Sri Lanka entry requirements for Pakistan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Pakistani passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka. You can apply online before you travel, and it's a straightforward process that takes just a few minutes.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ETA / eVisaYou need to get this online approval before you fly; without it you will be denied boarding. Apply online before travel | Pakistani citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) / eVisa before departure. Apply at the official Sri Lanka ETA website (https://eta.gov.lk/) well in advance of your travel date. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before you travel. At least 6 months from arrival | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport on arrival, so you need a clean page for that. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight booking to ensure you plan to leave Sri Lanka. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than Sri Lanka, with a date within the validity of your visa. | Required |
| Proof of fundsWhile not always checked, having proof of money helps show you can support yourself. Sufficient for your stay | You should carry evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Sri Lanka based on current regulations. | Not required |
| Visa extensionPlan your stay carefully because you cannot extend your visa once in Sri Lanka. Not available | The eVisa for Sri Lanka is not extendable. You must leave the country before your visa expires. | Not required |
Apply early
Even though the ETA is usually approved within 24 hours, it can take up to 3 days. Apply at least 3 days before your departure to avoid stress.
Don't skip the ETA
You will not be allowed to board your flight without an approved ETA. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Pakistani passport holders.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email address. The process takes about 10-15 minutes.
2
Pay the ETA fee
Pay the processing fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee is around $35 USD (or equivalent in LKR). Keep the confirmation receipt.
3
Receive your ETA approval
You'll receive an email with your ETA approval. This is usually sent within 24 hours, but it can take up to 3 days. Print a copy or save it on your phone.
4
Arrive in Sri Lanka
When you land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, head to the immigration counter. Present your passport and the ETA approval. The officer will stamp your passport, and you're in.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business ETA
Max stay30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$40
Allows double entry, for business meetings and conferences
Residence Visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200
For employment, study, or long-term stay; requires sponsorship and approval
Tourist ETA Extension
Max stayUp to 6 months total
ValidityBased on extension
Cost$50-$300
Extensions granted in increments; must apply before current visa expires
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD (approx. 85,000 LKR) per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or funds of $1,500/month. Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 57,000 LKR) per year
For remote workers earning $2,000+/month. Requires proof of employment and health insurance.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 142,000 LKR) plus investment
For investors putting $50,000+ into local business or real estate. Includes residency benefits.
student visa
Sri Lanka Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 2 years
~$100 USD (approx. 28,500 LKR) per year
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires admission letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist ETA (Double Entry, 30 days)Standard online fee for most nationalities | $35 |
| Tourist ETA (Double Entry, 30 days) - SAARCPakistan is a SAARC member | $20 |
| Tourist ETA (Double Entry, 30 days) - SAARC (online payment)If paid via credit/debit card | $25 |
| Tourist ETA (Double Entry, 30 days) - SAARC (at arrival)If applied on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport | $30 |
| Business ETA (Double Entry, 30 days)For business visits | $40 |
| Transit ETA (Single Entry, 2 days)For transit through Sri Lanka | $20 |
| Visa extension (up to 2 months)First extension, via Department of Immigration and Emigration | $50 |
| Visa extension (up to 3 months)Second extension, if eligible | $100 |
| Visa extension (up to 6 months)Third extension, if eligible | $200 |
| Visa extension (up to 12 months)Fourth extension, if eligible | $300 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Sri Lanka
Transit visa required
Transit passengers must obtain a Transit ETA before arrival, even if staying airside. The Transit ETA is valid for 2 days and allows a single entry.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no need to pass immigration may still need a Transit ETA as per Sri Lankan regulations
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy seasons.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwaters or freshwater exposure; avoid wading in floodwater.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural travel in dry zone.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Colombo
Department of Immigration and Emigration
41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 10
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions; bring passport, visa, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 10, Peradeniya Road, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for central region; less crowded.
Practical information for PK travellers
Country basics
CapitalColombo
LanguageSinhala, Tamil
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 335.84 LKR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,G,MType D, G, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is treated but travellers should avoid it.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), which is a type of visa. You apply online before you travel, and it's valid for 30 days from arrival.
The ETA fee is approximately $35 USD (or equivalent in Sri Lankan Rupees). You pay online with a credit or debit card when you apply.
Usually within 24 hours, but it can take up to 3 days. It's best to apply at least 3 days before your flight to avoid any delays.
No, the ETA is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to leave the country and re-apply for a new ETA.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the airport. It's mandatory to have an approved ETA before you arrive.
It's a single-entry visa. If you leave Sri Lanka, you'll need to apply for a new ETA to re-enter.
Only if you're arriving from a country with a yellow fever risk. Pakistan is not on that list, so you don't need it for direct travel from Pakistan.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.