Sri Lanka has introduced a new e-visa for tourists

Starting Tuesday, May 7, 2024, foreign tourists wishing to visit Sri Lanka will have the opportunity to choose a new, cheaper visa for their trip. 

According to official sources, a special 30-day electronic tourist visa was introduced in May. This decision was made as a result of numerous complaints from travelers and tourism professionals following the launch of the electronic visa system and the cancellation of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Tourists faced difficulties accessing the website, problems connecting to their account, inability to download the approved visa, as well as issues at entry points into Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan immigration authorities canceled the ETA on April 17 and introduced an electronic visa to offer new visa services that are more convenient for travelers, but at a higher price. While the ETA cost about fifty euros, the new electronic tourist visa was offered at a price of 75 US dollars.

Harin Fernando, the Minister of Tourism of Sri Lanka, is aware of the problems that have arisen after the introduction of the electronic visa. In order to reduce the tension associated with entry formalities and border issues, the introduction of a 30-day electronic visa was decided. 

The new electronic tourist visa came into effect on May 7, 2024. The main change was the possibility of obtaining a 30-day visa for a single entry at a price of 50 US dollars, which is approximately 47 euros, including all expenses.

The Minister of Tourism of Sri Lanka, Harin Fernando, stated that the 30-day visa for a single entry will be provided at a price of 50 US dollars until the completion of the program to cancel fees for the electronic visa for more than 50 countries. 

At the moment, most travelers need to apply for an electronic visa for their trip to Sri Lanka. Tourists from 7 countries (India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia) have been extended a free electronic visa until the end of May 2024. 

To apply for an electronic visa to Sri Lanka, you can contact our managers, fill out an online application, upload a photo and a copy of the main page of your passport. 

The new electronic visa is intended to make travel to Sri Lanka more accessible and convenient for all interested travelers.