Wednesday 31 January 2018

Sri Lanka Government Issues New Guideline For Visa

Sri Lanka which was formerly known as Ceylon is becoming a favorite tourist destination for thousands of travelers around the globe. People who want to indulge in adventure sports, serene beach holidays, enthralling wildlife or looking for solace come to travel to this country all-round the year. Not only from the tourism purpose, but its growing economy also attracts entrepreneurs, students and businessmen for fast plethora of opportunities.Sri Lanka Government Issues New Guideline For Visa
The country grants visas to qualifying applicants for various types of visas by keeping the nature of visit into focus. Based on the applicant`s requirements, eligibility criteria and other factors, the government of Sri Lanka grant or refuse the visa application. Currently the country is offering various types of visas, but the most popular out of them are business visa, transit visa and tourist visa.
By implementing the new e-visa or ETA system (Electronic Travel Authorization) that requires an applicant to fill in the Sri Lanka Visa Application Form online along with the required visa fees, the government of Sri Lanka has made it easier to apply for visa without making regular visits to consulates or embassies.
Recently in 2018, the government has made fresh amendments in the existing guidelines and issued the new list of changes which are definitely going to update and regularize the present ongoing method of issuing visa in the country. According to the latest statement, the proposal was put forward by Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs Minister S. B. Navinna which was supported and was given a ‘go-ahead’ by the cabinet of ministers.
If you are planning to travel to Sri Lanka anytime sooner, here are the highlights that you must get familiar with to understand the guidelines:
  1. Foreign nationals who are residing in Sri Lanka despite of expiration of their visa now will be charged with a fine of US 500 dollars and the amount will be collected in USD instead of Sri Lankan Rupees.
  2. Foreign students who cover the whole academic period will be now provided residential visa.
  3. Foreigners who remit more than USD 500,000 to Sri Lanka will now be eligible to get residential visa for 10 years.
  4. Spouse visa will be issued for foreigners and their children who are married with Sri Lankan citizens for up to 5 years.
  5. Any foreign national whose Sri Lankan spouse is dead who has resided in the country for more than 10 years or who have children less than 18 years of age will now be eligible to get residential visa for 2 years.
  6. Issue a permanent residence visa for former Sri Lankans who have already obtained the citizenship of another country who cannot apply for dual citizenship.

The new guidelines will be in effect from 2018 and any new update will be released soon. Till then make your plans to travel to this beautiful country to have a unique and memorable experience. For more details kindly visit our website www.sri-lankaeta.com. 

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