The Government of Sri Lanka has reinstated the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system from 15 October, with the intention of providing more convenience for tourism services.
Under the new system, all international tourist visitors to Sri Lanka will now have to obtain an ETA before travelling to the country.
Overall, the reinstated ETA system will grant a more efficient and digitally accessible process for travellers to obtain authorisation to enter Sri Lanka.
The announcement follows a period of uncertainty after the government had temporarily replaced the ETA system with a new eVisa platform in April 2024.
However, following a legal dispute, the Sri Lankan Supreme Court ruled that the eVisa system be discontinued, leading to the restoration of the ETA process.
As of 15 October, all inbound travellers will be required to secure their ETA online, making the entry process smoother and more accessible for tourists from around the world.
This development not only simplifies entry for global tourists but also plays a pivotal role in boosting Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, providing an efficient solution for visitors to explore the country’s rich culture, heritage sites, and scenic beauty.
While the reinstatement of the ETA system is a positive step forward for tourism accessibility, Sri Lanka is also facing growing cultural tensions.
The country’s efforts to promote inclusive tourism, particularly in relation to the LGBTIQ community, have been met with opposition from religious groups.
Buddhist and Catholic leaders in Sri Lanka have raised concerns about the endorsement of LGBTIQ-related initiatives, such as the recognition of diversity programmes for travellers.
These leaders argue that such initiatives clash with traditional religious and cultural values, which has sparked significant debate within the country.
The controversy intensified after the Sri Lankan Tourism Development Authority acknowledged the contributions of Equal Ground, a local NGO that works on promoting diversity within the tourism industry.
The backlash from religious groups has led to calls for the government to re-evaluate its stance on inclusivity within the tourism sector.
Despite these challenges, the government remains committed to reviving Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, which is expected to benefit greatly from the easier and more accessible ETA system. This initiative is designed to encourage more visitors to explore the country’s world-class attractions, including its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, pristine beaches, and vibrant cultural experiences.
The ETA system plays a significant role in Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to boost tourism from international markets, including key source countries like India, China, and Western Europe.
With the ETA reinstated, travellers from these regions will be able to apply online for permission to enter Sri Lanka, bypassing traditional in-person visa applications.
Moreover, the ETA system contributes to Sri Lanka’s goal of becoming a leading destination for cultural tourism in South Asia.
The island nation is home to a wealth of historical landmarks, ancient temples, and breath-taking landscapes that attract millions of tourists every year.
With the simplicity of the new digital entry process, more visitors are expected to flock to the country to discover its heritage and natural wonders.
(Travel and Tour World)