Sri Lanka’s Launches New eVisa Scheme – Embarking on a New Chapter for Tourism

Sri Lanka recently launched a new eVisa scheme that replaces its previous Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) framework as part of the government’s plan to secure the country as a prime tourist spot.

Under the previous ETA system, visitors from SAARC countries were granted a 30-day tourist visa. However, the new scheme offers an extended 60-day visa under the 6-month category for SAARC and non-SAARC countries. This allows for more flexibility and longer, multiple visits. The new scheme handles non-resident applications for several visa categories including long-term, short-term, transit, and gratis visas across 15 categories with stay durations ranging from one month to ten years. It is available in several languages and has 24/7 customer service to ensure a smooth process.

According to the local Tourism Development Authority, the first quarter of this year has already seen a significant increase in tourist arrivals to the country. Travellers are drawn in by the country’s tropical climate, rich culture, and the presence of many reputable hotels and resorts such as Heritance Ahungalla, one of the more frequented Ahungalla hotels in the south.