Sri Lanka entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport. As of 2026, no payment is needed. Just have your documents ready at the immigration counter.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Sri Lanka. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied at the gate. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Sri Lanka | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket at the visa-on-arrival counter. A flight booking out of Sri Lanka within your intended stay is enough — they rarely check the exact date. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Officers at Colombo Bandaranaike Airport sometimes ask where you're staying — showing a booking on your phone works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry at least $50 USD per day in cash or have a credit card with available balance. Immigration rarely checks this for short visits, but it's a formal requirement if they ask. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is free for NZ passport holders
You don't need to pay anything at the airport. Just have your documents ready. No pre-approval or e-visa needed.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you won't be allowed to fly. Renew first.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Dedicated counters handle visa-on-arrival passengers. Queue, present your passport and documents, get your photo taken, and receive the visa stamp. No payment needed.
2
Present Documents at Immigration Counter
Hand over your passport, return ticket (if asked), and accommodation booking. The officer verifies your details, takes a digital photo, and stamps your passport. The process takes 2-5 minutes per person.
3
Collect Luggage and Exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. Personal items usually require no declaration. Exit into the arrivals hall where you can get a local SIM, exchange money, or arrange transport.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 6 months
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (ETA for NZ citizens)
Apply online via ETA system; free for NZ passport holders.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days per visit)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable up to 6 months total
Validity6 months from issue date
CostFree (ETA for NZ citizens)
Multiple entry ETA is free for NZ citizens; allows re-entry within validity.
Business visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 6 months
Validity3 months from issue date
CostFree (ETA for NZ citizens)
For business purposes; free ETA for NZ citizens.
Residence visa (long-stay, 1 year)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostLKR 20,000 (~$60 USD) plus processing fees
Requires local sponsor or proof of investment/employment; apply at Department of Immigration.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year (processing fee)
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (minimum $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay but no local employment. Requires annual renewal and local bank account.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year (processing fee)
For remote workers with proof of income (minimum $2,000/month). Allows stay up to 1 year with no local tax liability. Currently in pilot phase; check official sources.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee) plus investment of $50,000+
For individuals investing in Sri Lankan businesses or real estate. Minimum investment varies by sector. Includes family members. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year (processing fee)
For foreign nationals employed by a Sri Lankan company or international organization. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Department of Immigration. Includes residence permit.
student visa
Sri Lanka Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD per year (processing fee)
For individuals enrolled in recognized educational institutions in Sri Lanka. Requires admission letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)No fee for NZ passport holders as per bilateral agreement. | Free (New Zealand passport holders exempt from fee) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)ETA is free for NZ citizens; apply online before travel. | Free (if obtained via ETA, no fee for NZ) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days per visit)Multiple entry ETA is free for NZ citizens. | Free (if obtained via ETA, no fee for NZ) |
| Stay extension (per month, up to 6 months total)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo before visa expiry. | LKR 5,000 (~$15 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Pay at immigration office before departure; overstay may affect future visits. | LKR 5,000 (~$15 USD) per day, max LKR 50,000 (~$150 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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Canada, Australia, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours if staying airside.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)RecommendedMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent year-round, especially in urban and semi-urban areas.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne virus with outbreaks reported; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
LeptospirosisModerate risk
Risk from freshwater exposure (e.g., paddy fields, floodwaters); avoid contact with contaminated water.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in most tourist areas (Colombo, Kandy, coastal regions). Moderate risk in rural areas of Northern and Eastern provinces. Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.
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 visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, visa, and completed application form.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office - Kandy
No. 12, Peradeniya Road, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for visitors in the central region. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for NZ 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 = 322.3 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
Getting to Sri Lanka
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
It's free. The 30-day tourist visa on arrival has no fee for NZ passport holders as of 2026.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. To stay longer, you must leave Sri Lanka and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel (like a resident visa). Overstaying can result in fines.
You will be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travel.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Sri Lanka. Just the immigration card handed out on the plane.
Yes, all international airports in Sri Lanka offer visa on arrival for eligible nationalities. The main entry point is Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
You cannot extend the visa on arrival. You'd need to apply for a different visa category (e.g., tourist visa with longer duration) before you travel, or leave and re-enter for a new 30-day stay.
No, it's not mandatory, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in Sri Lanka can be high for foreigners, and insurance covers trip disruptions.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.