Budget Indian Travelers there is a sad news Sri Lanka has deferred plans to roll out its free visa-on-arrival programme. The move comes days after the serial bombings on Easter Sunday which have claimed 253 lives so far.
Sri Lanka had announced that citizens from 39 countries, including India, visiting between May and October would get free visas on arrival. The move was expected to boost tourism to the island nation during the off-season. However, with security stepped up, and warnings of more attacks, the visa on arrival scheme is now on hold.
Indian tourists who plan to visit Sri Lanka will have to apply for an e-visa, also called the electronic travel authorisation (ETA). The Sri Lanka e-visa costs $65 (Rs4,500), takes about 24 hours to process and allows you to stay for up to 30 days.
Sri Lanka is currently under a nationwide state of Emergency. However, its tourism board maintains that the country is open to business and tourism, and travellers will not be inconvenienced. Read its statement
“Sri Lanka Tourism wishes to assure tourists who are already in the country and unaffected by the terror attacks that the police, tourism police and security forces are jointly implementing a comprehensive security plan to ensure their safety across the island including all important tourism sites,” the tourism board said. “Meanwhile, a security briefing was held on 22 April for hotel owners and operators on the new safety measures that are being rolled out and to seek their cooperation in strengthening security at hotels and resorts.”
“Sri Lanka Tourism would like to reassure the world that the country is open for business and all possible measures have been taken to ensure the safety and security of tourists. Our world-famous tourism sites, hotels, resorts and other tourist attractions will remain open as usual. There are no road closures or restrictions on movement anywhere in the island… Sri Lanka Tourism looks forward to warmly welcome all those who have planned trips to the country in the days, weeks and months ahead.”