Sri Lanka has changed its policy on visas for British travellers for the third time in less than six weeks.
At the end of August, it said tourists would be able to visit Sri Lanka for 30 days on a free visa under a six-month pilot programme, effective from 1 October. Then, in early September, it said it would allow ‘visa-free’ entry to 38 nationalities, including Brits, with immediate effect.
Now, it’s been announced travellers with British passports must apply for a 30-day tourist visa at a cost of US$50.
Specialist operator Experience Travel Group told Travel Gossip it was made aware of the change on Monday by its destination management company (DMC).
The DMC said visitors from China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand and Japan are eligible for a free visa and can apply via the ETA system or visa on arrival, while visitors from Singapore, the Maldives, Seychelles and the Czech Republic don’t need a visa.
There is no visa charge for children under 12, the DMC said.
The UK Foreign Office has issued a new alert about entry requirements for British travellers to Sri Lanka.
It says: “You need a visa to visit Sri Lanka. Tourist visas are normally valid for 30 days. If you overstay your visa the police could issue a fine or detain you. Follow the guidelines for tourists issued by Sri Lanka’s Immigration and Emigration department.
“You should apply for a Sri Lanka ‘Electronic Travel Authorisation’ (ETA) online, at least a few days before departure. You should get your approval notice within 24 hours, and you can use this to enter Sri Lanka. If you want to extend your visa, 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.”
In early August, Sri Lanka suspended its online visa application for British visitors, but the system is now up and running again.
Travel Gossip has asked the High Commission of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau for a comment.
The post Sri Lanka reintroduces visa requirement for British visitors appeared first on Travel Gossip.
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At the end of August, it said tourists would be able to visit Sri Lanka for 30 days on a free visa under a six-month pilot programme, effective from 1 October. Then, in early September, it said it would allow ‘visa-free’ entry to 38 nationalities, including Brits, with immediate effect.
Now, it’s been announced travellers with British passports must apply for a 30-day tourist visa at a cost of US$50.
Specialist operator Experience Travel Group told Travel Gossip it was made aware of the change on Monday by its destination management company (DMC).
The DMC said visitors from China, India, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand and Japan are eligible for a free visa and can apply via the ETA system or visa on arrival, while visitors from Singapore, the Maldives, Seychelles and the Czech Republic don’t need a visa.
There is no visa charge for children under 12, the DMC said.
The UK Foreign Office has issued a new alert about entry requirements for British travellers to Sri Lanka.
It says: “You need a visa to visit Sri Lanka. Tourist visas are normally valid for 30 days. If you overstay your visa the police could issue a fine or detain you. Follow the guidelines for tourists issued by Sri Lanka’s Immigration and Emigration department.
“You should apply for a Sri Lanka ‘Electronic Travel Authorisation’ (ETA) online, at least a few days before departure. You should get your approval notice within 24 hours, and you can use this to enter Sri Lanka. If you want to extend your visa, 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.”
In early August, Sri Lanka suspended its online visa application for British visitors, but the system is now up and running again.
Travel Gossip has asked the High Commission of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau for a comment.
The post Sri Lanka reintroduces visa requirement for British visitors appeared first on Travel Gossip.
Continue reading...
