Travel agents in Sri Lanka have expressed concern over a new visa system that may deter Indian travellers from visiting the country. The new system requires Indian tourists to obtain a visa online prior to their arrival, eliminating the visa on arrival option. Travel agents fear that this additional step and the online application process may discourage potential Indian tourists from choosing Sri Lanka as their travel destination. The concern arises from the fact that India is one of the largest markets for Sri Lankan tourism, with a significant number of Indian tourists visiting the country each year. The visa on arrival facility was seen as a convenient and hassle-free option for Indian travellers. By removing this facility, it is feared that the process may become more cumbersome, leading to a decrease in Indian tourist arrivals. The travel agents are particularly worried about the impact this might have on the upcoming tourist season, which sees a higher influx of Indian tourists. They are hoping that the authorities reconsider the decision or introduce measures to streamline the online application process to avoid any negative impact on the tourism industry. The new visa system was implemented as part of Sri Lanka’s efforts to enhance security measures and improve control over foreign arrivals. However, the move does raise concerns among travel agents who believe that it might have unintended consequences. They argue that a more stringent visa process may drive Indian travellers to consider other destinations that offer a more streamlined and hassle-free entry process. The tourism industry in Sri Lanka heavily depends on Indian tourists, and any decline in arrivals from India could have a significant impact on the overall tourism revenue. Travel agents are also concerned that this may have a negative effect on the reputation of Sri Lanka as a tourist-friendly destination. They believe that a complicated visa process could deter not just Indian tourists but travellers from other countries as well, who might view it as a hassle. The travel agents are calling for a reevaluation of the new visa system and request that the government take steps to make the online application process more user-friendly and efficient. They argue that it is crucial to strike a balance between security measures and ensuring a smooth entry process for tourists. The tourism industry in Sri Lanka plays a vital role in the country’s economy, and any decline in tourist arrivals could have far-reaching consequences. Travel agents are hopeful that their concerns will be heard and that suitable measures will be taken to address the potential negative impact on the tourism sector in Sri Lanka.