The cost of Sri Lanka travel visas has been doubled to $100, but the reason behind this increase is unclear.

In April, the price for a brief visa to visit Sri Lanka increased from $50 to $100.

But the reason for it is disputed.

The e-visa system operated by VFS Global replaced Sri Lanka's use of internal Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) after a price hike.

Harin Fernando, Sri Lanka's Tourism Minster, attributed the delay in offering 30-day visas to a "technical issue" with VFS Global, which began processing visas on April 17.

The introduction of visa categories was in accordance with the guidelines of Sri Lanka's Department of Immigration and Emigration (DI&E).

On May 7, both parties agreed that 30-day travel visas priced at $50 had been reinstated. VFS Global announced in an email to CNBC on Monday that the DI&E had re-introduced the 30-day visa category for all nationalities.

Another issue: VFS Global's fees

The ETA system used by Sri Lanka's Ministry of Public Security was abandoned due to frequent hacking by scammers, according to Fernando.

He stated that we desired to work for a renowned international corporation.

VFS Global was the top choice, as it collaborates with 67 governments and operates in over 150 countries, as per its website.

The allegations of corruption by Sri Lankan opposition leaders were fueled by the high fees charged by VFS Global in Sri Lanka's travel industry.

According to a spokesperson from VFS Global, the fees totaling $25 per visa, as reported by local media, were disclosed in a contract signed with Sri Lanka's immigration authority on Dec. 21, 2023.

"VFS Global stated that service fee charges are approved by all governments and are based on various factors such as the scope of the overall engagement, volume of applications expected, resource and infrastructure costs required to fulfill Service Level Agreements. For instance, in the case of Schengen countries, the service fee for short stay visa can be up to a maximum of 40 Euros."

Fernando stated that the government of Sri Lanka now charges $40 for 30-day visas, while VFS Global charges $10.

'Free visas' come with charges

Citizens of seven countries are eligible for free visas to enter Sri Lanka.

A VFS Global spokesperson stated that the 30-day, free visa for seven nationalities, including India, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and Thailand, has always been available and is valid for travel into Sri Lanka up to 31 May 2024.

Fernando stated that applicants from these countries must still pay VFS Global's fees, despite their eligibility.

"The government of Sri Lanka will not charge, but the platform will, he stated. As a result, we are still debating whether we should completely abandon VFS."

It is important to differentiate Sri Lanka's "free visa" policy from the "visa-free" agreements implemented by several Asian countries in the past year, which exempt travelers from requiring a visa.

Under Sri Lanka's policy, visas are required.

Fernando stated that Sri Lanka is considering expanding its "free visa" list by including 60 more countries.

"Prior to the pandemic, there were over 40 countries with free visas," he stated, noting that a government committee would make a decision within 30 days.

He assured that a visa policy would be implemented shortly.