The cost of obtaining a short-term visa to visit Sri Lanka rose from $50 to $100 in April.
However, there is debate as to why.
The increase was in line with Sri Lanka's transition from using a domestic electronic travel authorization (ETA) to ETA. electronic visa system Operated by visa processing company VFS Global.
Sri Lanka Tourism Minister Harin Fernando told CNBC on Thursday that VFS Global „missed“ the issuance of 30-day visas when it started processing visas to the country on April 17, adding that „technical He claimed that this was due to a „problem“.
In response, VFS Global said, „The visa categories were introduced in accordance with the instructions of the (Sri Lanka) Department of Immigration and Emigration (DI&E).“
The parties agreed that the $50, 30-day travel visa was reinstated as of May 7th. VFS Global said in an email to CNBC on Monday that „DI&E reintroduced visas“ that day. 30 days visa Categories for all nationalities. ”
Another problem: VFS Global fees
Fernando said Sri Lanka's Ministry of Public Security withdrew from the ETA system due to concerns about frequent hacking of websites by fraudsters.
“We wanted to choose a global company with a very good reputation,” he said.
VFS Global stood out among the options, he said. The company works with 67 governments and operates in more than 150 countries, according to its website.
However, VFS Global's fees have angered many in the Sri Lankan travel industry and corruption allegations According to Sri Lankan opposition leaders.
Fee – Total about $25 per visaAccording to local media, a VFS Global spokesperson told CNBC that the disclosure was made through a contract signed with the Sri Lankan Immigration Department on December 21, 2023.
“Service fees are approved by all governments and are based on a variety of factors, including the scope of the overall effort, the anticipated volume of applications, and the cost of resources and infrastructure required to meet service level agreements. to be determined,” VFS Global said. “For example, for Schengen countries, the fee for a short-term visa can be up to 40 euros.”
However, Fernando said the fees for 30-day visas have been significantly reduced. Currently, the Sri Lankan government maintains a rate of $40 and VFS Global charges $10, he said.
There is a fee for “free visa”
Citizens of seven countries are eligible for a free visa to enter Sri Lanka.
“Please note that the 30-day free visa for seven countries: India, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia and Thailand is always available and valid for travel to Sri Lanka until May 31, 2024. ” said a VFS Global spokesperson.
However, applicants from these countries will still have to pay VFS Global fees, Fernando said.
„The Sri Lankan government will not charge, but the platforms will,“ he said. As a result, „there is still debate as to whether VFS should be completely abandoned.“
![Agoda CEO says countries with visa exemptions are seeing a rapid increase in travel.](https://image.cnbcfm.com/api/v1/image/107368780-17071020371707102033-33199603580-1080pnbcnews.jpg?v=1707102036&w=750&h=422&vtcrop=y)
![Agoda CEO says countries with visa exemptions are seeing a rapid increase in travel.](https://image.cnbcfm.com/api/v1/image/107368780-17071020371707102033-33199603580-1080pnbcnews.jpg?v=1707102036&w=750&h=422&vtcrop=y)
Do not confuse Sri Lanka's „free visa“ policy. Many Asian countries have enacted “visa-free” agreements in the past year.. These agreements exempt travelers from the need for a visa.
Per Sri Lankan policy, a visa is required.
Fernando said Sri Lanka is considering adding 60 more countries to its „free visa“ list.
„Pre-COVID-19, more than 40 countries had free visas,“ he said, adding that a government-appointed committee would make a decision within 30 days.
„I have no doubt that a visa policy will be introduced soon,“ he said.