Sri Lanka Scraps Visa Fees and Restores Easy Online Applications to Boost Tourism

Good news for travelers! Sri Lanka has restored its simple online visa application platform and scrapped the $25 visa fee that was previously required, making it easier than ever to visit the island. The move is aimed at reviving the country’s tourism industry, which is a key part of its economy, as it recovers from the financial crisis in 2022.

This decision comes after the Supreme Court [of Sri Lanka] suspended a controversial deal that outsourced visa processing to a foreign company. Under the agreement, tourists had to pay a $25 processing fee to India-based VFS Global, which won the contract earlier this year. However, the deal faced backlash for not being awarded transparently, and there were concerns that the company would earn billions over the next 16 years.

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Sri Lanka’s new president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, stepped in, ordering the country to revert to its previous, hassle-free online system. The president’s office explained that many tourists had faced difficulties obtaining visas under the outsourced service, which even charged travelers from visa-free countries. Immigration chief Harsha Ilukpitiya, who awarded the contract, was arrested for ignoring the Supreme Court’s ruling, and a forensic audit is underway to investigate any irregularities.

“We’re making sure any discrepancies found will be dealt with legally,” said the president’s office.

The scrapping of the fee comes at a time when Sri Lanka’s tourism numbers are on the rise. In the first seven months of 2024, the island welcomed 1.19 million tourists, a 56 percent increase compared to last year. Now, with visa fees gone and a simpler process in place, Sri Lanka is hoping to attract even more visitors to its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.

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So, if you've been dreaming of a trip to Sri Lanka, now’s the perfect time!