UK revises travel advisory for SL over eVisa suspension

The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has released an updated travel advisory for travellers over Sri Lanka’s visa application process. 

In the latest advisory dated 6 August, the FCOD informed UK nationals intending to travel to Sri Lanka that the country has temporarily suspended the online visa (eVisa) application system on 2 August 2024. However, it also informed travellers that all visas received before this date retain their validity. 

 “You can obtain a visa on arrival to Sri Lanka at the port of entry. Tourist visas are normally valid for 30 days. If you overstay your visa the police could issue a fine or detain you. If you want to extend your stay, contact the Immigration and Emigration department. You do not need a visa if you’re travelling through Sri Lanka by air, as long as the connecting flight is within 24 hours of your arrival. Check with your airline about transit times,” the office clarified. 

As of 2 August travellers can no longer apply for visas online before travelling to Sri Lanka after the Supreme Court temporarily suspended the controversial new visa scheme operated by IVS-GBS and VFS Global over its operating agreement. 

 “In view of these orders, the website is suspended effective 2 August at 17:00 hours Sri Lanka Standard Time,” the company said in a message on the platform.

For applicants who submitted visa applications after 5 p.m. on 2 August, VFS Global has assured refunds upon providing their application reference number to [email protected].

The Department of Immigration and Emigration is in the process of reinitiating the previous electronic travel authorisation (ETA) visa system that was in place before the introduction of the new eVisa system. The Government has not yet confirmed when the old ETA visa system will be online. In the meantime, travellers from 167 eligible countries may apply for on-arrival 30-day tourist visas.