In response to growing concerns about long delays at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), the Sri Lankan government has decided to implement visa-on-arrival for travelers from 38 countries, effective immediately (Visa on Arrival). This decision was prompted by recent reports of extended queues at immigration counters, which have caused frustration among tourists and a significant economic loss for the country.
Immediate Action Following Criticism
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, after learning about the situation, led the Cabinet of Ministers to advance the previously planned visa-on-arrival policy. Initially set to begin on October 1st, the policy will now be in effect right away. The move is aimed at easing the congestion at BIA, which reportedly cost Sri Lanka about 40,000 potential visitors and an estimated $120 million in lost revenue last month alone.
Adoption of a Streamlined Process
Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry confirmed that the new policy would adopt a streamlined approach similar to Singapore’s system, allowing visitors to obtain visas upon arrival without any cost or the need for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Harin Fernando, a presidential advisor on tourism, emphasized that this change would alleviate the issues currently faced at immigration counters and make the arrival process much smoother for tourists.
Expanding the Visa Policy
The government’s decision also extends the visa-on-arrival benefit to three additional countries, increasing the total to 38. This expansion, combined with the immediate implementation, is expected to significantly enhance Sri Lanka’s appeal as a tourist destination.
Industry Response
The tourism industry has welcomed the government’s swift action. Stakeholders believe that this move will not only address the immediate issues at BIA but also contribute to the long-term growth of the sector. In August alone, tourist arrivals dropped from 6,000 to 2,000 per day due to the delays at immigration, highlighting the urgency of the situation.(Visa on Arrival)
Background and Ongoing Issues (Visa on Arrival)
Earlier this year, the government outsourced the visa processing system to a consortium of foreign companies, a decision that was met with criticism and legal challenges. The Supreme Court recently ordered a return to the previous system managed by SLT-Mobitel until a final decision is made. However, the transition back has been slow, leading to the current issues at the airport.
This immediate implementation of visa-on-arrival is expected to resolve these problems and help Sri Lanka recover from the recent downturn in tourist arrivals.
