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Line drawing of Sri Lanka: stilt fishermen, the Nine Arch Bridge, Ruwanwelisaya stupa and Sigiriya rock

Sri Lanka visa for Pakistani passport holders

Sri Lanka no longer gives Pakistanis a visa on arrival by default. You need an ETA, an online travel authorisation, before you fly.

The good news is that it's free. Since 25 May 2026 Pakistan is on Sri Lanka's list of 40 countries that get a free 30-day, double-entry ETA.

Apply only on eta.gov.lk. Other sites that look official still charge a fee.

What to have ready

  • Apply for the ETA online before arrival
  • 30 days, double entry, counted from first arrival
  • Stays beyond 30 days need a paid extension from the Department of Immigration & Emigration

Many websites still list Sri Lanka as visa on arrival for Pakistanis. Since 25 May 2026 you need an ETA before travel; it is free for Pakistani passports.

How to apply

  1. Apply for the ETA online

    Choose the tourist ETA. For a Pakistani passport the fee shows as zero. eta.gov.lk ↗

  2. Wait for the approval email

    Check that your name and passport number match your passport exactly.

  3. Fly to Bandaranaike International Airport

    Carry the ETA approval, printed or on your phone.

  4. Staying longer than 30 days?

    Apply for a paid extension at the Department of Immigration and Emigration. immigration.gov.lk ↗

Do this, not that

Do

  • Apply only on eta.gov.lk.
  • Print the ETA approval before you fly.
  • Count 30 days from the day you first land.
  • Use the second entry if you pop over to the Maldives or India and come back.

Don't

  • Don't pay any site for a Sri Lanka ETA. It's free for Pakistanis.
  • Don't rely on visa on arrival. Apply before you fly.
  • Don't treat double entry as two 30-day stays.
  • Don't overstay. Longer stays need a paid extension.

What people get wrong

You'll hearPakistanis get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka.

ActuallyYou need an ETA before you travel. Apply online.

You'll hearThe Sri Lanka ETA costs USD 20.

ActuallyThat was the old SAARC fee. Since 25 May 2026 it's free for Pakistanis.

You'll hearDouble entry means 60 days.

ActuallyIt's 30 days in total, counted from your first arrival.

You'll hearAny site with "Sri Lanka ETA" in the name is official.

ActuallyOnly eta.gov.lk is. The others add their own fee.

What has changed

DateChange
25 May 2026Free 30-day double-entry ETA for 40 countries including Pakistan
1 December 2022Current ETA fee chart: SAARC USD 20 online, USD 25 on arrival

From our journal: Sri Lanka's ETA is now free for Pakistani passport holders

Proof for each line is on the Sri Lanka ETA change log with official sources.

Disclaimer

Sri Lanka's free ETA covers tourist visits on an ordinary Pakistani passport. The official pages don't say whether the fee waiver also applies if you buy a visa at the airport, so apply online first. Immigration at Bandaranaike International Airport makes the final call.

This is general travel information, not legal or immigration advice. We're not linked to the government of Sri Lanka or Pakistan. Seen a newer rule? Report an outdated Sri Lanka rule.

Questions Pakistani travellers ask about Sri Lanka

Is there a Sri Lanka visa on arrival for Pakistani citizens?

Apply for the free ETA online before you travel. Sri Lanka's official pages don't confirm the fee waiver for visas bought on arrival, so don't rely on it.

What is the Sri Lanka visa fee for Pakistani passport holders?

Nothing. The 30-day tourist ETA has been free for Pakistanis since 25 May 2026.

How long can Pakistanis stay in Sri Lanka?

30 days, with two entries allowed. Longer stays need a paid extension from the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

Where do I apply for the Sri Lanka ETA?

On eta.gov.lk, the government's official portal.

Is the Sri Lanka visa free for Pakistanis in 2026?

Yes. Since 25 May 2026 the 30-day tourist ETA is free for Pakistani passport holders.