Sri Lanka Waives Visa Fees for 40 Countries Including Pakistan

Sri Lanka has waived visa fees for citizens of 40 countries, including Pakistan, under a new travel scheme aimed at boosting tourism.

Under the scheme, eligible passport holders can now obtain a free Electronic Travel Authorization, or ETA, for Sri Lanka. The ETA allows travelers to stay in the country for up to 30 days.

Sri Lanka’s Immigration Department clarified that although the visa fee has been removed, travelers must still apply for and obtain an ETA before entering the country.

The department also said that any visa fees paid before May 25, when the changes came into effect, will not be refunded.

Those who want to extend their stay beyond the permitted 30 days can apply for a visa extension, but an extension fee will apply.

The visa fee waiver applies to eligible nationals holding diplomatic, official, service or ordinary passports.

Countries Eligible for Sri Lanka’s Free ETA Scheme