Sri Lanka has decided to retain the $50 fee for a 30-day visa for international visitors, the President’s Office has announced.
This announcement follows tourism representatives’ complaints over Sri Lanka having the most high-priced visa in Asia. Among other things, they urged authorities to reverse the decision amid concerns about tourists choosing other destinations other than Sri Lanka, VisaGuide.World reports.
Amidst the notable progress in the country’s tourism sector, numerous stakeholders within the industry have recently urged President Ranil Wickremesinghe to maintain the maximum visa fee for foreigners at US $50. They have also highlighted that this decision stands as significant support for the future growth of the tourism industry.
Increased Visa Fees & New e-Visa System
In April 2024, Sri Lankan authorities increased standard visa fees to $75 for citizens of countries not part of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). However, after complaints from tourism leaders, the government reserved this decision.
In addition to the visa fee, Sri Lanka introduced a new e-visa system, which replaces Electronic Travel Authorization. According to authorities, such an update has been made to guarantee more efficiency and convenience.
Nationals of These 7 Countries Can Enter Sri Lanka Visa-Free Until May 31, 2024
Sri Lanka has also extended visa-free entry for citizens of China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan until the end of May 2024.
The free visa service currently offered to citizens of seven countries, India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, will continue while the Government also emphasizes that the Department of Immigration and Emigration assumes full responsibility for issuing relevant visas upon entry into the country for foreigners.
Sri Lanka Wittnessed a Surge of Tourists During First Months of 2024
Sri Lanka continues to be a favorite destination for many visitors worldwide, as the country has experienced a surge in tourist arrivals.
According to data from the Tourism Development Authority, the country welcomed 784,651 visitors during the first four months of 2024.
India, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and China emerged as the top five countries contributing to the most visitors to Sri Lanka.
In addition, the number of visitors recorded in Sri Lanka during the first four months of 2024 represents a 43 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, when the number of visitors reached 343,474.