Sri Lanka Free 30-Day ETA for Pakistanis (2026): What Changed and How to Apply
Good news for Pakistani travellers looking for a short, affordable getaway: since 25 May 2026, Sri Lanka has been issuing its tourist Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) free of charge to Pakistani passport holders, along with citizens of 39 other countries. The ETA gives you a 30-day stay with double entry at no visa cost. There is one catch that many travellers miss, though: the ETA is free, but it is not optional. You still have to apply online and get approval before you fly. Here is what Pakistani applicants need to know.
What exactly changed on 25 May 2026?
Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration issued a circular (dated 19 May 2026) putting a new free tourist visa scheme into effect from 25 May 2026. The measure had been approved by the Sri Lankan Cabinet on 30 March 2026 and endorsed by Parliament in early May. Under the scheme, nationals of 40 selected countries, including Pakistan, can obtain a tourist ETA without paying the usual ETA fee.
The 40 eligible countries are: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom and United States.
The waiver applies to holders of ordinary passports as well as diplomatic, official and service passports from these countries. Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister has said the government expects to lose meaningful ETA revenue from the scheme but is betting on higher tourist arrivals to make up for it.
Free does not mean visa-free
This is the point Sri Lankan authorities keep repeating. The Department of Immigration and Emigration stated clearly that travellers from all 40 countries must still obtain an ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka. Through August 2026, Sri Lankan embassies and high commissions in several countries have been posting reminders that passengers without a valid ETA risk being denied boarding at their departure airport.
In practice, the process for a Pakistani traveller is simple: go to the official portal at eta.gov.lk, select the tourist ETA, fill in your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation, and submit. Under the new scheme the fee for eligible nationalities is processed as zero. Approval is usually sent by email; check your spam folder and save a PDF copy on your phone as well as a printout.
How the 30-day, double-entry ETA works
The free ETA is valid for a stay of 30 days counted from your first arrival in Sri Lanka, and it permits two entries. That means you can, for example, fly into Colombo, hop across to the Maldives for a few days, and come back to Sri Lanka on the same ETA. Be aware that on the second entry you only receive the remaining balance of the original 30 days, not a fresh 30-day period.
If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you can apply for an extension through Sri Lanka’s immigration e-services, but the extension is not free; the standard extension fees apply. Also note that anyone who paid an ETA fee before 25 May 2026 will not be refunded.
What Pakistani travellers should prepare
A free ETA lowers the cost of the trip, but it does not remove Sri Lanka’s entry conditions. Immigration officers can still ask for supporting documents on arrival, and airlines in Pakistan are strict about onward tickets. Have the following ready:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival
- Printed and digital copy of your ETA approval
- Confirmed return or onward air ticket
- Hotel bookings covering your stay
- Proof of funds (bank statement or cards)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Direct flights from Pakistan to Colombo are limited, so most travellers route via the Gulf or India-adjacent hubs; factor transit visa rules of your connecting airport into your plan. If you are combining Sri Lanka with the Maldives, remember that Pakistanis receive a visa on arrival in the Maldives, but Sri Lanka’s ETA must still be arranged in advance for the return leg.
Quick answers
Do Pakistanis need a visa for Sri Lanka in 2026? You need an ETA, which is a form of online visa approval. The fee is currently waived for Pakistani passport holders, but you must apply and be approved before travel.
How long can I stay? 30 days from first arrival, with two entries allowed within that period.
Can I extend? Yes, through the immigration e-services portal, but extension fees apply.
Where do I apply? Only through the official portal, eta.gov.lk. Avoid third-party sites that charge “service fees” for a free ETA.
What if I applied and paid before 25 May 2026? Your ETA remains valid, but the fee will not be refunded.
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Visa rules and fees change frequently. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official Sri Lanka ETA portal (eta.gov.lk) or with the Sri Lankan High Commission in Islamabad before you travel.