Sri Lanka’s Consul General Sanjeeva Pattiwala announced that the Sri Lankan government has waived visa fees for Pakistani citizens. He said online visa applications are processed within 48 hours.
Pattiwala said the visa fee waiver has led to an increase in the number of Pakistani tourists visiting Sri Lanka. He added that around 30,000 Pakistani tourists are expected to visit Sri Lanka in 2026, compared to 20,000 visitors last year.
He also noted that, following the removal of visa fees, an increasing number of Pakistani couples are choosing Sri Lanka as a destination for their wedding ceremonies.
The Consul General further said that Pakistan has awarded scholarships to 100 Sri Lankan students at Allama Iqbal Open University. He pointed out that despite the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed between the two countries in 2005, trade barriers still exist.
He also emphasised that defence cooperation remains an important aspect of Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations.
Earlier, Sri Lanka officially launched its digital nomad visa in February 2026, opening its doors to remote workers from all over the world.
First proposed in 2021, the visa now enables select professionals to live and work legally in the country for a year (with the possibility of yearly renewal).
Requirements for Eligibility and Income
To receive the qualification, applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to provide a ‘stable month by month income’ of at least EUR1,700 (about US$2,000).
This income threshold includes persons with up to two children. And for each additional dependent, applicants will have to demonstrate an additional EUR425 (about US$500) per month.
Authorities are also demanding evidence that applicant’s income is solely from employers/clients outside Sri Lanka.
Visa holders are strictly banned from working for local Sri Lankan companies.
Application Process and Application Costs
Applications have to be made on the website of Sri Lanka’s Department of Immigration and Emigration.
The visa fee is EUR425 per person and is valid for 12 months. It can be renewed each year as long as the eligibility criteria are met.
Digital nomads are also expected to abide by local laws and not get involved in politics or other disruptive activities during their stay.
A destination for remote living
Often known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” every year Sri Lanka welcomes more than two million tourists.
The island is known for its beaches with palm tree streamlines and rich wildlife national parks and vibrant cultural heritage.
Iconic landmarks include the ancient Galle Fort, the scenic train journey from Ella to Kandy as well as ancient sites such as Sigiriya and Anuradhapura.
In recent years the country has also encouraged outdoor tourism, 300 kilometres of which, known as the Pekoe Trail, through the Central Highlands.
Practical Considerations
As cool as it is, digital nomads need to consider infrastructure issues.
According to the website Speedtest Global Index, Sri Lanka stands at 131st position for the fixed broadband speeds globally, which means internet reliability may differ depending on location.
