Sri Lanka business visa from Pakistan: the business ETA
Sri Lanka gives Pakistani visitors a free tourist ETA, but business visits need a business ETA, which is issued through Sri Lankan missions or the Department of Immigration and Emigration, not online.
Sri Lanka business visa for Pakistani passport holders
| Item | What to know |
|---|---|
| Business ETA | For business visits; issued through Sri Lankan missions abroad or the Department of Immigration and Emigration head office. |
| Fee | US$30 for South Asian countries, as listed on the official ETA site. |
| Tourist ETA | Free for Pakistani nationals from 25 May 2026, but only for tourism. |
| Where | The Sri Lanka High Commission in Islamabad; confirm the right mission for your city. |
Which route fits your trip
Sri Lanka’s official ETA site separates tourist and business travel. Pakistani nationals have a free tourist ETA from 25 May 2026, but it does not cover business meetings.
The business ETA is listed at US$30 for South Asian countries and is obtained through Sri Lankan missions abroad or the Department of Immigration and Emigration head office in Colombo, not online. Ask the Sri Lankan host for an invitation letter.
Apparel, tea and textile companies are the usual hosts for Pakistani business visitors.
What a strong file usually contains
Every case is different; this is the base list we start from.
- A valid passport with at least six months’ validity and blank pages
- Recent photographs to the official specification
- An employer letter stating your role, the purpose of the trip and who pays
- Company documents, such as registration and tax records
- Personal or company bank statements
- Hotel booking and return or onward ticket
- Invitation letter from the Sri Lankan company
How the application runs
Plan
Confirm dates and that the trip is business.
Host documents
The Sri Lankan company sends an invitation.
Apply
Apply through the Sri Lankan mission.
Track
We follow the application and answer any requests for more documents.
Travel
Fly with printed copies of the visa and supporting documents.
Why files get refused or returned
Most delays come from documents that do not match each other or the stated purpose of the trip.
- Names, dates or company details that differ between the invitation and the application
- A vague purpose with no company names or dates
- Weak evidence of employment or finances
- Applying too close to the travel date
- Previous overstays or immigration problems
Before you fly and at the border
Check the name, passport number, validity and number of entries as soon as the visa is issued. Carry printed copies of the visa, the invitation and the hotel booking; the border officer decides on entry and the length of stay.
Leave before the permitted stay ends. Overstaying can lead to fines and make future applications harder for you and your company.
Sri Lanka visa questions
Can I use the free tourist ETA for meetings?
No. Business visits need a business ETA.
How much is the business ETA?
US$30 for South Asian countries, according to the official ETA site.
Can I apply online?
No. The business ETA is issued through missions or the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
When did the free tourist ETA start?
25 May 2026 for Pakistani nationals.
Related guides and services
Planning a Sri Lanka business trip?
Tell us who is travelling, when and why. We reply with a plan, the visa route and a quote. Go Global has handled 100,000+ trips, and our team works 24/7 for travellers on the road. Email insights@goglobal.pk or WhatsApp 0320-4111222.