New Zealand entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter New Zealand. You must apply for a visitor visa before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or visa waiver for Sri Lankan passports in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visitor Visa (General) | Apply for a Visitor Visa online through the New Zealand Immigration website. The fee starts at NZD $246 and processing takes 20–30 days for most applicants. You will need to upload your passport bio page, a recent photo, and evidence of your travel plans.Apply for Visitor Visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date | Your passport must have at least 3 months validity beyond the date you plan to leave New Zealand. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket out of New Zealand. A flight booking to a third country or back to Sri Lanka works. Without one, you risk being refused entry at the border. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel bookings or host invitation | Have your first night's accommodation confirmed — a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host with their address. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds At least NZD $1,000 per month of stay | Immigration expects you to show you can support yourself — bank statements or credit card statements showing at least NZD $1,000 for each month you plan to stay. A printed statement from the last 3 months works best. | Recommended |
Apply early — processing times vary
Visa processing can take 2–4 weeks or longer if additional documents are requested. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
Biosecurity is strict
New Zealand has very strict biosecurity rules. Declare any food, plants, animal products, or outdoor gear. Fines for undeclared items start at NZD 400.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa online
Go to the Immigration New Zealand website and complete the visitor visa application. You'll need to upload your passport scan, photo, travel itinerary, and financial documents. Processing takes 2–4 weeks typically.
2
Wait for visa decision
Check your application status online. If approved, you'll receive an eVisa linked to your passport number. Print a copy or save it on your phone.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you fly, gather: passport with at least 6 months validity, visa approval, return ticket, first night accommodation confirmation, and travel insurance details. Keep digital copies on your phone.
4
Arrive at New Zealand border
At the airport, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. The immigration officer will check your passport, visa, and may ask about your plans. Show your return ticket and accommodation if asked. You'll get a visitor visa entry permission stamp.
Download New Zealand Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 9 months
ValidityUp to 12 months from issue
CostNZD 211 (~USD 130)
For tourism or visiting family; must apply before travel.
Visitor Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 9 months per visit
ValidityUp to 12 months from issue
CostNZD 211 (~USD 130)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent visitors.
Work Visa (e.g., Essential Skills)
Max stayUp to 3 years
ValidityVaries with job offer
CostNZD 495 (~USD 305)
Requires a job offer from a New Zealand employer.
Student Visa
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 4 years
CostNZD 330 (~USD 203)
For full-time study at an approved institution.
work visa
Essential Skills Work Visa
Up to 3 years, renewable
NZD 495 (~USD 305)
For skilled workers with a job offer from a New Zealand employer. Requires labor market test and relevant qualifications.
Apply student visa
Student Visa
Duration of course, up to 4 years
NZD 330 (~USD 203)
For full-time study at an approved institution. Must have enrollment and sufficient funds.
Apply investor visa
Investor 2 Visa
Up to 4 years, leading to residence
NZD 3,150 (~USD 1,940)
For investors with NZD 3 million to invest in New Zealand for 4 years. Requires business experience and English proficiency.
Apply retirement visa
Parent Retirement Visa
Permanent residence
NZD 2,300 (~USD 1,415)
For parents of New Zealand residents or citizens, with a guaranteed lifetime income and investment of NZD 1 million.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| Visitor Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| Stay extension feeFee to apply for an extension of visitor visa. | NZD 211 (~USD 130) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; no maximum cap specified. | NZD 100 (~USD 62) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
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 New Zealand
Transit visa required
Sri Lanka passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in New Zealand, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid New Zealand visa or resident visa may transit without a transit visa.
- Holders of a valid Australian permanent resident visa or Australian resident return visa may transit without a transit visa.
Transit hubsAuckland Airport (AKL) · Christchurch Airport (CHC) · Wellington Airport (WLG)
Health & vaccines for New Zealand
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., Ross River virus)Low risk
Rare but present in some rural areas; use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Generally safe, but practice good hygiene.
Hypothermia in alpine areasModerate risk
Risk for hikers and skiers; prepare with proper gear.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Auckland
Immigration New Zealand Auckland Office
Level 3, 20 Amersham Way, Manukau, Auckland 2104
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa applications and inquiries; appointments recommended.
Wellington
Immigration New Zealand Wellington Office
Level 4, 45 Johnston Street, Wellington 6011
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and complex cases.
Practical information for LK travellers
Country basics
CapitalWellington
LanguageEnglish, Māori
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 12 months.
Money
CurrencyNew Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.76 NZD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+12
vs New York+17h (EST) / +16h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+20h (PST) / +19h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I — same as Australia. US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink throughout New Zealand.
Emergency numbers
Getting to New Zealand
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to New Zealand — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. New Zealand does not offer visa on arrival for Sri Lankan passport holders. You must apply for and receive a visitor visa before you travel.
Processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can be longer during peak periods. Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your planned departure.
The standard visitor visa application fee is NZD 246 (approximately LKR 45,000 as of 2026). This is non-refundable even if your application is declined.
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension before your current visa expires. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis, usually for up to 3 more months. There is a fee.
Yes, you must show you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. Typically, you need at least NZD 1,000 per month, or NZD 400 per month if your accommodation is prepaid.
Your visa is linked to your passport number. If you renew your passport, you must transfer the visa to the new passport by contacting Immigration New Zealand. Do not travel with an expired passport.
No. A visitor visa does not allow you to work. You can only engage in tourism, visiting family, or short-term study (up to 3 months).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.