Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka travel guide for Canadians
Canadians need an ETA (electronic travel authorization) for Sri Lanka; apply online before travel, cost about CAD 35, valid 30 days, and can be extended. If the ETA is denied, a visa on arrival is not available, so you must obtain a visa before departure.
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GuideSri Lanka
Key facts
- Visa type
- ETA (online)
- ETA fee
- CAD 35 (approx.)
- Validity
- 30 days, extendable
- Plug types
- D, G, M – 230 V 50 Hz
- Tipping
- 10 % service charge common; tip drivers/guides
- Emergency numbers
- 119 police, 1990 ambulance, 110 fire
Entry requirements for Canadians
Apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) at the official Sri Lankan website before you travel. The ETA costs about CAD 35 and is valid for 30 days, with the option to extend online while in Sri Lanka. No visa‑on‑arrival is offered to Canadians; a denied ETA means you must obtain a full visa from a Sri Lankan mission before travel.
- Apply online at the official ETA portal.
- Print the confirmation or keep a digital copy for immigration.
- Check the ETA status at least 48 hours before departure.
Canadian embassy contact in Sri Lanka
Canada does not have a resident embassy in Sri Lanka; the nearest Canadian diplomatic mission is the High Commission in New Delhi, India. For consular assistance, contact the High Commission by email or phone, or use the local Canadian honorary consulate in Colombo for emergencies.
- High Commission, New Delhi – +91 11 2419 8000 (check for current hours).
- Honorary Consulate, Colombo – email: [email protected] (check).
Estimated cost of a trip to Sri Lanka (CAD)
A mid‑range 10‑day itinerary typically costs CAD 2,200–2,800 per person, covering accommodation, meals, transport and entry fees. Budget travellers can manage around CAD 1,500, while higher‑end trips may exceed CAD 3,500.
| Category | Daily CAD | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 80–150 | mid‑range hotels or guesthouses |
| Meals | 30–60 | local restaurants and occasional Western meals |
| Transport | 20–40 | train, bus, tuk‑tuk, occasional domestic flight |
| Sightseeing | 15–30 | entry fees, guides |
Flight time from Canada to Colombo
Typical one‑stop flights from Toronto or Vancouver to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) take 22–28 hours total, including layover. Direct flights are not available; major hubs are London, Doha or Dubai.
Electrical plugs and voltage
Sri Lanka uses plug types D, G and M with 230 V, 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter and, if your devices are not dual‑voltage, a step‑down converter.
Tipping customs
A 10 % service charge is often added to restaurant bills; if not, leave a small tip. Drivers, guides and hotel staff appreciate tips of CAD 5–10 per day of service.
Emergency numbers
Dial 119 for police, 1990 for ambulance, and 110 for fire services. The Canadian embassy in New Delhi can assist with passport issues; the honorary consulate in Colombo handles urgent consular matters.
Questions people ask
Do Canadians need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Yes – you need an electronic travel authorization (ETA) before you travel. Apply online, pay CAD 35, and keep the confirmation for immigration.
How much does a trip to Sri Lanka cost in CAD?
A 10‑day mid‑range trip costs roughly CAD 2,200–2,800 per person; budget trips can be around CAD 1,500, while upscale travel may exceed CAD 3,500.
Where is the nearest Canada embassy in Sri Lanka?
Canada’s nearest full embassy is the High Commission in New Delhi, India. An honorary consulate in Colombo provides limited consular assistance.
What plug types are used in Sri Lanka?
Types D, G and M plugs; voltage 230 V, frequency 50 Hz. Bring a universal adapter and a converter if your devices are not dual‑voltage.
Is tipping expected in Sri Lanka?
A 10 % service charge is common in restaurants; otherwise tip 5–10 CAD for drivers, guides and hotel staff.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Sri Lanka
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