The President’s media office in Sri Lanka has announced that the cabinet has resolved to set the cost of a single-entry tourist visa at $50. This decision comes after a previous increase to $100 following the transition of visa processing to a private contractor.
In the past, Sri Lanka offered a double entry visa for the same price of $50. This type of visa allowed tourists not only to enter Sri Lanka but also to visit neighboring countries and return, which was in alignment with the nation’s ambition to be recognized as a logistic hub and to encourage tourists to revisit.
Amidst signs of recovery and progress in the tourism sector, various stakeholders had approached President Ranil Wickremesinghe, advocating for a cap on visa fees for foreign visitors at $50. These stakeholders underscored that maintaining lower visa fees would substantially aid in the sustained growth of the tourism industry.
Acknowledging these inputs, President Wickremesinghe advocated for this adjustment during a recent cabinet meeting, leading to the decision to revert to the lower visa fee.
Tourism Minister Harin Fernando shared on the social platform X, his opposition to the fees imposed by VFS Global, the private contractor handling the visa process. He revealed that the fee structure introduced by VFS Global had not been previously disclosed to the cabinet, indicating a lack of transparency in the process.
This reduction in visa fees is anticipated to have a positive impact on Sri Lanka’s tourism industry by making travel to the island nation more accessible and appealing to international tourists. Lower visa costs are expected to enhance the attractiveness of Sri Lanka as a destination, thereby supporting the country’s economic recovery through increased tourist arrivals.
The move demonstrates the government’s commitment to fostering a favorable environment for the growth of tourism, which is vital for the nation’s economic stability and development.
