Harin and tourism industry happy as Cabinet reverts to previous 30-day visa fee regime

Tourism Minister 

Harin Fernando  

• Govt. says single entry 30-day visa now at $ 50 and all-inclusive, consisting of a $ 40 visa fee, $ 10 service fee
• Cabinet approves continuation of visa-free entry for nationals of seven countries: India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia
• Immigration Controller General Harsha Ilukpitiya clarifies no net increase in visa fees
• Claims implementation of visa-free entry for nationals of seven countries has incurred $ 7-8 m loss of income for Govt. since November 2023

The Cabinet of Ministers yesterday reverted to the previous single entry 30-day visa arrangement signalling moral victory for Tourism Minister Harin Fernando and the industry.

The President’s Media Division confirmed that it was decided at the Cabinet meeting yesterday to maintain the existing $ 50 fee for single entry 30-day visa for foreigners visiting Sri Lanka.

The Daily FT learns that the $ 50 visa fee is all inclusive with $ 40 visa fee and $ 10 as service fee.

In addition, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved that the visa free entry offered to nationals of seven countries; India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia will continue.  “The Department of Immigration and Emigration assumes full responsibility for issuing relevant visas upon entry into the country for foreigners,” PMD noted. Amidst the notable progress in the country›s tourism sector, numerous stakeholders within the industry have recently urged President Ranil Wickremesinghe to maintain the maximum visa fee for foreigners at $ 50. 

They have also highlighted that this decision stands as significant support for the future growth of the tourism industry.

Separately; the Department of Immigration and Emigration Controller General Harsha Ilukpitiya said there was no net increase in visa fees.

“Earlier there was no six month double entry visa category. Through the new visa system the $ 20 visa fee for SAARC countries was increased to $ 35. If visitors want to extend their visa under the previous arrangement, they had to pay $ 100 for a two month extension with a total costing $ 120,” he told the Daily FT. 

Ilukpitiya also said by issuing visa free entry for nationals of seven countries, the Government has lost an income of around $ 7 to 8 million since its implementation in November 2023.

Tourism earnings in the first three months of 2024 were over $ 1.03 billion reflecting a 103% increase from the corresponding period of last year, whilst in November earnings stood at $ 205.31million and in December 269.26 million, the Central Bank data showed. (CdeS)