Recently, Sri Lanka has reopened E-Visa services, inviting tourists by allowing 35 countries with free visa-free visits. The aim of taking this step is to boost the tourism industry of the country. The decision was implemented on the termination of a million-dollar contract given for outsourcing to a foreign consortium.
The motive of the country is to come out of the economic crisis in 2022. The article gives full details regarding visa services and free visas to tourists from 35 nations.
Reason for termination of Visa Services
VFS Global, which is a foreign organization and has a base in India, was granted a contract of multi-million dollars for visa services in April 2023. The outsourcing contract was canceled by the issue, which raised no transparency in the bidding process.
According to the agreement, travelers need to pay $25 for visa services to Sri Lanka. Also, the Consortium made 16 16-year contracts, which may lead to a billion-dollar profit. This led to the cancellation of the contract and visa services online.
Reviving Online Visa Services
Sri Lankan government is providing free online visa services to foreign visitors of 35 Countries along with India. The program is for six months and will be initiated from 1st October 2024. The Sri Lankan government is doing to boost the economy and promote tourism of land. The plan was earlier executed in 2023 as a trial with selective nations they were:
- India
- China
- Russia
- Malaysia
- Japan
- Indonesia
- Thailand
Program has increased the number of visitors in Sri Lanka which was later ended in March 2024. Due to the proven success, the government again came up with the scheme, intending to stabilize the economy through the tourism industry.
Visa on Arrival
Those who haven’t applied for a free visa to Sri Lanka can get a visa on arrival. The motive behind this is to attract more visitors from different nations who can enjoy the beauty of Sri Lanka. With the reintroduction of visa services online and providing visa on arrival, the government is easing the obligations.
These advantages have led to incoming of foreign visitors on the land of Sri Lanka and also the locals are earning by selling goods and services to tourists.
Conclusion
In the end we briefed Sri Lanka policies to promote the economy and tourism industry. Tourists are getting attracted by the benefits provided such as visa on arrival and online free- visa services. This will aid them in recovering from the 2022 financial crisis. The aim of simplifying the visa process, reducing the costs of traveling, and thinking optimistically will brighten up the future of Sri Lanka in the tourism industry.
