Tour operators urge Sri Lanka to waive visa on arrival fee, offer affordable packages for Bangladeshis
The call came during a “Media Networking Session” organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in Dhaka today (5 April).
Tour operators in Bangladesh have urged Sri Lanka to waive visa on arrival fees for Bangladeshi travellers and introduce more affordable tourism packages to attract a larger number of visitors.
The call came during a "Media Networking Session" organised by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in Dhaka today (5 April). The event was held at the 'Kuakata' Hall of Le Méridien Dhaka.
Speaking at the session, Anwar Hossain, vice-president of the Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh (TOAB), said visa on arrival fees for Saarc countries, including Bangladesh, currently range between $25 and $30. "Waiving this fee would provide significant relief for our tourists."
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At present, Sri Lanka requires foreign travellers, including Bangladeshis, to obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) or e-visa prior to arrival to avoid delays. While visa on arrival facilities are still available, they often involve higher processing costs. Since late 2025, authorities have increasingly emphasised pre-arrival authorisation.
Around 60,000 Bangladeshi tourists visited Sri Lanka last year, while 10,000 have already travelled in the early months of this year, said Buddhika Hewawasam, chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), expressing optimism that the number could reach 100,000 by year-end.
He noted that Bangladesh was the 10th largest source market for Sri Lanka in 2025 and has the potential to rise to fifth or sixth position. To achieve this growth, he emphasized the need for Bangladeshi travelers to explore a wider range of tourism products beyond traditional leisure trips.
The session was presided over by Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dharmapala Weerakkody. Among the guests were Buddhika Hewawasam, chairman of SLTPB, and Mohammad Rafeuzzaman, president of TOAB.
Addressing the event, Weerakkody highlighted the strong potential for tourism cooperation between the two countries, noting that such initiatives could boost both tourism industries.
A destination presentation showcased Sri Lanka's diverse attractions, luxury travel options, family-friendly experiences, and improved air connectivity and accommodation facilities.
Hewawasam said Sri Lanka is emerging as a safe and attractive global destination, adding that efforts are underway to ensure more affordable packages and better services for Bangladeshi travellers.
Rafeuzzaman welcomed the initiative, saying it would strengthen ties among tourism stakeholders and pave the way for further collaboration.
Discussions also focused on expanding tourism opportunities, improving airline connectivity, and enhancing travel-related services.
An exclusive B2B roadshow and networking evening for tourism stakeholders is scheduled for 6 April at the Grand Ballroom of the same hotel.
