Travellers, we have some news for you all! As of August 2, you can no longer apply for eVisas before travelling to Sri Lanka. The country’s Supreme Court has issued an interim order suspending the fairly new online visa portal. In the meanwhile, they have ordered the reinstatement of the previously used electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system. But why was the new eVisa system suspended? Scroll on to know more!
Sri Lanka Temporarily Suspends New eVisa System
On 2 August, the Sri Lankan Supreme Court decided to suspend the country’s eVisa system until further notice. They issued an interim order temporarily suspending the eVisa portal run by IVS-GBS and VFS Global, with immediate effect. This move comes amid all the backlash that the Sri Lankan government has been facing ever since the eVisa policy was introduced in April 2024.
As per The Print, Sri Lanka’s e-visa scheme has faced multiple controversies ever since it was introduced. The local tour operators have protested against this visa system ever since it was introduced in the parliament. After that, the island country’s government was accused of corruption of over a billion dollars around this visa scheme. Seeing all this, the Sri Lankan Supreme Court suspended the eVisa system to restore transparency.
After the suspension order, the official government electronic visa issuance portal was shut down with a message, “We have been notified of certain interim orders issued by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka today pertaining to the agreement under which this platform is operated. In view of these orders, the website is suspended effective 2 August at 17:00 hours Sri Lanka Standard Time.”
Also Read: 7 Luxurious Hotels In Sri Lanka For A Splendid Stay
How Can Travellers Now Apply For A Sri Lankan Visa?
With the eVisa portal suspended, Sri Lanka is likely to reinstate the previously used ETA system. The portal is expected to be back up and running in about a week’s time. However, if you wish to apply for a visa in the interim, you can still apply for a visa on arrival. Indians enjoy a free visa on arrival in Sri Lanka.
Here’s how to apply for a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka –
1. Upon arrival at a Sri Lankan airport, report to the ETA issuing counter and fill in the ETA application form.
2. Once your application is approved, the ETA will be issued for up to 30 days.
3. After you receive your ETA approval notice or referral notice, you can proceed to the Immigration Counter for further checking and visa processing procedure.
Also note, if you applied for an eVisa on August 2 after 5 PM, then fret not, you are entitled to a refund. All you have to do is email your details and application number to travel.partner@srilankaevisa.lk and they will guide you through the entire process.
Let us know in the comments if this information was useful to you or not!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (representative image)
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.