Sri Lanka ETA for Pakistani Passport 2026 – How to Apply Online

Sri Lanka ETA for Pakistani Passport Holders 2026: How to Apply Online

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka with a Pakistani passport? The good news is that Pakistani citizens are currently included in Sri Lanka's 40-country free tourist ETA scheme. From 25 May 2026, Pakistani passport holders can obtain a tourist Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) free of charge for a stay of up to 30 days.

However, free does not mean that you can travel without applying. The Sri Lankan Department of Immigration & Emigration requires foreign nationals, including Pakistani citizens, to obtain an ETA before arriving in Sri Lanka. The ETA application can be submitted online through the official Sri Lanka ETA website.

This guide explains the Sri Lanka ETA requirements for Pakistani citizens, how to apply online, the processing time, required documents, entry requirements, and what to do after submitting the application.

What Is Sri Lanka ETA?

Sri Lanka ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorization. It is an electronic authorization issued by the Department of Immigration & Emigration of Sri Lanka for eligible visitors who intend to travel to the country for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

For a Pakistani passport holder visiting Sri Lanka for tourism, the tourist ETA is currently available free of charge for up to 30 days under the scheme introduced on 25 May 2026.

The ETA is linked to the passport used during the application. Therefore, applicants should carefully enter their passport number, nationality, date of birth, and other personal information before submitting the application.

Sri Lanka's official ETA system states that an approved ETA allows the holder to enter Sri Lanka within three months from the date of issue. The tourist ETA itself is initially limited to 30 days from the date of arrival and may be extended according to Sri Lankan immigration rules.

Is Sri Lanka ETA Free for Pakistani Citizens in 2026?

Yes. Pakistani nationals are included in the list of 40 countries whose citizens can obtain a tourist ETA free of charge for 30 days from 25 May 2026.

Pakistan is specifically listed among the eligible countries on the official Sri Lanka ETA fee information page. The scheme applies to diplomatic, official, service, and ordinary passport holders.

The important point is that Pakistani travelers still need to obtain an ETA before traveling. The fee is free, but the authorization requirement remains in place.

The free tourist ETA provides a 30-day stay with double-entry facility within the validity period. Travelers who want to remain in Sri Lanka beyond the permitted period can apply for an extension and pay the applicable extension fee.

Sri Lanka ETA Requirements for Pakistani Passport Holders

Before submitting your application, make sure your information matches your passport exactly. Some of the main requirements and conditions include:

• A valid Pakistani passport
• Passport validity of at least six months from the date of arrival
• Correct passport number
• Correct nationality
• Correct date of birth
• A confirmed return or onward ticket
• Sufficient funds to cover expenses during your stay
• An email address for receiving application notifications
• The same passport used for the ETA application when entering Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan authorities specifically advise applicants to check their passport number, nationality, and date of birth before submitting the application. Incorrect information can cause problems and may require a new application.

At the port of entry, ETA holders should be prepared to show their passport, return ticket, and evidence that they have enough funds for their stay.

How to Apply for Sri Lanka ETA Online from Pakistan

The online application process is straightforward and can be completed through the official Sri Lanka ETA website.

Step 1: Visit the Official ETA Website

Start your application through the official Electronic Travel Authorization website operated by the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration & Emigration.

Do not rely on unofficial websites when submitting your application. The official ETA website is:

https://eta.gov.lk/

The website provides the application form, fee information, application status checking facility, and other official instructions.

Step 2: Select the ETA Application Option

On the ETA website, select the option to apply for an ETA. You will need to provide information about your planned visit and personal details.

For a normal holiday in Sri Lanka, select the tourist category rather than a business or transit category.

Step 3: Enter Your Passport Information

Enter your Pakistani passport details carefully.

Your passport number must be exactly the same as it appears on your passport. Your nationality and date of birth must also be entered correctly.

This is one of the most important parts of the application because Sri Lankan immigration instructions state that applicants must cross-check these details before submitting the application.

Step 4: Provide Your Personal and Travel Details

Complete the remaining sections of the ETA application with accurate information.

Depending on the application form, you may be asked for information related to your address, contact details, travel plans, and accommodation.

Make sure the information is truthful and consistent with your travel documents.

Step 5: Submit the Application

After completing the application, carefully review all information before confirming the submission.

The official Sri Lanka ETA system states that applicants receive an acknowledgement after successfully submitting an application. The acknowledgement confirms that the application has been received, but it should not be confused with the final ETA approval.

Step 6: Wait for the ETA Decision

After submission, the application is reviewed by the relevant Sri Lankan authorities.

The official system can issue an ETA approval or a referral notice. If a referral notice is issued, the applicant may need to contact the Department of Immigration & Emigration or the relevant Sri Lankan overseas mission for further assistance.

My Sri Lanka ETA Application as a Pakistani Citizen

For Pakistani applicants, the online process can sometimes involve additional processing after the initial submission.

In the application example provided for this guide, the application was submitted on 16 August 2026. The acknowledgement showed a charged amount of USD 0, reflecting the free tourist ETA scheme for Pakistani nationals.

The acknowledgement also stated that a copy of the passport bio page should be sent to the Sri Lankan immigration email address provided in the notice, with the ETA reference number included as the email subject, for further processing.

The application acknowledgement indicated that a response should be received within 48 hours.

This is important for Pakistani applicants: receiving an acknowledgement does not mean that the ETA has already been approved. Applicants should wait for the official ETA Approval Notice before traveling.

How to Check Sri Lanka ETA Application Status

After submitting the application, you can check its status through the official ETA website.

The status-checking facility is available here:

https://eta.gov.lk/etaslvisa/pages/checkStatus.jsp

You will normally need your ETA reference information to check the application.

If your application is approved, the system provides an option to download the ETA Approval Notice.

According to the acknowledgement information, the Approval Notice is the document that should be used as confirmation for travel. Applicants should not assume that an acknowledgement alone is sufficient for boarding or entry.

How Long Does Sri Lanka ETA Take for Pakistanis?

Processing time can vary depending on the application and whether additional verification is required.

In the application acknowledgement provided for this guide, the applicant was informed that a response would be received within 48 hours.

The official ETA website also provides a 24-hour dedicated ETA call centre for status and application-related inquiries. The published number is 0094 71 99 67 888.

Applicants should avoid making urgent travel arrangements based only on an acknowledgement. It is safer to wait until the ETA has been approved.

Can I Travel to Sri Lanka Without ETA Approval?

Pakistani travelers should obtain their ETA before traveling.

Sri Lanka does have a limited facility at Bandaranaike International Airport for certain travelers to obtain an ETA on arrival, but additional fees can apply. If an application is referred at the airport, the traveler may be refused entry and returned to the original destination.

For this reason, applying online before departure is the better option and can help avoid unnecessary problems at the airport.

Sri Lanka Entry Requirements for Pakistani Travelers

Having an approved ETA does not automatically guarantee entry into Sri Lanka.

At immigration, travelers must still satisfy the entry requirements. The official ETA instructions state that travelers should have:

1. A passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
2. A confirmed return ticket.
3. Sufficient funds to cover expenses during the stay.
4. A copy of the ETA approval is also advisable to carry.

Immigration officers may ask questions about your travel plans, accommodation, return journey, and financial ability to support yourself during your visit.

Can Pakistani Tourists Work in Sri Lanka on ETA?

No. A tourist ETA is intended for tourism and does not authorize employment.

ETA holders must not engage in employment, whether paid or unpaid, or conduct trade or business activities outside the purpose specified in their ETA.

If you intend to work, study, or undertake another activity in Sri Lanka, you should obtain the appropriate authorization rather than using a tourist ETA.

Can Sri Lanka ETA Be Extended?

The tourist ETA is initially limited to 30 days from the date of arrival. Sri Lanka's official ETA information states that the short-visit stay can be extended according to the applicable immigration procedure.

Travelers who want to stay beyond the initial permitted period should apply for an extension before their authorized stay expires and pay the applicable fee.

The availability and conditions of an extension depend on the relevant Sri Lankan immigration rules at the time of application.

What Happens If You Enter the Wrong Passport Number?

Applicants need to be particularly careful when entering passport information.

The Sri Lankan ETA terms state that the passport number, nationality, and date of birth must be entered correctly. The same travel document used to apply for the ETA must be used to enter Sri Lanka.

If there is an inconsistency, the traveler may be required to pay for a visa again upon arrival.

The ETA system also states that amendments cannot be made to submitted applications. If an amendment is necessary, the applicant may first need to request cancellation through the specified immigration email addresses and then submit a new application with the applicable payment.

For this reason, always check every detail before clicking the final submit button.

Important Things to Remember

Pakistani travelers should keep the following points in mind before flying to Sri Lanka:

• Pakistani citizens are currently eligible for a free 30-day tourist ETA.
• ETA approval is still required before arrival.
• The free scheme does not mean you can simply arrive without an ETA.
• Use the official Sri Lanka ETA website.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.
• Enter your passport number exactly as printed.
• Use the same passport for travel that was used for the ETA application.
• Carry your ETA approval notice.
• Keep a confirmed return ticket available.
• Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds.
• Do not work in Sri Lanka on a tourist ETA.
• Check your application status before traveling.
• Do not confuse the acknowledgement with the final approval.
• If your application is referred, follow the instructions provided by Sri Lankan immigration.

Final Words

Applying for a Sri Lanka ETA from Pakistan has become more affordable under the current 2026 policy because Pakistani passport holders are included in the 40-country scheme offering a free tourist ETA for up to 30 days.

However, Pakistani travelers still need to complete the ETA process before arriving in Sri Lanka. The most important step is to provide accurate passport and personal information and wait for the official approval notice.

If you have already submitted your ETA application, keep your reference number safe and regularly check the application status on the official Sri Lanka ETA website. If the system asks for additional information or a passport copy, follow the instructions in the acknowledgement carefully.

Most importantly, do not travel based only on the acknowledgement message. Wait until your ETA status is approved and download the official approval notice before your departure.

Official Sri Lanka ETA Website

https://eta.gov.lk/