The Sri Lankan government has surprisingly decided to suspend the country's e-visa system until further notice. From now on, visa applications can only be made through the embassy or upon arrival at the airport.
This decision represents a major change for travellers who have previously relied on the convenient online procedure. The reason for this abrupt measure lies in a ruling by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka that was recently published. In this ruling, serious procedural violations, cases of corruption and a breach of public trust were cited as decisive factors for the suspension of the system. The court criticized in particular the lack of transparency and the numerous complaints about irregularities in the issuing of visas.
The e-Visa system was introduced in Sri Lanka in April 2024 to ease the entry process for tourists and boost tourism. Travelers from certain countries could apply for their visa online and receive it within a short period of time. This innovation was hailed as a great success and led to a significant increase in the number of tourists in the country.
For travellers, especially from Europe and North America, this change means significant restrictions. Applying for a visa through the embassy can take several weeks, making short-term travel planning difficult. The option of obtaining a visa directly upon entry at the airport could also be less attractive due to longer waiting times and more intensive checks. However, things are expected to improve in the coming weeks. The Court of Justice has ordered the reintroduction of the previously used ETA system, which makes it possible to apply online again. Until then, travellers will have to accept longer waiting times upon entry.