Sri Lanka has announced visa fee exemptions for citizens of 40 countries, including Pakistan, according to reports on Sunday. The move is expected to boost tourism in the country.
Under the new policy, eligible travellers will be able to obtain a free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visits of up to 30 days.
Fee free Sri Lanka tourist visa for THESE countries
The countries included in the scheme are Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Turkey, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
According to Sri Lanka’s immigration authorities, travellers from these countries will no longer be required to pay visa fees. However, they must still apply for and obtain an ETA before entering the country.
Officials said that the new scheme will make travel to Sri Lanka easier and help attract more international visitors.
Pakistanis to get free six-month visa to Sri Lanka
Prior to this, reports said that Pakistanis may soon be able to travel to Sri Lanka without paying a tourist visa fee under a new plan aimed at increasing tourism.
The proposal was approved by the Sri Lankan cabinet on July 21, 2025. Citizens of 39 countries, including Pakistan, India, China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK, and the US, were expected to benefit from the scheme.
Cabinet spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said that the draft rules have been prepared and will go to parliament after formal approval.
The program is expected to help Sri Lanka’s tourism sector grow by attracting more visitors.
Previous reports suggested that travellers will be able to stay up to six months. The visits will give them more time for leisure and exploration.
This move is part of Sri Lanka’s wider strategy to promote tourism and strengthen international ties.
