The cost of obtaining a short-term visa to visit Sri Lanka rose from $50 to $100 in April.
But the reason for this is controversial.
The price hike follows a move by Sri Lanka to use Internal Electronic Travel Authorities, or ETAs. E-Visa System The visa processing company is operated by VFS Global.
Sri Lankan Tourism Minister Harin Fernando blamed a “technical issue” on Thursday, telling CNBC that VFS Global had “missed out” on offering 30-day visas when it began processing visas in the country on April 17.
In response, VFS Global said, “Visa categories are introduced as per guidelines. [Sri Lanka’s] Department of Immigration and Emigration (DI&E).”
Both sides agreed that 30-day travel visas costing $50 have been reinstated from May 7. 30 day visa category for all nationalities.”
Another issue: VFS Global’s fees
Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Public Security has moved away from its ETA system because of concerns about frequent hacking of the website by scammers, Fernando said.
“We wanted to go for a global company that was very well known,” he said.
He said that VFS stands out among global options. According to its website, the company works with 67 governments and operates in more than 150 countries.
But VFS Global’s fees have angered many in Sri Lanka’s travel industry and led to this. Allegations of corruption By Sri Lankan Opposition Leaders
Fees — Which A total of about $25 per visaaccording to local media — was disclosed through an agreement signed with Sri Lanka’s immigration authority on December 21, 2023, a VFS Global spokesperson told CNBC.
VFS Global said, “Service fee charges are approved by all governments and are determined based on various factors such as overall scope of engagement, expected volume of requests, resource and infrastructure costs of the service level. are required to fulfill the contracts,” said VFS Global. “For example, in the case of Schengen countries, the service fee for a short-stay visa can go as high as 40 euros.”
But Fernando said these have been significantly reduced for 30-day visas. Now, the Sri Lankan government keeps $40 and VFS Global charges $10.
‘Free visas’ come with charges.
Citizens of seven countries are eligible for visa-free entry into Sri Lanka.
“To be noted – 30-day free visa for seven nationalities namely India, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia and Thailand was always available and valid for travel to Sri Lanka till 31st May 2024.” A spokesperson for VFS Global said.
However, applicants from these countries still have to pay VFS Global’s fee, Fernando said.
“The Sri Lankan government will not charge, but the platform … will,” he said. As a result, “we are still debating whether we should abandon VFS altogether.”
Sri Lanka’s “Visa Free” policy should not be confused with the “Visa Free” agreements implemented last year by several Asian countries. These agreements exempt travelers from visa requirements.
Visa is required as per Sri Lanka policy.
Sri Lanka is considering adding 60 more countries to its “free visa” list, Fernando said.
“Before Covid, we had more than 40 countries on free visa,” he said, adding that the government-appointed committee would issue a decision within 30 days.
“We will definitely implement the visa policy very soon,” he said.
Credit : www.cnbc.com