Travellers landing in Sri Lanka have something new to look forward to: as of August 2025, the country is offering temporary driving licenses to foreign visitors and eligible Sri Lankan returnees right at the international airport.
If you’ve ever wanted to skip the airport fuss, grab the keys to a rental, and head straight for Sri Lanka’s beaches or hill towns, good news: it just got easier.
Airport-Issued Temporary Driving Licenses
Earlier this month, Sri Lanka officially launched a new system at its Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) that allows international travellers to obtain a temporary driving license valid for 30 days. This streamlines what used to be a slightly tedious process that required a visit to a licensing office near Colombo.
This move makes self-driving easier for travellers, especially those heading straight to the country’s scenic coastal routes or inland hill towns.
Kamal Amarasinghe, head of the Motor Traffic Department, confirmed that non-dual citizen visitors, both foreign tourists and Sri Lankans visiting from abroad, can apply for the license upon arrival.
What You Can Drive
The temporary license lets you drive most standard passenger vehicles, like rental cars and vans in Sri Lanka. But here’s the catch:
- You can’t drive heavy vehicles (think buses, trucks, etc.)
- You’re not allowed to operate three-wheeler tuk-tuks, which are wildly popular but considered commercial vehicles under local law
How to Get a Temporary Driving License in Sri Lanka
If you’re travelling into Sri Lanka and want to be able to drive legally, here’s what you need to do at the airport to get a 30-days Temporary Driving License:
1: Bring the Right Documents
You’ll need:
- A valid foreign driving license (not expired)
- Your passport with your visa/arrival stamp
- Learner’s, provisional, temporary, or probationary licenses won’t be accepted.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) may help smooth things over, but it’s not mandatory if your home license is in English or accompanied by an official translation.
2: Head to the Licensing Counter
Once you land, go to the Motor Traffic Department counter at the airport arrival area. Officials will check your documents and issue the temporary license on the spot.
3: Pay the Fee
There’s a small processing fee, though the exact amount hasn’t been officially published. Expect something in the range of LKR 2,000–5,000 (roughly USD 6–15).
You can choose how long you want your temporary license to last. Pricing is straightforward:
| Duration | Cost (LKR) |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | 2,000 |
| 2 Months | 4,000 |
| 3 Months | 6,000 |
| 4 Months | 8,000 |
| 5 Months | 10,000 |
The license is issued at the airport and is valid immediately.
4: Get on the Road
The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. No need to visit any additional offices.
Why This Matters
Sri Lanka is a country best explored by road. From coastal drives to winding mountain routes, having your own vehicle opens up parts of the island that are harder to access by train or bus.
Until now, travelers had to stop by the Department of Motor Traffic’s office outside Colombo to get driving approval, a real hassle if they were headed somewhere else. This new airport process removes that friction.
It’s a small change, but one that could make a big difference for road trip-loving travellers.
Contact for Help
If you’ve got questions or want to confirm something in advance, you can reach the Department of Motor Traffic:
Final Tip: Know the Local Rules
Driving in Sri Lanka can be unpredictable, especially if you’re used to Western road systems. Traffic moves on the left, tuk-tuks and buses weave freely, and honking is more of a language than a warning.
Still, for confident drivers who want the freedom to explore, this new airport-issued temporary license makes things a lot more convenient.
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