Tourism industry in “new visa mess”

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry won some concessions regarding the free, visa-on-arrival (VOA) this week after it was extended for three more months but was confronted with more confusion when immigration authorities said the extension applies only for bookings made prior to December 31.

A new clarification issued by immigration authorities issued on November 30 states that the existing facility of “Free Visa on arrival will continue until 31 March 2012 for those who are making travel arrangements before 31 December 2011.” This system will be in force alongside the new visa regulation under the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system that will be operational from January 1, 2012.

However, this was a cause for concern within the industry as Sri Lanka Inbound Tour Operators President Nilmin Nanayakkara notes “this is a big mess.” Immigration authorities informed the tourism industry on Thursday during a meeting that the travel agents in Colombo need to inform their principals to submit proof of date of bookings made.

At this point Mr. Nanayakkara raised concern over the matter stating it was not possible to which the official delivering the presentation during the meeting stated they were unable to take up this issue.
In this respect, the industry is expected to take up this matter with higher authorities, it was pointed out.
Earlier during the week when the new clarification on the visa policy was conveyed to the industry, Tourist Hotels Association President Anura Lokuhetty speaking with the Business Times said it was a good move by the government.

But he noted that the new visa regulation must be clear and without confusion else it could impact negatively on travelers and tour operators. The industry has expressed concerns over the technical lapses, which they believe is the fault of the “software developer” as a result of which it has “created a bit of suspense in Europe”, Mr. Nanayakkara said.

He pointed out that according to the current regulations there is no possibility of ascertaining when bookings were made as tour operators “are not going to waste their time” on this. Government regulation on the new visa policy has run into trouble time and again as it was faced with pressure both locally and internationally.

It first met with problems when the online system was not functioning efficiently as pointed out by the tourism industry. Then the new visa policy initially introduced with a processing fee of US$50 came under pressure from the Indian authorities who requested the immigration authorities to consider a reduction for SAARC countries.

Following this request, the Sri Lankan authorities were compelled to reduce the visa-processing fee to US$10 for SAARC countries and US$20 for non-SAARC nations among a number of other changes for children and travellers on transit.

Posted in: non-SAARC, SAARC, Sri Lankan, Travellers, US$