Sri Lanka

So, I mentioned this briefly, yesterday.  Sri Lanka is getting squirrelly about US tourist visas.  The latest news is, they have posted the following on their consular website:


"Notice is hereby given that the earlier public notice on "Withdrawal of On Arrival Visa Facility" be treated as withdrawn until further notice."


So they have withdrawn a withdrawal, but only until further notice, when they will only have withdrawn.  Neither the fact that their consulate has a bad handle on English nor the fact that the change might spring back into effectiveness at any time is reassuring.


My friend in India made a call to his local consulate, which resulted in the following exchange:


AT - "I am calling to inquire about a tourist visa"

guy - "yes - you India passport holder?"

AT - "No, U.S. passport looking to travel to Sri Lanka as a tourist"

guy - "yes yes - don't worry"

AT - "do I need to apply for a visa in advance of my arrival?"

guy - "no no - don't worry"

AT - "so visa on arrival is still in place for tourists?"

guy - "don't worry, don't worry"

AT - "no visa is required in advance of arrival in Colombo?"

guy - "don't worry - they have not confirmed, ok?"

Then the consulate guy hung up.


So, stay tuned...