The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) has called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe to intervene and reinstate a competitive and user-friendly visa process through a Government-operated website, similar to the previous Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to enable a tourist to obtain the necessary 30-days, single entry visa, with ease. In a letter addressed to President Wickremesinghe by SLAITO President Nishad Wijetunga on 29 April, they insist on the critical need for this adjustment to sustain the positive momentum in the tourism industry and support broader economic recovery efforts. 

SLAITO highlights recent changes in the tourist visa process, particularly the suspension of the Government ETA website on 16 April 2024 and the subsequent exclusive processing of visas through a private company-operated website starting 17 April 2024.

Noting that the Tourism Minister has assured SLAITO of making a single-entry tourist visa available for $ 50 inclusive of all charges by 1 May 2024, they stated concerns remain regarding the complex and unfriendly application process, coupled with additional fees likely to apply.

“There has been a significant increase in the cost of tourist visas, with the new private website not offering the previously available single-entry tourist visa with a 30-day validity. Instead, only a more expensive six-month multiple-entry visa is currently available at a total cost of $ 100.77 due to additional service and convenience fees,” the letter stated.

They also pointed out that the hike in visa costs places Sri Lanka as having the highest visa fees in Asia, creating a substantial barrier for tourists compared to competing destinations like Thailand, Vietnam and many other destinations that offer free visas or charge much lower fees. 

“Moreover, as we go into the period of family travel in July and August, the current fees would require a family of four to pay $ 400 just to enter the country,” SLAITO wrote.

The Association underscores the potential impact of these changes on the tourism industry’s goal of achieving 2.3 to 2.5 million tourist arrivals in 2024. The abrupt fee increase, and complicated process are likely to deter tourists, potentially reducing arrivals to below 2 million.

“We cannot therefore help but wonder your Excellency, whilst yourself together with the tourism authorities and industry lead by the Minister, are working tirelessly to rebuild, that some elements, from within your Government are trying to disrupt the progress,” they added.

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