Maldivians traveling to Sri Lanka reminded of ETA exemption

The Maldivian High Commission in Sri Lanka has reminded that Maldivians traveling to the neighboring country for recreational purposes are exempt from applying for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

In a notice published on Thursday, the Maldivian High Commission in Sri Lanka pointed out that Maldivian nationals traveling to Sri Lanka for visiting or tourism purposes will be granted a 90-day on arrival visa. As such, the High Commission stressed that such individuals not required to apply for ETA.

Sri Lanka’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an online pre-approval for short stays such as tourism, business, and transit, which grants a 30-day visa upon arrival. However, Maldivian citizens are exempt from this requirement.

The reminder comes after Maldivian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Masood Imad slammed poor visa facilitations for Maldivian nationals traveling to Sri Lanka in a controversial interview with a media outlet.

In an interview with Sri Lankan media outlet, Daily News, on last Wednesday, Masood questioned why Maldivians traveling to Sri Lanka are receiving “step-motherly” treatment by Sri Lankan immigration officials.

In this regard, the High Commissioner Masood claimed that Maldivian nationals are forced to wait in long queues from 9:00am to 5:00pm to obtain their visas. He particularly expressed concern over the lack of understanding that Maldivians are also foreigners, similar to those with fair skin.

“I am perplexed as to why officials only consider those who arrive in Sri Lanka with fair skin as visitors,” he was quoted by the media outlet.

Citing immediate visa approval when submitted through third-party travel agents, the High Commissioner alleged immigration officials may be receiving some financial benefits when visa applications are submitted through travel agents as Maldivians are required to pay extra fees when applying for visas through them.

High Commissioner Masood warned that the Maldivian government will be forced to revise its visa policy concerning Sri Lankan professionals working in various sectors within the Maldives if the situation persists.

Masood’s remarks were met with stark criticism from a large number of people, including opposition figures and seasoned diplomats. In this regard, seasoned diplomats have slammed Masood’s actions as “undiplomatic”.

A large number of Maldivians reside in Sri Lanka, many of whom are students.