Sri Lanka to Halt VOA
Oct 10th, 2011, 06:41 PM
#1
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Sri Lanka to Halt VOA
Just heard on the BBC that Sri Lanka will stop issuing visa-on-arrivals for all visitors from all countries. Starting 1 January, if you want to travel to Sri Lanka, you'll have to apply for a visa on-line and pay a $50 processing fee (non-refundable, even if you're refused a visa).
Oct 10th, 2011, 11:20 PM
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Thanks for the "heads up".
There is a BBC article about the changes here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15239654
There is a BBC article about the changes here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15239654
Nov 1st, 2011, 10:59 AM
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Beginning January 1, 2012 you can apply at the following website: http://eta.gov.lk/ It is on line now on a trial basis and will be fully functional in 2012.
Jan 17th, 2012, 11:36 AM
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Thanks Kathie
The online site gives the option of using the online form and paying $20 with credit card or option #6 is on arrival do the form and pay $25 in cash.
So I was just interested if anyone had used the new online form without problems or if it was a bit buggy being new it may be easier to pay a bit extra in cash.
I liked your Burma notes and it was good to see you enjoyed your second trip. Burma now seems to be geting a bit of a tourist boom and we all may have been lucky to have seen Burma now.
The online site gives the option of using the online form and paying $20 with credit card or option #6 is on arrival do the form and pay $25 in cash.
So I was just interested if anyone had used the new online form without problems or if it was a bit buggy being new it may be easier to pay a bit extra in cash.
I liked your Burma notes and it was good to see you enjoyed your second trip. Burma now seems to be geting a bit of a tourist boom and we all may have been lucky to have seen Burma now.
Jan 17th, 2012, 12:43 PM
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Hmmm... interesting. The press releases say the VOA is discontinued. You might call or email the embassy/consulate to check.
I'm glad you enjoyed my Burma report. I agree, I think Burma is changing. On the other hand, I just saw the tourism figures - a 21% increase in arrivals over 2010 - from about 300,000 to 360,000 - so the tourism numbers are still a small fraction of those in other areas of SE Asia.
I'm glad you enjoyed my Burma report. I agree, I think Burma is changing. On the other hand, I just saw the tourism figures - a 21% increase in arrivals over 2010 - from about 300,000 to 360,000 - so the tourism numbers are still a small fraction of those in other areas of SE Asia.
Jan 17th, 2012, 01:26 PM
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Kathie the online page lists the optons here:
http://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/ap...p?locale=en_US
And this page lists the fees:
http://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/fees.jsp?locale=en_US
and its an extra $5 per person to pay on arrival
Anyway i will probably try the online form, its just that I dont like submitting my credit card details if it can be avoided.
At least the SL applications can not be as complicated as the Indian visa application forms we just completed, and not to mention the $100 India charges for a visa.
http://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/ap...p?locale=en_US
And this page lists the fees:
http://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/fees.jsp?locale=en_US
and its an extra $5 per person to pay on arrival
Anyway i will probably try the online form, its just that I dont like submitting my credit card details if it can be avoided.
At least the SL applications can not be as complicated as the Indian visa application forms we just completed, and not to mention the $100 India charges for a visa.
Jan 22nd, 2012, 10:32 PM
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Ok, I applied online on Friday and received our approvals Monday. It would have been within the anticipated 24 turnaround if you take out the weekend.
The forms did not print out too well as the pictures of the crests etc failed to print. However i dont think we will be deported for this.
All in all it was quite quick and easy, more in the nature of a fee rather than a visa really.
We are really looking forward to SL.
The forms did not print out too well as the pictures of the crests etc failed to print. However i dont think we will be deported for this.
All in all it was quite quick and easy, more in the nature of a fee rather than a visa really.
We are really looking forward to SL.
Jan 29th, 2012, 07:09 PM
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We are leaving for Sri Lanka in February and I am glad I saw this posting. I applied online and it was very easy. What would have happened if we arrived in Colombo and did not have the Visa? Does anyone know?
Jan 30th, 2012, 11:48 AM
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If you arrive without an ETA then according to the website you can get one at the airport in Colombo
see this page and scroll down to the end of the box
http://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/ap...p?locale=en_US
The fee payable on arrival is $5 per person more than the fee payable online.
see this page and scroll down to the end of the box
http://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/ap...p?locale=en_US
The fee payable on arrival is $5 per person more than the fee payable online.
Jan 31st, 2012, 11:33 AM
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Even though the government website says you can get a ETA on arrival I am like you and think it is prudent to get one online before arrival.
As Kathi said there were earlier reports that there would be no ETA on arrival.
If I didnt get one on line before arrival then with my luck on arrival I would find the website was wrong or that the guy who issues the ETAs had iust left for the day etc etc.
Arriving with an ETA in your pocket is a whole lot easier.
As Kathi said there were earlier reports that there would be no ETA on arrival.
If I didnt get one on line before arrival then with my luck on arrival I would find the website was wrong or that the guy who issues the ETAs had iust left for the day etc etc.
Arriving with an ETA in your pocket is a whole lot easier.
