New Zealand → Sri Lanka
New Zealand 
Sri LankaSri Lanka visa requirements for New Zealand citizens (2026)
eTA / ETA required · up to 30 days. New Zealand passport holders do not need a full visa for Sri Lanka, but must get an electronic travel authorization (ETA) online before travelling, it allows stays of up to 30 days. ETA is still mandatory but free of charge for this nationality from 25 May 2026; 30 days, double entry. Extensions are paid.
- Total price
- $25
- per traveler, all-in
- Estimated processing
- Usually within about 24 hours
The Sri Lanka ETA itself is free from the government, the Visa and Trips price for it is our service fee only.
Visa and Trips is a private service, not a government agency. Price is the official government fee plus our USD 25 service fee.
VTBy the Visa and Trips editorial teamLast updated
Sri Lanka ETA requirements for New Zealand citizens
- Requirement
- eTA / ETA required
- Allowed stay
- 30 days
- Processing
- Usually within about 24 hours
Documents needed
- Passport valid 6+ months (the ETA is linked to this passport)
- Email address and a payment card
- Travel dates and first address
- Sometimes a digital photo or a passport data-page scan
How New Zealand citizens apply for the Sri Lanka ETA
- Apply online before you book or at least a few days before you fly.
- Enter passport details exactly as printed, typos are the #1 reason for problems.
- Pay the fee and wait for approval by email.
- Travel with the same passport you applied with.
Official fees
| Item | Official fee |
|---|---|
| ETA, official fee for New Zealand citizens | Free |
Government fees only, from the official sources below. Visa centre or service fees, where they apply, are extra.
Recent rule changes for Sri Lanka
- 2026-05-25: Free 30-day double-entry ETA for nationals of 40 countries; the ETA remains mandatory for everyone.
Easier alternatives for New Zealand passport holders
Popular destinations with simpler entry for the New Zealand passport than Sri Lanka, easiest first. Only rules we have verified against an official source are listed.
| Destination | Requirement | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Visa-free | 30 days |
Sri Lanka at a glance for travellers
- 193 of 198 passports can enter Sri Lanka without a visa (visa-free, visa on arrival or an ETA).
- The New Zealand passport gets visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 148 destinations in our dataset.
Sources and last checked
| What | Official source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Requirement & allowed stay | Sri Lanka ETA portal: Alert 01 (effective 25.05.2026) | 23 Oct 2026 |
| Fees, processing & entry formalities | Dept of Immigration: free visas for 40 countries | 23 Oct 2026 |
| Independent official overview | UK FCDO, Sri Lanka entry requirements | 22 Oct 2026 |
The Visa and Trips editorial team rechecks these sources regularly. See our editorial and verification policy.
Frequently asked questions
Do New Zealand citizens need a visa for Sri Lanka?
New Zealand passport holders do not need a full visa for Sri Lanka, but must get an electronic travel authorization (ETA) online before travelling, it allows stays of up to 30 days. ETA is still mandatory but free of charge for this nationality from 25 May 2026; 30 days, double entry. Extensions are paid.
How long can New Zealand passport holders stay in Sri Lanka?
Up to 30 days per visit for tourism. Overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans.
What documents do New Zealand passport holders need for Sri Lanka?
Passport valid 6+ months (the ETA is linked to this passport); Email address and a payment card; Travel dates and first address; Sometimes a digital photo or a passport data-page scan.
How long does the Sri Lanka ETA take for New Zealand passport holders?
Usually within about 24 hours. Apply well ahead of your trip. Rush processing is available with Visa and Trips.
How much does a Sri Lanka ETA cost with Visa and Trips?
$25 per traveler, all-in. One total that includes the official government fee and our USD 25 service fee. The Sri Lanka ETA itself is free from the government, the Visa and Trips price for it is our service fee only.
How do I apply for the Sri Lanka ETA with Visa and Trips?
Tap “Apply now”, enter your trip and passport details and upload your documents. A Visa and Trips specialist checks everything, files your application, emails you a confirmation with the estimated processing time and sends your ETA as soon as it is issued. You can follow your order on the tracking page.