Q.3557 Sri Lankan Visa on Arrival

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether Sri Lanka is considering withdrawal of the visa-on-arrival facility, presently enjoyed by Indian citizens;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether Sri Lanka has alleged that this facility is being misused by Indian unskilled labour and venders;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether India has not yet offered this facility to Sri Lankan nationals visiting India on reciprocal basis; and
(f) if so, the details, thereof?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SMT. PRENEET KAUR)

(a) to (f) It has been reported that Government of Sri Lanka withdrew its visa-on-arrival (VoA) facility for tourists but the facility was reinstated soon thereafter. There have been reports in the Sri Lankan media about Indian nationals misusing the VoA facility. India has not offered the VoA facility to Sri Lankan citizens.

http://www.mea.gov.in/mystart.php?id=220216804.

Lok Sabha