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    GMS Flash Alert 2024-201

    Sri Lanka – Update: No-Fee Tourist Visas Are Delayed, ETA Visa System Reinstated

    GMS Flash Alert 2024-201 | October 15, 2024

    Sri Lanka’s cabinet spokesman disclosed that the launch of the free visa system has been delayed.1  Furthermore, with effect from 26 September 2024, the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) online visa (Tourist & Business) application system has been reinstated.2

    In our earlier report, we notified that Sri Lanka has approved free tourist visas for 35 countries to boost tourism and tourists will be given 30-day visas under a six-month pilot programme that will start from 1 October 2024.  We also mentioned that the online visa system had been suspended. 

    WHY THIS MATTERS

    Many travellers who had planned trips based on the 1 October 2024 launch of the free tourist visa system will now face disruptions. They may need to adjust their travel plans or apply for regular visas.

    Sri Lanka has reinstated its ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) online visa application system for both tourists and business travellers.  This major update means travellers can apply for either tourist or business visas from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for in-person embassy/consulate visits or obtaining on-arrival visas.  This comes as a significant boost for business travellers or tourists planning a trip to the island nation, whether it’s for business meetings, conferences, short training programmes, or exploring Sri Lanka’s beaches, wildlife, and cultural heritage.

    Context

    Launch of the free visa system for nationals from 35 countries, initially set for 1 October, has been delayed due to the need for parliamentary approval.  As Parliament remains dissolved, it is unclear as to how to implement this scheme prior to the new Parliament meeting, after 14 November.  Therefore, the minister has sought the AG’s (Attorney General) advice on the possibility of implementing this programme with pending parliamentary approval.3

    With effect from 26 September 2024, the ETA online visa (Tourist & Business) application system has been

    reinstated and travellers can apply for a visit visa online at https://eta.gov.lk/.4

    Further Details

    The 35 countries included in the mentioned new free visa initiative are:

    Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, the People’s Republic of China, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE, and the United States

    KPMG INSIGHTS

    The ETA online visa system – now operational again – offers a convenient, fast, and efficient way to enter Sri Lanka whether for leisure or business travel.

    Concerned parties affected by the recent and unexpected changes to the free tourist visa system and the ETA should reach out to their usual global-mobility professional or immigration counsel or a member of the global immigration team with KPMG in Sri Lanka (see the Contacts section).

    KPMG in Sri Lanka will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they become available.

    Contacts

    Kamaya Perera
    Kamaya Perera

    Partner- Head of Management Consulting & Technology, Deputy Head of Advisory & PPC

    KPMG in Sri Lanka

    Sharon Abeyratne
    Sharon Abeyratne

    Director- HR Advisory (People & Change)

    KPMG in Sri Lanka

    Nijamul Hassan
    Nijamul Hassan

    Senior Consultant

    KPMG in Sri Lanka

    Additional Resources

    Footnotes:

    1  See remarks by the new Foreign Minister and Cabinet spokesperson, Vijitha Herath, (in Sinhala) on the YouTube channel at (2024.10.01): https://www.youtube.com/live/pnbyc2uCTkk?t=296s .

    For a related secondary source press report, see N. Fernando, “Govt. seeks AG advice on implementing visa free scheme for 38 countries” in Daily Mirror (online) (3 October 2024) by clicking here.  Please note that by clicking on this link, you are leaving the KPMG website for an external site (non-governmental, non-KPMG), that KPMG is not affiliated with nor does KPMG endorse its content.  The use of the external site and its content may be subject to the terms of use and/or privacy policies of its owner or operator.

    For an additional related secondary source press report, see: “Sri Lanka: no free visas, ETA still necessary and chargeable,” Visasnews.com (1 October 2024) by clicking here.  Please note that by clicking on this link, you are leaving the KPMG website for an external site (non-governmental, non-KPMG), that KPMG is not affiliated with nor does KPMG endorse its content.  The use of the external site and its content may be subject to the terms of use and/or privacy policies of its owner or operator.

    2  See: Embassy of Sri Lanka in Italy notice (in English), “Special Notice on Applying for Visa to Sri Lanka: Restoration of ETA Online Visa Application System” (27 September 2024).

    Also see: President Media Division, Press Release (available in English and Sinhala), “Visa Applications Now Available Under Previous System Starting Midnight Today” (26 September 2024) at: https://pmd.gov.lk/news/visa-applications-now-available-under-previous-system-starting-midnight-today/ ..

    For additional information on ETA, see the website of the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization System  at: https://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ .

    3  See footnote 1.

    4  See footnote 2.  

     

    Disclaimer

    * Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

    The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Sri Lanka.

    GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

    © 2024 KPMG, a Sri Lankan partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.