Sri Lanka entry requirements for Pakistan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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 can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. Fly into Colombo without applying beforehand — just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism and short visits.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply online before travel | Sri Lanka offers a visa on arrival for Pakistani passport holders, but you must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before departure. Go to the official ETA portal at eta.gov.lk, fill in your details, and pay the fee (typically $20–$35 USD depending on visa type). Approval usually comes within 24 hours — print the confirmation and carry it with your passport.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in Sri Lanka. Immigration officers at Colombo (CMB) rarely enforce a strict 6-month rule, but airlines may check — if your passport expires within 3 months of travel, renew it before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Sri Lanka immigration requires proof of a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines flying into Colombo check this at check-in — have a printed or digital copy of your onward booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration officers may ask for your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Have a printed booking confirmation or a digital copy on your phone — a simple screenshot of the booking page works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — a bank statement showing at least $500 USD or a credit card with a reasonable limit. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, a printed statement from the last month is enough. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Sri Lanka. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly.
Visa on arrival only at Colombo airport
This facility is only available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). If you arrive by land border or sea port, you need a visa in advance. Plan accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters. These are before immigration. Join the queue, fill out the arrival card (given on the plane or at the counter), and present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof.
2
Pay the visa fee and get stamped
The officer will process your visa, take payment, and stamp your passport. Keep the receipt. The whole process usually takes 10–20 minutes.
3
Proceed to immigration
After getting the visa, go to the immigration counters. Show your passport with the new visa and the arrival card. They'll stamp you in. Then collect your luggage and exit.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. 10,000 LKR)
Apply at Sri Lankan embassy or online; requires passport and photo.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$75 USD (approx. 21,400 LKR)
Ideal for frequent visitors; must show travel history.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 11,400 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD or LKR at airport counters. | $35 USD (approx. 10,000 LKR) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – pre-arrivalOptional but recommended to save time; apply online before travel. | $20 USD (approx. 5,700 LKR) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration; max extension up to 90 days total. | $50 USD (approx. 14,300 LKR) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Pay at immigration office before departure; overstay may affect future visits. | $5 USD (approx. 1,430 LKR) per day, max $200 USD |
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
No transit visa needed
Pakistan holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a visa if staying airside and leaving within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo · Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), Hambantota
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
As of 2026, the visa on arrival fee for Pakistani nationals is approximately $40 USD (or equivalent in Sri Lankan Rupees). You can pay in cash (USD or LKR) or by credit card. The exact amount may change, so check the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration website before you travel.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel (e.g., a tourist visa from the Sri Lankan embassy in Pakistan). Overstaying can result in fines.
No online pre-arrival declaration is required. You'll fill out a paper arrival card on the plane or at the visa counter. Just have your passport and documents ready.
The visa on arrival is only available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. If you arrive by land or sea, you need to arrange a visa in advance. There are no visa-on-arrival facilities at other entry points.
No, the visa on arrival is strictly for tourism, transit, or short visits. For business, study, or work, you must apply for the appropriate visa at the Sri Lankan embassy in Islamabad or a consulate before you travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Sri Lankan immigration. Renew your passport before booking your flight. No exceptions.
It's not mandatory for the visa on arrival, but it's strongly recommended. Medical treatment in Sri Lanka can be expensive — a hospital stay for a few days can cost hundreds of dollars. Insurance covers that and trip cancellations.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.