Sri Lanka to scrap visa-on-arrival for Indians, others

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system that will replace the simple visa-on-arrival facility for travellers from 78 countries

Indian tourists, business people and transit passengers will have to apply for travel authorisation ahead of heading for Sri Lanka, in a few months from now as per a report in the Hindu by R. K. Radhakrishnan. Indians constitute the biggest chunk of tourists into the country.

On Wednesday, Sri Lanka’s Immigration and Emigration department announced that an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system that will replace the simple visa-on-arrival facility for travellers from 78 countries. The visa-on-arrival will continue for people travelling from The Maldives and Singapore — two countries that reciprocate the facility for Sri Lankans travelling to these countries.

The ETA is a web-based system that grants a person permission to travel to Sri Lanka. “It is not a visa in itself, but an approval for travel,” explained the Immigration and Emigration Controller Chulananda Perera. The visa will be stamped on the passport in arrival here; but the passenger will have to log in ahead, and have the authorisation.

It will cost the passenger US $50 (for a tourist visa with double entry for 30 days), US $60 (business visa with multiple entry for 30 days) or US $ 25 (for transit visa with single entry for seven days). The fee has to be paid online. “The ETA will be approved in minutes. In some cases it could take longer. But no application will take longer than 24 hours,” said R.M.S. Sarath Kumar, Controller (Visa).

Mr. Perera explained that the ETA had several advantages for both the visitor and the Immigration department. It had to be adopted to identify people ahead of their arrival in Sri Lanka, keeping in mind the current global situation, he added.

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Pushkar Camel Fair 31st Oct 2011 - 10th Nov 2011

Pushkar Camel Fair India

Pushkar Camel Fair / Festival
Year	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015
Date	02- 10 Nov.	20-28 Nov.	09-17 Nov.	01-08 Nov.	18-25 Nov.

Upcoming Pushkar Camel Fairs

How is the Pushkar Camel Fair Celebrated:

In Pushkar Camel Fair, the camels are dressed up, entered into beauty contests, raced, and traded. It is like Local Huge Carnival flocked with musicians, magicians, dancers, acrobats, snake charmers and carousel rides to entertain the crowd. 

Another famous Cultural Fair is going to happen from Nov 6th - Nov 9th. During this Cultural Fair, all government aided cultural activities take place such as folk dance shows, music performances, and other similar activities. 

During Pushkar Fair, pilgrims come from different parts of India to bathe in the holy waters of Pushkar's lake to be absolved of their sins. The two days around the full moon are considered to be the most auspicious time of the year for bathing in the lake.

Many tourist from foreign Countries visit Pushkar Fair to visualize the spectacular moments of cultural gathering with the blend of Folk dances, folk music, Cultural activities, rural sports like Camel race. It is really a great opportunity to witness an old traditional Indian style festival. The highlight is definitely the camel races, although the beauty contests featuring elaborately adorned and shaved camels are also amusing.

How to get go to Pushkar: 

By Train: Nearest Rail Head is in Ajmer with a 30 minutes drive to Pushkar. Ajmer is rail connected with all major cities. And also local buses are around 20 to bring you in the town as well as Auto rickshaws. It's easily to get Auto during the camel festival. 

By Air

The nearest airport is in Jaipur, around two and a half hours away. 

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