Sri Lanka reinstates ETA after presidential elections
After months of visa policy flip-flops, Sri Lanka reinstates its Electronic Travel Authorization system following Anura Kumara Dissanayake's presidential win, ending chaotic visa-on-arrival era.
Sri Lanka has reversed its visa policy yet again. After months of hesitation and policy shifts, the country has reinstated its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system following the election of new President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The decision brings to an end a chaotic period that began last April, when the previous government replaced ETA with an e-visa—and then abruptly suspended it on August 2. For nearly two months, travelers had to obtain their visa on arrival, causing long lines and frustration at the island’s borders.
The return of the ETA has not been without issues. The new foreign minister, Vijitha Herath, admitted there were technical difficulties during the rollout. Despite initial instability, the eta.gov.lk portal is now operational.
https://twitter.com/anuradisanayake/status/1839317278829302233
For tourists, the ETA fee remains set at 50 US dollars, not including bank charges. Once approved, the authorization is valid for six months and allows a 30-day stay with two entries permitted.
Reversal on visa-free policy
The reinstatement of the ETA comes with a reversal on earlier promises of visa-free entry. In August, the previous government had announced the elimination of visa fees for travelers from 35 countries—including France, Belgium, and Canada—set to take effect from October 1, 2024. That plan never materialized.
Foreign Minister Herath cited administrative hurdles. “Although the prior cabinet approved the measure, Parliament was dissolved before the announcement could be finalized.” Without backing from the new Parliament, the visa-free rollout has been postponed indefinitely, he explained.
Currently, only seven countries receive free ETA access: China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand.
Tourism sector under strain
These visa policy delays are unfolding against a backdrop of broader challenges for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector. Priyantha Fernando, chair of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), says visa complications are a key factor in the slump in arrivals.
The numbers don’t lie: between September 1 and 17, only 92,639 international tourists entered Sri Lanka. A far cry from the projected 2.3 million visitors targeted for 2024.
Behind the administrative breakdown
The visa saga has exposed deeper administrative dysfunction. The award of the new e-visa contract without a public tender sparked widespread criticism. Petitions were filed, alleging irregularities in the bidding process and negative financial implications for the country.
The new e-visa system came with significantly higher fees for the government: up to $18.50 per application, compared to just $2 per request under the old ETA system managed by state-owned SLTMobitel. The price hike drew sharp criticism from local tour operators concerned about potential harm to their business.
