Tourists and travel agents are struggling to secure entry approvals, despite promises that the return to the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system would ease visa issues.

These challenges are a significant setback for an industry that was slowly recovering from previous difficulties.

The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) reports a sharp decline in tourist arrivals and an increase in cancellations, with the only remaining option being to obtain a visa upon arrival.

Efforts to issue visas through foreign missions were halted on 6 August due to technical problems, further complicating the situation