Latest news on the tourist ETA visa issues and airport queues
4 Answers from travellers
Great news! Following the massive outcry over the VFS Global delays and the hidden fees, the government has temporarily reverted to the old, simple ETA website (eta.gov.lk). Do not use any third-party websites right now, and definitely apply online before you arrive to skip the Visa on Arrival queue entirely.
Make absolutely sure you are using the dot gov dot lk website. There are dozens of fake websites that look official and will charge you an agency fee of 100 USD. That is the only real scam to worry about.
I applied this morning as a Canadian citizen. It cost me 50 USD and was approved in 10 minutes.
Thank you so much. I will apply on the official government site today to avoid the queues.
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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