• By Travelspoc

Sri Lanka Halts New e-Visa System Three Months Post-Launch: Here’s the Reason

Travelers planning a trip to Sri Lanka, please note: that the eVisa facility is currently suspended. On August 2, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka issued an interim order suspending the new online visa portal managed by IVS-GBS and VFS Global. Instead, the previous electronic travel authorization (ETA) system, operated by Mobitel, a Sri Lankan telecommunications company, will be reinstated.

What is e-visa?

In addition to the visa-on-arrival option, the e-visa facility, which includes an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), is available to nationals of 167 countries. This facility allows entry through 30 designated international airports and six major seaports. Like the visa-on-arrival, the e-visa covers tourism, business, conference, and medical purposes, permitting a stay of up to 60 days with double entry.

Why was the eVisa system suspended?

According to a statement on the official government electronic visa issuance portal, VFS Global announced they had been notified of the Supreme Court’s interim orders concerning the platform’s operating agreement. “In light of these orders, the website is suspended effective August 2 at 17:00 Sri Lanka Standard Time,” the company stated. For applicants who submitted visa applications after 5 PM on August 2, VFS Global assured refunds upon providing their application reference number to travel.partner@srilankaevisa.lk.

What’s Next?

The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) announced that the ETA system is expected to be operational “within the course of next week.” Tourism Minister Harin Fernando had previously stated, “My view is that we should do away with visas altogether for tourists. Traveling should be as simple as getting off the plane and going out.”

How to Apply for a Sri Lankan Visa Now

Although the e-visa portal has been suspended, Indians still have the option of visa-on-arrival. Here’s how you can apply for a Sri Lankan visa:

Arrival at Sri Lankan Airport: Report to the ETA issuing counter and fill out the ETA application form.

1. Approval Process: Once your application is approved, the ETA will be issued for up to 30 days.
2. Immigration Counter: After receiving your ETA approval or referral notice, proceed to the Immigration Counter for further checking and visa processing.

What is Visa-on-Arrival?

A visa on arrival is a type of visa issued at the time of a foreign national’s arrival in a country. The application for a visa on arrival is usually submitted at the airport along with the necessary documents as directed by the respective immigration authorities.

Refund for Recent eVisa Applicants

If you applied for an eVisa on August 2 after 5 PM, don’t worry. You are entitled to a refund. Email your details and application number to travel.partner@srilankaevisa.lk for guidance through the process.

Visa Restrictions for Certain Nationals

Travelers from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, North Korea, Ghana, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Syria cannot obtain a visa upon arrival in Sri Lanka. Applicants from these countries must submit their visa applications to the headquarters of the Department of Immigration through a representative.