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Sri Lanka Makes Travel Easier for Tourists through a Visa Fees Scrap and restoring Online Applications.
The country has taken a major step to revitalise its tourism industry by scrapping visa fees and restoring its online visa application system. This move comes in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that overturned a controversial outsourcing deal, ensuring a smoother and more affordable experience for international travelers.
The government, under newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, announced that tourists can once again apply for visas online without any charges, a change aimed at attracting more visitors to the island nation. The decision is part of the country’s broader efforts to boost tourism, which is crucial to its economic recovery following the financial crisis of 2022.
Visa-Free Travel for Many Countries
Citizens from several countries, including India, the UK, the US, China, and Germany, can now travel to Sri Lanka without a visa. Other nations benefiting from this policy include Australia, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and New Zealand, among others.
This policy change eliminates the previous $25 fee imposed by VFS Global, an India-based company that had won the visa processing contract from the previous government. The Supreme Court ruling in August halted this contract, following concerns over transparency and the projected earnings of up to $2.75 billion for the consortium over a 16-year period.
A Boost for Sri Lanka’s Tourism Sector
As Sri Lanka continues to recover from the economic hardships of recent years, tourism remains a key pillar for growth. The government’s decision to restore the online visa platform and eliminate visa fees is expected to make the country more attractive to international travelers, helping to boost foreign exchange earnings and support the local economy.
How to Apply for a Visa
For those interested in visiting Sri Lanka, the online visa application process is now available, providing a seamless and convenient way to plan your trip.
With this move, Sri Lanka has positioned itself as a more accessible destination for tourists, reflecting its commitment to restoring confidence in its tourism sector and welcoming travelers from across the globe.
By implementing these changes, Sri Lanka hopes to reignite its tourism sector and provide a more inviting experience for visitors. Whether you’re planning a beach getaway or an adventure into the island's rich cultural heritage, Sri Lanka is now easier to visit than ever.
Please click this link for applying online visa - https://www.etagov.la/slvisa/apply.php
Please click this link for Visa Fees - https://www.etagov.la/slvisa/fees.php
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