Sri Lanka entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
Recently changed · July 15, 2026
Visa on arrivaleVisa required
Confirmed by an official source (IATA / government).
eVisa required
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 need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit Sri Lanka for tourism. The ETA is valid for 30 days from arrival and can be obtained online before you travel. Here's what you need to know for a smooth entry in 2026.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You must obtain this online authorization before boarding your flight to Sri Lanka. evisa required | Apply for an ETA online before travel at https://eta.gov.lk/. The ETA is valid for a short stay (typically 30 days) and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport's expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. 6 months from arrival | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Sri Lanka. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer will stamp your passport on arrival, so a blank page is necessary. at least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight booking to confirm you will leave before your visa expires. proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing your departure from Sri Lanka within the authorized stay period. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsWhile not always checked, having proof of funds can help if asked by immigration. for your stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds (cash, credit/debit cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses during your stay in Sri Lanka. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond the standard immigration procedures. not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for New Zealand passport holders entering Sri Lanka. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk it
While the ETA is usually approved quickly, processing can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid last-minute stress. Also, double-check your passport validity — if it's under 6 months, renew it before applying.
No visa on arrival for NZ citizens
Sri Lanka does not offer visa-on-arrival for New Zealand passport holders. You must have an approved ETA before you board your flight. Airlines will check this at check-in.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to https://eta.gov.lk/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a valid email. The process takes about 10-15 minutes. You'll receive a confirmation email — keep it, as you'll need to show it on arrival.
2
Wait for approval
Most ETAs are approved within 24-72 hours. Check your email (including spam folder) for the approval. If you haven't heard back after 3 days, contact the ETA support line. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have approval.
3
Arrive at the airport in Sri Lanka
At Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport and the ETA approval (printed or on your phone). The officer will stamp your passport with a 30-day stay. The process usually takes 5-10 minutes if you have the ETA ready.
4
Proceed through customs
After immigration, collect your bags and go through customs. You may be asked to declare goods. Keep your accommodation details handy in case they ask.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from date of issue
Cost$100 (approx. USD)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company.
Residence Visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost$200 (approx. USD)
For employment, study, or long-term stay; requires sponsorship.
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 |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) – Standard Tourist VisaValid for 30 days from arrival, double entry. | $50 (approx. USD) or LKR 15,000 |
| ETA – Transit VisaValid for 2 days, for transit purposes only. | $25 (approx. USD) or LKR 7,500 |
| Visa Extension (Tourist)Extensions up to 90 days total stay, subject to approval. | $50 (approx. USD) for first 30-day extension |
| Visa Extension (Additional)After first extension, further extensions may be granted. | $75 (approx. USD) per 30-day period |
| Exit FeeNo separate departure tax for most airlines. | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka require a Transit ETA if leaving the airport or staying more than 24 hours. Airside transit without a visa is permitted for up to 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no need to clear immigration
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
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 = 335.84 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
The standard ETA for tourism costs USD 35 (approximately NZD 55). Payment is made online via credit or debit card. There's also a 'fast track' option that costs more, but the standard ETA is fine for most travellers.
Usually 24-72 hours. In practice, many applicants get approval within a few hours, but the official processing time is up to 3 days. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
No. The ETA is non-extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave the country and re-apply for a new ETA. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
A digital copy on your phone is generally accepted. However, printing a copy is a good backup in case your phone dies or the network is down. Both work at immigration.
Rejections are rare for NZ passport holders, but if it happens, you'll receive an email explaining why. You can reapply with corrected information or contact the Sri Lanka ETA support team. Don't travel without an approved ETA — you'll be turned away at the airport.
No. The ETA is single-entry. If you leave Sri Lanka and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new ETA.
Yes. Every traveller, including infants and children, needs their own ETA. You'll need to fill out a separate application for each child, using their own passport details.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.