Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka travel guide for New Zealanders
New Zealanders need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Sri Lanka; apply online before travel, cost NZD 35, valid for 30 days, extendable. If the ETA is denied or you plan a longer stay, a visa is required.
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GuideSri Lanka
Key facts
- Entry requirement
- ETA NZD 35, 30 days, extendable
- Visa if stay >30 dayscheck
- Apply at Sri Lankan embassy or online
- Currency
- Sri Lankan rupee (LKR, Rs)
- Plug types
- D, G, M – 230 V 50 Hz
- Tipping norm
- 10 % service charge common; tip drivers/guides
- Emergency numbers
- 119 police, 1990 ambulance, 110 fire
Entry requirements for New Zealanders
Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online at the official Sri Lankan eVisa portal. The fee is about NZD 35 and the ETA is valid for a single entry of up to 30 days. Extensions can be requested online for an additional fee.
If you need to stay longer than 30 days, obtain a tourist visa from the Sri Lankan High Commission in New Delhi (the nearest diplomatic mission).
- ETA application: 24‑48 h processing (check)
- Passport validity: at least 6 months from entry
- Proof of onward travel or return ticket required
Sri Lankan diplomatic contact for New Zealanders
New Zealand does not have a resident embassy in Sri Lanka. The nearest New Zealand embassy is the High Commission in New Delhi, India.
- High Commission of New Zealand, New Delhi
- Address: 50‑52, Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
- Phone: +91 11 2610 2000 (check)
- Email: [email protected] (check)
Estimated cost of a trip to Sri Lanka (NZD)
A 10‑day mid‑range itinerary (flights, accommodation, food, transport, entry fees) typically costs around NZD 2,500‑3,000 per person.
- Return flight from Auckland to Colombo: NZD 1,200‑1,500 (check)
- Mid‑range hotel (average NZD 70‑100 per night)
- Meals: NZD 15‑30 per day
- Domestic transport (train, bus, hired driver): NZD 200‑300
- Entry fees to major sites: NZD 50‑80
Flight time from New Zealand to Sri Lanka
Direct flights are not available; most routes connect via Australia or Singapore. Typical total travel time, including layover, is 15‑20 hours.
- Auckland → Singapore (≈10 h) + Singapore → Colombo (≈3.5 h)
- Auckland → Sydney (≈3 h) + Sydney → Colombo (≈12 h)
Electrical plugs and voltage
Sri Lanka uses plug types D, G and M with 230 V, 50 Hz. Bring a universal travel adapter and, if your devices are not dual‑voltage, a voltage converter.
Tipping guidelines
Most restaurants add a 10 % service charge; additional tipping is optional. Recommended tips: NZD 5‑10 per day for drivers, NZD 10‑15 per day for guides.
Emergency contacts
Police: 119
Ambulance: 1990
Fire: 110
For consular assistance, contact the New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi.
Questions people ask
Do New Zealanders need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Yes, you need an ETA (NZD 35) for stays up to 30 days. For longer stays, apply for a tourist visa at the nearest Sri Lankan diplomatic mission.
How much does a trip to Sri Lanka cost in NZD?
A typical 10‑day mid‑range trip costs about NZD 2,500‑3,000, covering flights, hotels, meals, transport and entry fees.
Where is the nearest New Zealand embassy in Sri Lanka?
New Zealand does not have an embassy in Sri Lanka; the nearest is the High Commission in New Delhi, India.
What plug types are used in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka uses plug types D, G and M with 230 V, 50 Hz. New Zealanders should bring a universal travel adapter and a voltage converter if needed.
What is the tipping norm in Sri Lanka?
Most restaurants add a 10% service charge; additional tipping is optional. Recommended tips are NZD 5-10 per day for drivers and NZD 10-15 per day for guides.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
- officialSri Lanka government travel page
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- officialSri Lanka government travel page
Ask about Sri Lanka
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