Sri Lanka Visa Fee Doubles to $100: Recent Update

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Key Takeaways:

The cost of Sri Lanka’s short-term visas doubled to $100 due to a switch to VFS Global’s e-visa system.
Confusion resolved as the 30-day $50 visa was reinstated on May 7 for all nationalities.
VFS Global’s fees are contentious; Sri Lanka retains $40, while VFS charges $10, despite “free visas” still incurring service fees.

Why Did Sri Lanka’s Visa Cost Increase to $100?

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, you may have noticed an increase in the cost of short-term visas. As of April, the price of obtaining a Sri Lanka visa for short-term travel has doubled from $50 to $100. But why did this happen? Let’s dive into the details and the various factors contributing to this change.

Sri Lanka Visa Fee Doubles to $100: Recent Update

What Prompted the Sudden Increase?

The transition from Sri Lanka’s local Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETA) system to an e-visa system managed by VFS Global, a renowned visa processing company, is a significant factor. The switch occurred on April 17, 2023. According to Sri Lanka’s Tourism Minister Harin Fernando, a “technical issue” was to blame, explaining to CNBC that VFS Global “missed out” on offering 30-day visas during this transition period.

VFS Global released a statement in response: “Visa categories were introduced as per the directives of [Sri Lanka’s] Department of Immigration and Emigration (DI&E).”

Was the $50 Visa Reinstated?

Indeed, the confusion surrounding the visas has been somewhat resolved. As of May 7, the 30-day travel visas priced at $50 have been reinstated for all nationalities. VFS Global confirmed via email, “The DI&E re-introduced the 30-day visa category for all nationalities.”

What Are VFS Global’s Fees?

Sri Lanka’s decision to partner with VFS Global aimed to address repeated hacking attempts on the ETA system by scammers. “We wanted to go for a global company which is very reputed,” said Fernando.

VFS Global operates in over 150 countries and collaborates with 67 governments worldwide. Despite its reputation, the company’s fees have become a point of contention within Sri Lanka’s travel industry. Local media reports that VFS Global charges around $25 per visa — a fee disclosed in a contract signed with Sri Lanka’s immigration authority on Dec. 21, 2023.

A VFS Global spokesperson explained, “Service fee charges are approved by all Governments and are determined based on various factors such as scope of the overall engagement, volume of applications expected, resource and infrastructure costs required to fulfill the Service Level Agreements etc.”

Fernando noted that these fees have been significantly reduced for the 30-day visas. Now, Sri Lanka’s government retains $40 of the visa fee, while VFS Global charges travelers $10.

Are ‘Free Visas’ Really Free?

You might have heard about the “free visa” policy for citizens of India, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand, valid until May 31, 2024. VFS Global clarified that applicants from these countries still need to pay the service fees despite not being charged by the Sri Lankan government.

“The government of Sri Lanka won’t be charging, but the platform … will,” explained Fernando, indicating an ongoing debate about potentially phasing out VFS Global entirely.

How Does This Compare to ‘Visa-Free’ Policies?

Some travelers may confuse Sri Lanka’s “free visa” policy with “visa-free” agreements. Yet, unlike visa-free policies that exempt travelers from the need for visas altogether, Sri Lanka still requires visas, even if some are free. Agoda CEO noted that visa exemptions in other countries lead to a considerable rise in travel. Sri Lanka is contemplating adding 60 more countries to its “free visa” list, following pre-COVID policies that included over 40 countries.

Will There Be Changes to the Visa Policy?

Fernando mentioned a committee will decide within 30 days on new visa policies, “We will definitely have a visa policy in place very soon,” he assured.

Where Can I Find Official Information?

For the most reliable and official details regarding Sri Lanka visas, consult the Department of Immigration and Emigration’s website, which offers up-to-date information on policy changes, costs, and other essential guidelines.

Conclusion

The recent hike in Sri Lanka travel visa costs has stirred up a mix of reactions and confusion. The situation appears to be a result of a combination of technical issues, a switch to a new visa provider, and internal policy decisions. While the $50 30-day visa has been reinstated, additional VFS Global fees remain a contentious issue within the travel industry. For those eligible for “free visas,” the absence of government charges does not eliminate the service fees imposed by the visa processing platform. Changes to Sri Lanka’s visa policies are anticipated soon, ensuring a structured and user-friendly system in place for future travelers.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration-Related Terms

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): A digital authorization that travelers must obtain before visiting certain countries, such as Sri Lanka. Unlike traditional visas, ETAs are usually acquired online and linked to the traveler’s passport electronically.
e-Visa: An electronic visa that applicants obtain via an online process or visa application platform. e-Visas streamline the application and approval process, allowing travelers to receive their travel authorization without visiting consulates or embassies.
VFS Global: A private company that partners with multiple governments to offer visa outsourcing and technology services. VFS Global manages visa application processes, provides customer support, and charges service fees for their services.
Visa-Free Policy: An agreement between countries allowing citizens to enter without needing a visa for a specified period. Unlike other visas which require application and approval, visa-free entry allows spontaneous travel between the agreeing nations.
Service Fee: An additional charge levied by a service provider (like VFS Global) for processing visa applications. These fees are above and beyond the visa fee retained by the issuing country’s immigration authority and cover administrative and operational costs.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Sri Lanka’s short-term visa cost hiked to $100 during a change from local to VFS Global’s e-visa platform, resolved with reinstated $50 30-day visas. VFS fees stirred concern despite security enhancements. Stay updated on policy adjustments at Sri Lanka’s Immigration website. Future visa updates expected, bringing clarity for travelers.
— By VisaVerge.com