The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has issued an interim order suspending the new eVisa platform, which was implemented in April 2024.

Key Points:

  • The Department of Immigration and Emigration is in the process of reinitiating the previous electronic travel authorization (ETA) visa system that was in place before the introduction of the new eVisa system. The government has not yet confirmed when the old ETA visa system will be online.
  • In the meantime, travelers from eligible countries may apply for on-arrival 30-day tourist visas.
  • Business visas are currently suspended indefinitely.

Additional Information: Travelers who have applied and obtained an eVisa from the new system will not be affected and will be able to utilize their visas as long as they applied before 5:00 p.m. IST on Aug. 2, 2024.

BAL Analysis: The Supreme Court’s decision to suspend the eVisa considered fundamental rights petitions that challenged the potential procedural violations and negative impacts to the Sri Lankan tourism sector. BAL will continue following the suspension and will provide updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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The government of Sri Lanka has published regulations for a new permanent residence visa scheme.

Key Points:

  • As BAL previously reported, government officials have announced several policy updates recently that are designed to simplify the visa system and attract more investors and tourists.
  • The government has now approved a policy update that will allow eligible persons of Sri Lankan descent and their dependents to obtain a permanent residence visa to live and work in Sri Lanka.
  • The initial visa will have a 10-year validity period with renewal capability.
  • The policy change is a result of several appeals the government has received recently from Sri Lankans living overseas who have been unable to obtain dual citizenship due to existing laws in their respective countries.
  • The implementation plan for the new visa scheme is currently being created by the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Additional Information: Under the regulations, a person of Sri Lankan descent or whose citizenship of Sri Lanka has ceased under the Citizenship Act may apply for the new permanent residence visa. In addition, certain non-Sri Lankan spouses and dependents are eligible. The primary applicant will be required to pay US$1,000 for the visa, while a non-Sri Lankan spouse and child will be charged US$400 each.

BAL Analysis: The new visa will provide permanent residency access to persons of Sri Lankan descent and their dependents who are currently unable to apply for dual citizenship. BAL will continue following the implementation of the new visa scheme and will provide updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The government of Sri Lanka has launched its official eVisa application website.

Key Points:

  • The Department of Immigration and Emigration has transitioned from the ETA system to the new eVisa scheme for tourist and business visas, operated by IVS-GBS and VFS Global.
  • The Department of Immigration and Emigration has also implemented new sub-visa categories under the tourist and business visa categories.
  • Sri Lankan authorities recently implemented visa-free travel for nationals of China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia and Thailand. Nationals of these countries are still required to apply for an eVisa prior to travel and should select the 30-day single-entry eVisa option when applying on the new online system. The eVisa fee waiver scheme is valid until May 31.

BAL Analysis: As BAL previously reported, government officials have recently announced several other policy updates designed to simplify the visa system and attract more investors and tourists.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The government of Sri Lanka extended its visa-free entry policy for nationals from seven countries until May 31.

Key Points:

  • The government extended its visa-free travel policy for nationals from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia and Thailand.
  • The application process is transitioning from the Electronic Travel Authorization system to the new eVisa scheme. Nationals from these countries will still be required to complete an eVisa application prior to their arrival in the country.
  • The scheme will grant a single-entry stay for a maximum period of 30 days.

BAL Analysis: As BAL previously reported, government officials said this new policy initiative, along with several other recent policy updates, are designed to simplify the visa system and attract more investors and tourists.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Sri Lankan government will implement new measures designed to simplify visa policies, improve residence access and attract more investors and tourists.

Key Points:

  • The measures include the following changes:
    • Instead of renewing visas annually, a new policy will allow foreign students to complete their entire period of study by making a one-time payment of US$200.
    • A new digital nomad visa will permit foreign nationals with a monthly income of US$2,000 or more to reside in Sri Lanka.
    • A new “investment visa” category will be introduced under the residence visa. This new category will replace the following existing residence visa categories:
      • Golden Paradise
      • Condominium
      • Resident Guest Scheme
      • My Dream
    • A new residence visa category will be created for Colombo Port City Economic Commission expatriate staff, including spouses and dependent children.
    • A new residence visa category will open for Sri Lankan nationals’ foreign spouses, including parents and dependents of the foreign spouse.
    • A new residence visa category will be introduced to restore Sri Lankan citizenship that has lapsed and will include dependent children, foreign parents and widows.

Additional Information: Sri Lankan authorities will also implement visa-free travel for nationals from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia and Thailand. The authorization will be in effect until March 31, 2024. Nationals of these countries will still be required to apply for Electronic Travel Authorization prior to travel. The scheme will grant a stay of up to 30 days with multiple entries.

BAL Analysis: Government officials said these new policy initiatives are designed to simplify the visa system and attract more investors and tourists. The new measures should benefit employees, as well as foreign spouses and students who wish to stay in Sri Lanka. The new schemes should take effect by the end of 2023. BAL will continue following the implementation of these measures and will provide updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Sri Lankan government recently launched its “Golden Paradise” visa program for investors.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals can now apply for the 10-year “Golden Paradise” investor visa through this website.
  • To be eligible for the investor visa, individuals must:
    • Open a “Golden Paradise” bank account and deposit at least US$100,000. Visa holders will be able to withdraw $50,000 after the first year.
    • Email proof of their bank deposit, six-month police record, medical report and a copy of their passport biographical page to goldenparadise@immigration.gov.lk when notified to submit such evidence.
    • Compete the Residence Visa application and the Personal Particular form.
  • Foreign nationals who obtain a visa can sponsor spouses and dependent children.
  • Individuals will not be allowed to work while in Sri Lanka on the investor visa.

Additional Information: More information regarding the “Golden Paradise” investor visa is available here.

BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals who meet the investment requirements of the new program are now eligible to apply for the long-term visa.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Sri Lankan government has announced it approved a new long-term visa program for investors.

Key Points:

  • Sri Lanka authorities plan to implement a long-term visa program for investors, including three new visa categories.
  • Under the program, foreign nationals who deposit US$100,000 in a Sri Lankan bank account will receive a visa for as long as the account maintains at least US$50,000. Such individuals will not be able to withdraw money from the account for the first year.
  • Companies who invest US$75,000 in condominium property will be eligible for visas for five to 10 years for its directors and their dependents.
  • Foreign nationals over the age of 60 and who have a monthly income of at least US$20,000 will be eligible to apply for a ten-year visa.

Additional Information: Sri Lankan authorities have yet to finalize the implementation process of the new long-term visa program. More information regarding the visa program is expected to be published in the coming weeks.

BAL Analysis: Once the program is finalized and implemented, foreign nationals who meet the investment requirements of the new program will be eligible to apply for a long-term visa. BAL will provide updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Sri Lankan government has announced it will require foreign nationals to have health insurance to enter the country.

Key Points:

  • Beginning Feb. 10, foreign nationals must have travel insurance that covers at least $50,000 of COVID-related health issues to enter the country.
  • Foreign nationals must purchase Sri Lanka COVID-19 insurance online through this website or upon arrival.
    • Travelers will be allowed to travel to Sri Lanka without the Sri Lanka COVID-19 insurances but must purchase the policy before leaving the Sri Lankan airport.
  • Sri Lankan citizens do not need COIVD-19 insurance coverage when returning to Sri Lanka.

Additional Information: More information regarding Sri Lanka’s entry and health requirements for Sri Lankan citizens, residents and foreign nationals can be found here.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Sri Lankan government has announced it will update its entry requirements.

Key Points:

  • To enter the country on or after Jan. 1, 2022, eligible travelers must:
    • Complete the online Health Declaration Form before departure.
    • Upload COVID-19 vaccination record, pre-departure negative test and traveler’s passport data page before departure.
    • Present a valid QR code that was issued by the Sri Lankan government upon arrival.

Additional Information: Children under the age of 12 are no longer required to have a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure to enter the country. More information regarding Sri Lanka’s entry and health requirements for its citizens, residents and foreign nationals can be found here.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Sri Lankan government has implemented an Online Health Declaration system for arriving travelers and updated its quarantine requirements.

Key Points:

  • Travelers must complete the Health Declaration form online and upload:
    • A vaccination card for the first and second dose of the vaccine.
    • Proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure.
  • After completing the form, individuals will receive a QR code via email to show health officials at the airport in Sri Lanka.
  • Authorities reduced the quarantine time for travelers who are not fully vaccinated from 14 days to 7 days.  

Additional Information: More information regarding Sri Lanka’s entry and health requirements for its citizens, residents and foreign nationals can be found here.

BAL Analysis: BAL will continue to monitor develops regarding resident visas and will provide more information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.