days, while some nations levy a maximum of USD 25 for 30-day visas. Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia also extend 30-day free visas to visitors from European countries.

All tourists, of all nationalities, can receive a 30 day visa free of charge on arrival in the Maldives.

Despite the revision of Sri Lanka's visa fees, citizens of SAARC countries will continue to receive a 30-day visa free of charge.

Businesses within Sri Lanka's tourism sector have expressed concerns regarding the visa fee hike, stating that it presents a significant obstacle for tourists when compared to competing destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam, and others, which either offer free visas or charge substantially lower fees.

In a letter addressed to Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the country's Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) 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 tourists 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," the statement read.