AirAsia launches direct Bangkok-Colombo route

Bangkok travelers planning to explore Sri Lanka will soon have a low-cost option, with AirAsia launching a direct route between the Thai capital and Colombo from March 1. 

Promotional prices start from 1,490 baht one-way, plus taxes, for travel between March 1 and October 27. Tickets must be booked before January 15 on www.airasia.com. 

Almost all travelers now need a visa for Sri Lanka, and can apply via a new online Electronic Travel Authorization system that launched on January 1. 

On the new website, www.eta.gov.lk, visitors pay a non-refundable processing fee of US$20.

Tourists may then receive a double-entry 30-day permit, and business travelers a multiple-entry visa. Two-day transit visas are free, while a 3-7 day transit visa is $10.

Only travelers from Singapore or The Maldives are exempt because they are the only two nations that provide Sri Lankans with on-arrival visas.