![eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani Nationals — Application Process, Fees & Rules [2026 Guide]](https://eta-sri-lanka.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/hero-ai-Sri-Lanka-ETA-Guide-1788167373.webp)
Last updated: 15 September 2026
Disclaimer: This is an informational guide, not an official government website. Always verify the latest requirements on the official eta.gov.lk portal before traveling.
Since 25 May 2026, the eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani nationals is free, granting double-entry access for 30 days via eta.gov.lk. Applicants need a passport valid for six months from arrival. Travel without an approved eTA results in entry denial. UK-based Pakistani nationals apply online – no embassy visit needed. Know the ports and documents for a smooth trip. Securing the eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani nationals is mandatory before departure.
What Changed for Pakistani Travellers on 25 May 2026?
From 25 May 2026, the eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani nationals is free of charge (was $50). Apply at eta.gov.lk. Past fees are non-refundable. According to the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration’s official notice (Ref: IM/ETA/2026/05), the fee waiver for Pakistani nationals came into effect on 25 May 2026. For official confirmation of the fee waiver, see the Sri Lanka ETA news section at: https://eta.gov.lk/news/fee-waiver-pakistan-2026.
| Application Period | Fee for Pakistani Nationals |
|---|---|
| Before 25.05.2026 | ~$50 USD |
| From 25.05.2026 onwards | $0 (Free of charge) |
For transit <24h, no eTA is required; for transit 24-48h, a free transit visa applies via eta.gov.lk. Each entry permits a maximum stay of 30 days; the full validity period is 6 months from the date of issue. The eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani nationals eliminates the previous ETA processing fee.
How to Apply for a Sri Lanka eTA as a Pakistani National
Securing the eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani nationals involves a straightforward digital submission. The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) typically takes 24 to 72 hours to process. A correctly submitted eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani nationals prevents border delays.
Tip from our team: When uploading your passport scan, ensure the image is in color, under 2MB, and shows all four corners clearly. Rejected applications due to blurry scans are the most common issue we see.
Select your nationality
Choose “Pakistan” on the application portal.
Upload documents
Provide a clear scan of your valid passport and a recent digital photograph.
Submit & monitor
Submit your application and track progress via eta.gov.lk/status.
![Infografika: eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani Nationals — Application Process, Fees & Rules [2026 Guide]](https://eta-sri-lanka.info/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/eta-sri-lanka-for-pakistani-nationals-application-process-fees-rules-2026-guide-20260915-201148.webp)
Eligibility, Documents & Permitted Ports of Entry
Pakistanis need a passport valid six months from arrival, a return ticket, and accommodation proof. To qualify for the eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani nationals, applicants must present the following at the border:
- A confirmed return or onward travel ticket.
- Verifiable proof of accommodation in Sri Lanka.
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate, if applicable based on recent travel history.
Permitted entry points: Bandaranaike CMB, Mattala HRI, Jaffna JAF airports; Colombo, Galle, and Trincomalee seaports. The eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani nationals is strictly verified at these locations.
Processing Time, Validity & Extensions
The standard processing time for the eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani nationals is 24 to 72 hours. It grants double-entry access with a strict 30 days validity. Extensions are possible via immigration.gov.lk (fee applies; apply before the 30-day validity expires). Overstaying beyond 30 days without a visa extension results in a fine starting at $500 and a potential re-entry ban of 1-5 years (per Sri Lanka Immigration Act). Maintaining compliance with the eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani nationals conditions is mandatory.
Applying from the UK – Guidance for Pakistani Residents in Britain
The eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani nationals enables UK-based Pakistani residents to apply entirely online. Pakistani passport holders in the UK apply via eta.gov.lk; the High Commission in London (address: 13 Hyde Park Gardens, London W2 2LP, United Kingdom) does not process eTA applications. High Commission of Sri Lanka in London (13 Hyde Park Gardens, London W2 2LP, United Kingdom) – public counter: Mon-Fri 9:30-13:00; phone inquiries: 14:30-17:00 UK time; phone: +44 (0)20 7262 1841.
The eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani nationals requires travellers seeking a visa extension to apply directly to the Department of Immigration and Emigration rather than the London office. Contact the department using the details below:
Department of Immigration and EmigrationSuhurupaya, Sri Subhuthipura Road, Battaramulla, Sri Lanka
Phone: 1962 / +94 112 101 500
Email: [email protected]
FAQ: Sri Lanka eTA for Pakistanis
Is there a visa-on-arrival for Pakistani nationals in Sri Lanka?
No, Pakistani nationals do not qualify for an on-arrival visa in Sri Lanka. You must secure an eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani nationals online prior to your departure. Arriving without an approved Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will result in denied entry at the border.
Do Pakistani citizens need a transit visa to enter Sri Lanka?
Yes, if your transit exceeds 24 hours. Pakistani citizens transiting for up to 48 hours must apply for a free transit visa online. If your layover is under 24 hours and you remain within the transit area, you are exempt from the transit visa requirement.
Can I extend my 30-day Sri Lanka eTA?
Yes, a visa extension is possible if you wish to stay beyond the initial 30 days validity. Pakistani nationals must apply for an extension through the Department of Immigration and Emigration via immigration.gov.lk. Please note that while the initial eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani nationals is free of charge, extensions require payment of an applicable fee.
What happens if I overstay my eTA in Sri Lanka?
Overstaying beyond 30 days without an extension results in a fine starting at $500 and a potential re-entry ban of 1-5 years (per Sri Lanka Immigration Act).
Are previous eTA fees refundable for Pakistanis?
No, previously paid fees are strictly non-refundable. Before the scheme became free of charge on 25 May 2026, the eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani nationals cost approximately $50. Any payments made prior to this policy change cannot be refunded under any circumstances.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination certificate?
While the primary requirements for the eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani nationals include an onward ticket and proof of accommodation, travellers should verify specific health rules. A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be requested by immigration authorities depending on your recent travel history before arriving in Sri Lanka.
How long does it take to process the eTA for Pakistanis?
The standard processing time for an eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani nationals is between 24 to 72 hours. Apply at least 7 days before departure; applications submitted within 72 hours of travel may not be processed in time.
Can I apply for the eTA if my passport expires in 3 months?
No. To meet the eligibility criteria for the eTA Sri Lanka for Pakistani nationals, you must have a passport validity six months minimum from your planned date of arrival.
